Cornel Campbell

Most Blood & Fire releases should be considered essential purchases for any fan of golden-era reggae, but this one is even better than most. Cornell Campbell is one of the best reggae singers ever recorded -- a sweet-toned falsettist with effortless intonation and a cool, assured delivery that is incredibly easy on the ear. The centerpiece of this collection is the three-part "Gorgon" series of singles produced by the legendary Bunny "Striker" Lee, all featuring the "flying cymbals" style of drumming popular at the time. "The Gorgon" having been a huge hit, it was followed quickly by "The Gorgon Speaks" and "The Conquering Gorgon," all three of which are presented here (the first two in extended versions, the second in its original version and then again in a Rastafarian variation titled "Lion of Judah"). Almost equally important, though, are "Natty Dread in a Greenwich Town" (an answer record to Bob Marley's "Natty Dread") and "Dance in a Greenwich Town," the latter in a megamix format that incorporates a deejay version by Dr. Alimantado and a dub version mixed by King Tubby. But really, just about every track reaches the same standard -- there is not a single weak cut or boring moment on this spectacular album. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide