Ultimate Collection: Dillinger

Recorded between 1974 & 1980. Includes liner notes by David Katz. Compiled by a team of four including Niney the Observer and Dillinger himself, Ultimate Collection pulls from the DJs fruitful mid- to late-'70s period. Toasting over dubs and re-cuts of established rhythms, Dillinger's strength was his effortless and compelling delivery. At times a smart-alack slacker, others a mindful reporter, and often both, Dillinger is a great place to start for anyone interested in the DJ style. Its hard not to get hooked since he seems to be enjoying himself as much as the listener, hooting and hollering for emphasis, or on "I Thirst, Pt. 2," breaking into a Cookie Monster impression. The biggest hit, "Cokane in My Brain," returns to its original misspelling, and the liner notes by author David Katz help out the collection's authenticity in a genre plagued by cash-ins. (Amazing since the Ultimate Collection series also includes entries from artists as varied as the Fixx and Jermaine Jackson!) Reggae purists will be pleased as the slow-grooving "Cornbread" and "Jah Show Them the Way" are both included in their 12" versions with dubs attached. Releases like this should bring the Hip-O label the same respect Rhino Records receives, since Dillinger's Ultimate Collection is a wonderful overview of the charismatic DJ's strongest period, enjoyable from start to finish. ~ David Jeffries