Peter Tosh Honorary Citizen (Legacy/Columbia)

This is quite the comprehensive box-set collection for fans of the Stepping Razor. Boasting three CDs and 12 previously unissued songs, as well as stories and anecdotes about every single track, this is a great gift for the reggae fanatic. The three discs, "Jamaican Singles," "Live Recordings," and "Hits and Album Cuts," span from 1968 to 1987 and include performances with Bob Marley, U-Roy, Bunny Wailer, Sly & Robbie and more. This is truly the gift that keeps on giving. 10/10 (Scott C)

Various The All Skanadian Club Vol. III (Stomp)

Ska seems to me a volatile genre, or rather, one that shows weaknesses particularly painfully. So in this compilation, which is a cool skip though the truly neato Canadian ska scene (with local checkered do-gooders Stomp Records as guides), there are some parts rather grating: JFK & the Conspirators prove that the croon is something that should be reserved for people who can actually sing, and the Smokers' synthetic approach verges on icky Chilli-ish funk-rock at times. But the good outweighs the mediocre--Whole Lotta Milka have got smackingly upstart melody and emotiveness all over 'em; the Undercovers' post-Bosstones heavy/chipper sound goes straight for the spine; the Salads bring full-on energy with beer-chant choruses and national-anthem type melodies. The impenetrable Planet Smashers and an unreleased Kingpins track round off a pretty complete collection, save for the omission of Montreal newbloods Gangster Politics. 8/10 (Mireille Silcott)

Various Freedom Sounds: A Tribute to the Skatalites (Shanachie)

By now you should know that the Skatalites were the ones to wave the checkered flag that signalled the start of ska music in '60s Jamaica. Here, no less than 17 different American acts tip their pork pie hats to the kings. Secret superstar band Skandalous All-Stars fire the opening volley with a damn fine take on "Guns of Navarone." From there we swing through Mephiskapheles' skatanic "Lucky 666," a Latin jaunt by Les Misérables Brass Band, and the Klezmatics' dangerously danceable donation "Klezskalypso." Don't forget the commendable contributions of the Slackers, Scofflaws and Isaac Green & the Skalars. Did I mention a visit from JA guitar god Ernest Ranglin? Top that, bumbaclot. 9.5/10(Rupert Bottenberg)

Various Regatta Mondatta: A Reggae Tribute to the Police (Virgin/EMI)

Arguably responsible for exposing much of Europe and North America to reggae, the Police get their props from a host of Jamaican artists. Mind you, this is strictly new-school, synth, heavy reggae, with dub and roots going completely unacknowledged. Regardless, there are some sweet tracks to be found here, be it Steel Pulse's spin on "Can't Stand Losing You" or Shinehead's insightful "Jamaican in New York." Ironically, my one complaint is that former Policeman Sting makes unwelcome appearances on two tracks. Why am I not surprised that Mr. Sumner would play on a tribute to himself? 7/10 (Rupert Bottenberg)