Skamania Riddim – Various Artists

Skamania Riddim comes in with a skanking, ska-leaning reggae feel that nods straight back to the old-school side of the island, which fits Beenie Man’s “Gangster Ska” right out the gate. The lineup keeps the energy bright and playful, with Cecile’s “Gimmie Di Ting” and Tanto Metro’s “Da Ting Ya” pushing the bounce while D’angel and Devonte keep things moving in a more melodic lane. It’s a lean 2007 set with nine cuts in all, and the mix of voices keeps the riddim from ever settling into one mood for too long. By the time it lands on “Version – Skamania, ” the project has already done its job: lively, brass-tinted reggae with enough room for each artist to stamp their own personality on the groove.