Best Of by Eek-A-Mouse, released 30 June 1990.
This version of Best Of comes as a 1xCD. -
CD is badly mastered... the first track starts abruptly about a minute into the song, and all other tracks begin about a minute before the track marker comes up on the disc. There's 45 seconds of silence at the end of the disc.
"Best Of" on CD brings together a powerful selection of classic tracks by Jamaican deejay and singjay Eek-A-Mouse, released by the respected roots and world-music label Shanachie. This compilation focuses on his most influential songs from the late 1970s and 1980s, the era in which he helped redefine dancehall with his unmistakable vocal style: half-sung, half-chanted, dotted with eccentric "sing-jay" phrasing and playful onomatopoeia. The CD offers a coherent journey through heavy basslines, minimalist but driving rhythms, and socially tinged lyrics that are balanced by an irrepressible sense of humor and melody. Thanks to careful track curation and solid mastering, this "Best Of" serves both as a perfect introduction for new listeners and as a compact collection of favorites for long-time fans. Packaged in the classic CD format, it's ideal for collectors who value a physical library and the focused, album-length listening experience.
Eek-A-Mouse stands as one of reggae's most distinctive voices, known for turning the early dancehall sound into something immediately recognizable and deeply influential. Rising from the Jamaican sound-system culture, he gained international attention in the early 1980s with a series of singles and albums that expanded the boundaries of roots reggae and deejay music. His idiosyncratic vocal improvisations, unique timing, and charismatic stage presence made him a festival favorite worldwide and helped open doors for later generations of singjays in reggae and dancehall. Over the decades, his recordings and live performances have kept his status as a cult figure in reggae, influencing artists far beyond Jamaica. This "Best Of" CD captures the essence of his creative peak and highlights why his work remains a reference point for fans of classic reggae and early dancehall.
The release comes from Shanachie, a long-standing independent label known for its dedication to high-quality roots, reggae, world music, and beyond. With a history of carefully curated catalog releases and artist-focused projects, Shanachie has built a reputation for treating music with respect, placing strong emphasis on sound quality, packaging, and context. Their catalog reflects a commitment to preserving important recordings and making essential albums available to a wider audience, particularly in genres that are often underserved by mainstream labels. By issuing "Best Of" on CD, Shanachie underlines its role as a trusted bridge between pioneering artists like Eek-A-Mouse and listeners who value both musical heritage and physical formats.