Albums by reggae artistes Capleton, Bounty Killer, Freddie McGregor,Alpha Blondy and Lee "Scratch" Perry, have all been nominated for the 2002 Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album. Here's a look at two of the nominated albums:

Artiste: Capleton

Album: Still Blazin'

Label: VP Records

Reviewed by Kevin Jackson

Still Blazin' arrived nearly two years after Capleton's More Fire was released by VP Records. Perhaps his most rootsy and spiritual album to date, the 20-track disc authentically explores at least two of Capleton's personas, that of a vengeful Rastafarian warrior and also the hardcore dancehall toaster.

From the one drop beat of Behold which features roots-reggae group Morgan Heritage, to the Nyabhingi flavoured heartbeat of I Will Survive, to the bubbling and easy laid back Hail King Selassie (featuring Luciano), Capleton's rough and aggressive baritone is complimented by earthy arrangements of rolling bass, organs and staccato guitars.

Capleton is clearly in his element on dancehall-primed ditties such as Woah, Cooyah Cooyah and Boom Sound. In stark contrast, he simmers and offers more peaceful introspection with his impassioned messages on Pure Woman and In Your Eyes.

Tracks which also score include Caan Tan Yah and Punchline 2 Hit. Both songs ride vintage rhythms, demonstrating the knack that Capleton has for bringing life to any beat or groove. Boom Sound pays tribute to his fans around the world.

What I particularly like about this disc is the use of a live band on a few of the tracks. Glen Washington's cameo on Jah Gonna Work it Out is quite commendable.

Still Blazin may not be Capleton's best work to date, but it certainly delivers the goods that have kept him on top of his game.

Album: Anything for You

Artiste: Freddie McGregor

Label: VP Records

Signature, released in 2001, was probably Freddie McGregor's best album in recent memory. His latest album Anything For You, which was released last year, is a commendable effort, but it certainly doesn't recreate the kind of substance that we are accustomed to hearing from the legendary singer.

The album has to date accumulated sales of just over 10,000 copies in the US (according to figures obtained from sales tracker Nielsen Soundscan) but sales aren't necessarily any indication of whether an album is good or not. Anything For You does have its bright moments. Production work includes efforts from the likes of T. Dread (for Royal Pyramid Productions), Lloyd and Michelle Campbell (for Joe Frazier Productions), Dean Fraser, Willie Lindo (for Heavy Beat Productions), Mr. Doo (for Supa Doo Productions), Sly Dunbar, Mikey Chung, Dalton Browne, Robbie Lyn, and B. Treasure.

Among the musicians on board are Dunbar, John Screw, Paul Kastick, Mafia and Fluxy, Beeper Man, Willie Lindo, Benjy Myaz, Paul "Computer Paul" Henton and Lloyd "Gitsy" Willis.

McGregor's strength remains rooted in love-themed tracks, and the stand out tracks include Hold Me, For You and I'll Do Anything. The socially conscious Uncle Sam makes good listening pleasure. Other radio friendly tracks which merit a few spins are Loving Jah and If You Want Me.

Anything For You shows maturity for a singer who has made his impact over the years. There is enough familiarity to stamp the disc with McGregor's infectious individuality. Despite the flood of singers on the scene, it's the substance and production here which help smooth out the ride on this one!

Executive Class

Gardens with Gravel

Death to the Mullet!