Pure Joy Riddim – Golden Cartel Records

Pure Joy Riddim has that warm, militant roots swing you can feel in the bassline before the vocals even kick in, the kind of 2005 cut that leaves plenty of room for the singers to work the message. Golden Cartel Records lined up a strong cast here, with Fantan Mojah’s “Perilous Time” and Sizzla’s “Nice And Lovely” carrying the sharpest edge, while Chrisinti’s “Selassie Law” and Jah Mason’s “They Think Im Crazy” keep the conscious tone moving. The riddim’s patience suits Singing Sweet too, whose “Oh It Hurts” adds a softer, more reflective pull against the harder chants. It’s a 10-track set, with the version tucked in neatly near the middle, and that little detail helps the whole thing feel properly old-school.