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Prince Junior - Crucial Boy / Crucial Boy Version
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1985
¥1280 (US$8.27)
Prince Junior’s ‘Crucial Boy’ appeared on the King Jammy’s classic LP [Prince Jammy Presents VOL. 2]. Although he recorded a few songs for King Jammy in 1986, much information about the artist remains unknown. However, this ‘crucial ’song preaches equal rights, Justice and Love & Unity over his high-pitched weeping voice with his conscious and profound lyrics.
Wayne Smith - E20 / In Thing
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1985
B: Come
¥1280 (US$8.27)
Wayne Smith scored numerous hits at Jammys and one well known is 'Under Mi Sleng Teng'. He also released same title album 'Under Mi Sleng Teng' where he showcased wavy & choppy 'E20' and crisp & clear song 'In Thing' on further computerized [Barrington Levy - Come] rhythm.
Derrick Harriott - Message From A Black Man / Message From A Black Man (Miss Credit)
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1970
¥1980 (US$12.79)
American Civil Rights Movement hit Jamaica in late 60's and this tune is undoubtedly one of the best Funky Reggae tunes produced by Derrick Harriott. It is the best example of how Derrick was influenced by the Black Power Movement. B-side features a great Funky Reggae Soul performed by Chosen Few. From that time, Derrick started establishing a genre called "Reggae Soul."
Ernest Ranglin - Mr. Ranglin With Soul
¥3680 (US$23.77)
Unlike all the other musicians in those days, Ranglin was not allowed to go between studios to record and release music as he wished because he was an exclusive employee of the Federal records. Thus it’s really hard to find a Rocksteady record with his name on it. Although whenever he finds a spare time, he would go to Duke Reid’s studio and play the guitar and bass as a sideman, often playing sessions with Lynn Taitt. According to Ranglin himself, “I felt really comfortable being at Duke Reid’s studio”, though sadly there have not been a single release of his solo guitar tune which was recorded there. So here comes the album, it’s the rare Rocksteady instrumentals by the man himself. Some of the main features would be “Summertime”, “Flamingo” and “Hold Me Tight”, the wickedest selection of the moist Rocksteady that will certainly catch your heart. Other than that, it’s got an exotic intro and uptempo “Sling Shot”, relatively arranged towards pop direction “Don’t Sleep In the Subway” and some ballads to represent the Federal’s widely ranged style that won’t go off after a long time, exactly how this one of the biggest leading labels in Jamaica had thought of. This may not make Rude Boys in downtown growl, although it will clearly last eternally as Ranglin’s 60s best album to the future generations.
Eric Grant Orchestra - Cool At The Casa Montego
¥2880 (US$18.60)
A masterpiece of Jamaican Jazz recorded in 1960 by the Eric Grant Orchestra, resident band of the Casa Montego Hotel in Montego Bay. Rhythm & Blues, Jazz standards, Cha Cha Cha, Merengue and Calypso all combine in this wonderful amalgamation of sounds. Produced by the first Jamaican studio, Federal Records, and its founder Ken Khouri, it is now re-issued for the first time ever.
Johnny Osbourne - In The Area (What A La La) / In The Area (What A La La) Version
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1984
¥1280 (US$8.27)
Among rhythms produced in 80's dancehall scene, 'Sleng Teng' by King Jammy and Firehouse produced 'Tempo' are considerably the most respected; however, you can never forget 'Stalag' rhythm by Winston Riley lead Techniques, too. King Jammy reproduced this 'Stalag' rhythm with Sly & Robbie and in result, it created shadier atmosphere in comparison to the original Techniques' version.
This is certainly another anthem of Jammys!