Independant Intavenshan: The Island Anthology

Simply put, reggae never got more potent, musically or politically, than Independant Intavenshan: The Island Anthology. These two CDs gather four LPs and a few rarities from the late ’70s and early ’80s, tracks that both defined the rap kin called dub poetry and showcased Linton Kwesi Johnson’s partnership with Dennis Bovell — one of reggae’s greatest producer-arrangers — in full flower. With jazzy, mile-deep grooves and fearless urban truth-telling, they were England’s own dub-wise Public Enemy. Essential.