Ras Sampler 2

The second in a more or less annual series of compilations from the Washington, D.C.-based RAS ("Real Authentic Sound") label is about as good as the first one was, though it's slightly more uneven. There are stellar tracks from Roots Radics (the very fine "Shuffle the Deck") and Israel Vibration (the unusually strong "Payday"), as well as the irresistibly buoyant "DJ Roll Call" by Charlie Chaplin and Sister Carol's charmingly self-aggrandizing (and, as always, slightly preachy) "Ram the Party." On the other hand, Tiger's "Do It Anyway" is repetitive and boring, Little Kirk's "Child Abuse" is maudlin, and Culture's "Tribute to Bob Marley" -- which is basically nothing more than a bunch of Marley song titles strung together -- is just plain embarrassing. This collection is worth the budget-line price, but may not be the best introduction to the rich RAS catalog. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide