Dancehall: The Rise õf Jamaican Dancehall Culture Soul Jazz****: Soul Jazz is the go-to label for definitive snapshots of various musical scenes.

Here the focus is on dancehall, Jamaica's great musical leap forward, which dominated the island's musical output during the 1980s. After the roots reggae and righteous rasta soundtracks of the 1970s, dancehall was a tougher proposition, as producers experimented with digital instruments and processes. The result was with streetwise, cocky creations that burst from the speakers with raw, rudeboy energy.

Acts such as Yellowman, Tenor Saw, Chaka Demus & Pliers and Half Pintwere on the rise, releasing a slew of mesmerising, innovative 45s. Reggae writer Steve Barrow and photographer Beth Lesser ride shotgun on the project, giving the compilation even more critical and credible seals of approval. www. souljazzrecords.co.uk

Download tracks: Yellowman, Bam Bam; Half Pint, Greetings; Junior Murvin, Cool Out Son