M.P.L.A. Riddim – 1st Rasta Records

Frankie Paul’s “No War” is the cut that gives this 2006 M. P. L. A. Riddim its centre of gravity, with his voice riding a spare, rootsy groove that leans more militant than glossy. Anthony Que opens things on a more uplifted note with “Jah Lift Me Up, ” while Tommy Trouble’s “Old Gal New Gal” keeps the set grounded in everyday dancehall storytelling. The riddim itself is stripped back and propulsive, with that classic mid-2000s reggae feel where the bass does most of the talking and the vocals are left plenty of room to breathe. With only four tracks, including the version, 1st Rasta Records keeps it tight and focused, a small but telling snapshot of the era when conscious singles and version sides were still doing heavy lifting on the reggae circuit.