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Critic's Review
Joe Viglione, All Music Guide
A pioneering production from 1990, Shabba at Showdown, the fourth volume in Music Video Distributors' Reggae Showdown series, has better production values than either the first volume, Dennis Brown's Live at Reggae Canfest, or the second volume, Giants of Sting. It also features the handy menu found on Live at the Reggae Canfest, which allows the viewer to pick from the nine performers with no muss, no fuss. The video kicks in with no fanfare and there are no opening or closing credits -- just performance from start to finish. Admiral Tibett comes off better in this setting than on Live at Reggae Canfest, the exotic keyboards on the decent audio giving him a boost. Shabba Ranks delivers his set with authority, but the other performers give substantial sets as well. Ninjaman is on the prowl looking for trouble, while Richie Stevens brings his good energy to the dance. Lots of fun here with Daddy Meeky, Papa San, Thriller U, Professor Nuts, and others displaying their various personalities.
