Scintillating instrumental versions are strewn across this disc and the entire box. Disc one, which covers 1968-1969, includes such small masterpieces as Clancy Eccles' devaluation classic "Bangarang Crash," the Silvertones' harmony-laden "Promises," and two excellent numbers from former Paragon vocalist Tyrone Evans. For non-specialists, the points of entry are the Maytals' exuberant "54-56 That's My Number," Derrick Morgan's inspired reggae remodel of his ska classic "Fat Man," and Ken Boothe's pop-soul delight "Keep My Love From Fading." Most everything else will draw a blank, although the many names of artists and bands will convince fans to take a chance.
As is all too typical, no attention is paid to sound quality, and a number of the tracks are taken off vinyl, with the Silverstars' badly scratched "Old Man Say" reaching a nadir of virtual unlistenability. So once again, Trojan offers up a box that is not really what fans want, yet inevitably contains tracks they need, scooping up minor hits and rarities, the crucial and the disposable willy-nilly. Showcasing a decade of the Trojan label, from 1968-1978, the sleeve notes claim this three-CD box set is "an ideal introduction to the company's output." However, this is a rather disingenuous statement considering that a number of the label's biggest stars are missing, and there's few enduring hits to be had within.
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