Sweet Memories Riddim – Islandyard Productions

Islandyard Productions laces Sweet Memories Riddim with a warm, mid-tempo reggae pulse that sits closer to lovers rock and roots harmony than hard-edged dancehall. Richie Stephens’ “Nobody But You, ” Lukie D’s “Simply Magic, ” and Turbulence’s “My Emotions” give the set its emotional centre, while Anthony B’s “Call On Jah” and Exco Levi’s “Kebra Negast” pull the whole thing back toward conscious territory. The lineup is deep without feeling crowded, moving from the sweet-voiced turns of Sashi Lamont and Tasha T to the tougher edge of Tanto Metro and Devonte and X-Ale. Released in 2012, it fits neatly into that period when producers were still leaning on clean vocal riddims, steady skanks, and a strong melody first approach.