Picker Riddim – Big Belly Records

Out of Germany’s mid-2000s reggae circuit, Big Belly Records’ Picker Riddim feels like one of those compilation plates aimed at the selectors who liked their roots and dancehall kept lean but vocal-heavy. The cut with Anansi, “Love Me Or Leave Me Alone, ” got extra life as his first official release, which fits the riddim’s open, singer-friendly layout; Uncle Sam’s “Welcome To Jamaica” and Danny Ranks’ “Baby Gal” give it a more direct yard-style edge. Big Belly had already been working that European roots-dancehall lane, and this 2008 set sits neatly alongside their other one-riddim projects, with enough room for conscious tension on Conscious Fiyah’s “Starvation Is Murder” and the softer turn of Singin Gold’s “Forbidden Love. ”

Picker Riddim Tracklist:

1. Uncle Sam – Welcome To Jamaica
2. Brahyhan Art – Forever
3. Danny Ranks – Baby Gal
4. Concious Fiyah – Starvation Is Murder
5. Anansi – Love Me Or Leave Me Alone
6. Anthony John – Ruff Road
7. Singin Gold – Forbidden Love
8. Bongo Chilli – I Miss U
9. Mr Glammarus – Worth Hanging On
10. Mr Shammi – Never Forget
11. River Gang – For The Children
12. Roe Delgado And El Condorsito – Sin Mirar Atraz
13. U – Cee – Long Time
14. General Good – Clean
15. Don Sharicon – Ti Amo
16. Petra And Mr Flowers – Say That U Love Me
17. Andrew Sloley – Bring Back The Love
18. Rob Rocker Zierhofer – Picker Riddim