After combatting a series of issues and false starts, it looks like we’ll soon be seeing the release of the two-CD set dedicated to showcasing a new generation of reggae artists. While Serious Times includes some well-known names like Morgan Heritage and Sizzla, much of the material comes from new arrivals, such as Turbulence and Gyptian, bringing their messages to the masses. The result is a sampling of Jamaica in 2006 on disc one, accompanied by original versions of the songs as they appeared on 7″ singles on disc two, and well worth looking into for both serious and casual and serious reggae fans.

Serious Times is out November 7, 2006 on XL Recordings.