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Best selling Ska / Rocksteady (Music)

1
BUY

Blues Busters - I Won't Let You Go / Love Me Forever

Kentone / BMN / Dub Store Records JPN 1964

¥2180 (US$14.50)

The big hit Ska classic everybody loves, sang by one of the top groups of the 60’s!! Along with the Maytals and the Wailers, the Blues Busters were one of the top groups at the time, however commercially they were going more of a mainstream than the others. Since their career goes way back in the late 50’s, they must have been idolized by so many of those who made their debut later in the Ska era. This is an essential mainstream Ska classic by the brilliantly skilled duo in their best form backed by no other than Byron Lee.

5
BUY

Jackie Mittoo - Chinese Chicken / Put It On

Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1967

¥2080 (US$13.84)

The killer Rocksteady-Ska like a vital bridge between both of them, backed with a Mittoo’s nice vocal tune. Throned from the Skatalites to the Soul Vendors, this is the last form of the Studio One Ska and it’s very much like the Soul Vendor’s party piece. Along with the B-side, Jackie Mittoo had directed both and his marvelous creativity can be seen allover. Each of them recorded from the original master-tape.

6
BUY

Owen Gray - Give Me A Little Sign / Raver

Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1967

¥2180 (US$14.50)

A perfect, yet low-keyed, Studio One Rocksteady double A-sided masterpiece!! Recorded in 1967 while Clement Dodd and Soul Vendors were on tour in the UK. The former Jamaican popular singer Owen Gray, who had already been living there then, voiced these unique pieces. It sounds very different from the ones recorded at Brentford Road, although both tunes certainly have the “Coxsone Sound” ? A masterpiece that is refined, and maximize the talent of this one-time star. Only ‘The Raver’ was recorded from the original master-tape.

7
BUY

Roland Alphonso - Ska Culation / Jack Sparrow - Ice Water

Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1966

¥2180 (US$14.50)

The Skatalites’ killer shot interpretation of the world’s famous electric guitar inst, and the fully carnival-mode Ska played by a luxurious bunch of musicians. Originally played by the American electric guitar band, this is the proof of how Jamaicans won’t miss no trends. Guaranteed killer up-tempo Ska! Identical to the originals on flip by Jack Sparrow later known as Leonard Dillon of the Ethiopians, this praiseworthy piece features the Wailers on the backing vocal.

8
BUY

Blues Busters - Soon You'll Be Gone / I Don't Know

Sunshine / BMN / Dub Store Records JPN 1964

¥2180 (US$14.50)

Another smash hit Ska masterpiece by the Blues Busters, the superstar duo who had been dominating the Jamaican pop music industry since the 50’s!! Covering the American hits as their specialty, the popular group had left a number of Jamaican souls, although only a few ska hits. Out of those few, this is undoubtedly another one of the most considerable tunes they had left. An excellent singing melody sparkles on top of the Byron Lee’s iconic softly touched bass line.

10
BUY

Blues Busters - There's Always Sunshine / Maytals - Sometimes (Love Is A Special Feeling)

Sunshine / BMN / Dub Store Records JPN 1967

¥2180 (US$14.50)

A magnificent Rocksteady piece in one-off style sang by one of the groups that represent the golden age of Ska. Since the number of their recordings decreased devastatingly after the Ska era, this truly is a rare Rocksteady made in its top form with the veteran’s dignity. In addition, this is the own Rocksteady cover version of one of their first ever recordings at the Coxsone’s in 1960.

12
BUY

Soul Vendors - Last Waltz / Hamlins - Sentimental Reason

Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1967

¥2180 (US$14.50)

The Soul Vendors’ horn inst cover of a mellow Latin tune, backed with the authentic Studio One Rocksteady masterpiece. This gorgeous horn inst Rocksteady features a superb arrangement from King Cannon a.k.a. Carl ‘Cannonball’ Bryan and Roland Alphonso. Like the originals on the other side here comes the one that Island was certainly familiar with back then, the Nat King Cole’s excellent vocal cover from the Hamlins.

14
BUY

Monty Alexander, Cyclones - Summertime / Dog It

Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1962

¥2080 (US$13.84)

An exotic cover of the standard - by young Monty Alexander for Studio One. Its heavy and exotic arrangement by Monty’s own the Cyclones could well be the version of the famous “Summertime” that Jamaica has been proud of, and also out of million others to date this stands out as one of the most distinguished covers of all. From a number of Coxsone’s own labels, this is one of the rarest and includes nice shuffle-instrumental on the other side like the original press. A very rare piece that the collectors have been searching for.

16
BUY

Stephen Cheng - Always Together / Sam Carty - Rich Man, Poor Man

BMN / Dub Store Records JPN 1967

¥2180 (US$14.50)

Extremely rare rocksteady masterpiece recorded in 1967. Curiously sang in Chinese, this novelty record was originally pressed and spread within the Chinese community in Jamaica. Even though comparing to its entire population this island has exceptionally high rate of musical recordings, this could possibly be the only verified track solely sang in Chinese. One that has always been spoken about due to its oddity and should be succeeded eternally.

17
BUY

Jamaicans - Chain Gang / Jackie Mittoo, Soul Brothers - Do The Bogaloo

Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965

¥2180 (US$14.50)

A great cover version of a Sam Cook hit with beautiful chorus and a killer instrumental that blended Jamaica’s Caribbean roots and Afro-Cuban essence. Jamaica’s favorite American singer, Sam Cook’s hit was beautifully transformed into a sweet and peaceful vocal Ska when it went through Studio One’s unique filter. The tune was taken straight from the master tape. The flip side features a mixed style of Caribbean-decent music that Soul Brothers could play best at and Jackie Mittoo’s burning keyboard maneuver made this killer instrumental best of the best.

18
BUY

Soul Brothers - Freedom Sounds / Freedom Sounds Take 2

Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1966

¥2180 (US$14.50)

The astonishing take of previously unpublished Rocksteady - reveals new facts about Studio One’s Ska and Rocksteady! A few years after the Skatalites recorded the famous “Freedom Sounds”, the band has reconstructed as the Soul Brothers and this is the astonishing, previously unpublished take of them playing the Rocksteady version. By the look of the master-tape, it has never even planned to be released as a single and kept especially for the LP release, which might have meant to be the Soul Brothers version of the Skatalites’ iconic “Ska Authentic” album. This seriously rare recording is a must-check for everyone from the beginners of the Jamaican music to the Ska masters. Though as might be expected, we may never be able to measure the depth of the foundation studio.

21
BUY

Johnny, Attractions - Call Of The Drums / Leslie Butler, Count Ossie - Call Of The Drums Rhythm 2

Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1967

¥2080 (US$13.84)

Marvellous binghi rock steady masterpiece by Count Ossie led Johnny & The Attractions. An unreleased alternative instrumentalal cut on flip.

22
BUY

Baba Brooks - A Toast To James Bond / Patsy Millicent Todd - True Love (Love So Divine)

Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1965

¥2180 (US$14.50)

Killer instrumental ska and one of Baba Brooks' masterworks on A-side backed with crucial ska vocal by Patsy accordingly to the original edition. Both sides taken from the mastertape.

23
BUY

Roy Richards - Summertime / Sound Dimension - Soulful Strut

Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1969

¥2180 (US$14.50)

A harmonica instrumental version of the all time favorite, Summertime and instrumental cover version of the Soul classic. Both are great interpretations of instrumental covers that are ranked definitely as two of the greatest Rocksteady tunes. Taken straight from its master tape, Summertime is a masterpiece that condensed the splendor of the blinded harmonica maestro and famed vocalist, Roy Richards. Originally released in 1968 by Young Holt Unlimited and scored a big hit, this great cover of the Soul classic, which sounds easily fitting the pattern of Sir Coxsone’s taste who was the huge fan of US hits, was played loosely and effortlessly by then newly formed Sound Dimension.

24
BUY

Minstrells - People Get Ready / Hamlins - Everyone Got To Be There

Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1968

¥2180 (US$14.50)

Studio One’s golden Rocksteady cover; even hipper and cooler than the original by the Impressions. The original has been known for its excellent lyric and melodies, thanks to the composer Curtis Mayfield, however the Minstrells brought this to a total perfection. Even though the Minstrells left us a small number of recordings, the great vocal group had such a high standard for every single one of them. If you’ve listened to the original press of this tune, you will find the intro has been cut, unfortunately that was the same deal for the master-tape itself. The nice rocksteady by the firm but short-lived Hamlins comes on the other side. Both have been recorded from the original master-tapes.

25
BUY

Hopeton Lewis - Rock A Shacka / I Don't Want Trouble

Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966

¥1380 (US$9.18)

Those rare songs did not appear Hopeton Lewis’s classic Rocksteady album Take It Easy. ‘Rock A Shacka’ is truly a Rocksteady classic of all times. It’s a must item for all Rocksteady fans. With his dearest hope, he calmly sings ‘I don’t want no trouble now, no no no. I just can’t take troubles now, no no no. So let’s together in unity, let’s togther in prosperity’ backed by version accompanying heavy bass.

30
BUY

Stranger Cole, Patsy Millicent Todd - You Took My Love / Webber Sisters - Good Thing Come To Those Who Wait

Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1966

¥2080 (US$13.84)

Patsy's classic slow ska backed with Webber Sisters previously unreleased rock steady piece pushing forward til their day comes.

32
BUY

Llans Thelwell, His Celestials - Mughead Ska / Free For All

BMN / Dub Store Records JPN 1965

¥1480 (US$9.84)

One of the most wanted Ska titles to date, this is an ultimate killer Ska instrumental for all DJs. An exclusive reissue of the utterly rare and unique title amongst all the Ska instrumentals! Some say the title of this super killer masterpiece was taken from the musician Barry Malcolm’s nickname “Mughead”. Backed with an excellent B-side ‘Free For All’just like the original release. There are no more instructions needed for this great release!

33
BUY

Don Drummond - Last Call / Last Call Take 2

Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965

¥2180 (US$14.50)

Known as a synonym for “killer”, this is one of the best singles released on Studio 1 by Don Drummond, including another precious take that’s been previously unreleased. Compare to any other artists, the extreme tension that Don Drummond brings into his sessions were next level. His trombone skills were above genius and it is clear to hear his strong personality and humanity through his music. With his works being released on Studio One and other productions, he had established the “Far Eastern Sound” which still lives today in Jamaica. The fact all the music that was influenced by this sound has been evaluated since therefore it is a proof of how his music is universality. It is interesting that all the unreleased Skatalites tracks from this era have different solo phrases each time, showing how valuable these recordings are for the archive.

34
BUY

Various Artists - Jamaica Jazz From Federal Records: Carib Roots, Jazz, Mento, Latin, Merengue & Rhumba 1960-1968 (2LP

Dub Store Records JPN 1960- 1968

¥5380 (US$35.79)

Reaching out to the real roots of the Jamaican sixties musical explosion…
Some of the originators of the genre, including Ernest Ranglin, Lennie Hibbert & Cecil Lloyd, playing in their element and demonstrating just where they're coming from

35
BUY

Roland Alphonso - From Russia With Love / Cleopatra

Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965

¥2180 (US$14.50)

The both-sided killer Ska instrumental masterpiece - all Ska collectors have been searching for! The Skatalites playing the theme of James Bond’s “From Russia With Love” is a true Ska instrumental masterpiece, which needs no introduction. Like the original release, it’s gorgeously backed with “Cleopatra” on the B-side. Taken straight from the original master-tape, this is a dream come true single!

38
BUY

Val Bennett - The Russians Are Coming / Glen Adams - Lonely Girl

Bunny Lee / Dub Store Records JPN 1968

¥2180 (US$14.50)

Historically renown Dave Brubeck’s Take 5 covered in rocksteady style. It later became one of reggae’s standard repertoire.

39
BUY

Dawn Penn - I'll Let You Go / Diane Lawrence - Hound Dog

Bunny Lee / Dub Store Records JPN 1967

¥2180 (US$14.50)

Highly sought after double A-sided female rocksteady vocals. Dawn Penn cut of The Uniques ? Let Me Go Girl. On flip side is another popular female vocal tune by Dian Lawrence that was also covered by Norma Frazer for Studio One

40
BUY

Various - Derrick Harriott Rock Steady 1966-1969 (2LP)

Dub Store Records JPN 1966- 1969

Info: 2枚組、豪華見開きジャケット

¥4320 (US$28.74)

A selection of magical rocksteady music from one of the masters of the genre…One of the forerunners in Jamaican music from its very beginning, Derrick Harriott, along with a stellar cast, showcases the some superb rocksteady.

41
BUY

Wailers - Rock Sweet Rock / Jerk In Time

Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1966

¥2180 (US$14.50)

The Wailers have recorded a number of tunes for Studio One, however this release still gets talked a lot as its specialty. Recorded just before they left Studio One, this double A-sided single includes two of the best tunes that lead by Bunny Wailer himself. It’s even possible to hear in this excellent music that the time has come to ripen for the band to see the vision of starting up their own Wail ‘N’ Soul ’M’ label. Both sides are identical to its original release.

42
BUY

Noel Brown - Heartbreak Girl / Man's Temptation

Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1968

¥1380 (US$9.18)

Later became a vocalist for Chosen Few, Noel Brown's beautiful falsetto floats on this rare Rocksteady tune. It is also an interesting piece that recorded during the transition stage from Rocksteady to Reggae. These are only songs Noel Brown did for Derrick Harriott.

43
BUY

David Anthony - All Night / Derrick Harriott, Crystalites - Tickler

Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1968

¥1980 (US$13.17)

A fine vocal Rocksteady'All Night'is known as a killer dubplate owned by Duke Vin, who is regarded as a pioneer of sound system culture in UK. The flip side'The Ticker'was more popular than the A-side and in UK, allegedly no one else besides Duke Vin owned the vinyl until 90's. The song must have been a special attachment in his Dub Plate box.

45
BUY

Derrick Harriott - Rock Steady Party

Dub Store Records JPN 1967

¥3680 (US$24.48)

A faultless selection of seriously sublime rock steady from Derrick Harriott. A timeless classic where one of the pivotal pioneers of Jamaican music lays down sweet melodies, mellow grooves and wall to wall soul.

46
BUY

Don Drummond - Don D Special / Fidel

Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965

¥2080 (US$13.84)

The miraculous take of 'Fidel' which never came out back then! This is one of the most killer yet wonderfully tasteful masterpiece out of all the Don Drummond recordings. You wouldn’t call them fans if they didn’t know about ‘Fidel’, however this particular version has only been released on CD in the 90’s when Sir Coxsone compiled the “In Memory Of Don Drummond”. The monumental piece with the well deserved name, ‘Don D Special’ on the flip.

47
BUY

Skatalites - Freedom Sounds / Freedom Sounds (Early Take)

Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1964

¥2180 (US$14.50)

‘Freedom Sounds’ is the glorious introduction to the iconic Ska LP “Ska Authentic from Studio One”, and also known as the opening theme for the band’s live performances. What’s more exciting is the early take unearthed for the very first time! Although it nearly got released with the 64-65’ masterpiece ‘From Russia With Love’, then eventually got cancelled due to the release of “Ska Authentic” LP. Compare to the ordinary recording that we’re familiar with, the unreleased take comes rougher but that is also brilliant and it will sound miraculously to all the Ska fans. There have been occasions that the band played this version at number of gigs, though it depends on who was leading the performance.

49
BUY

Johnny & The Attractions - Let's Get Together / Cross My Heart

Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1967

¥1580 (US$10.51)

The most sought after Gay Feet rock steady rarity. Johnny & The Attractions draws a clear line between them and rock steady artists back then ? diggin’ deep into the sounds. Seems obvious that they were already doing the style later known as roots reggae.

50
BUY

Various - Merritone Rock Steady 2: This Music Got Soul 1966-1967 (2LP)

Dub Store Records JPN 1966- 1967

¥5380 (US$35.79)

American rhythm & blues fervour, boosted by a multitude of sound systems playing 78rpm records on increasingly larger sets, gripped Jamaica from the late forties onwards but, towards the end of the decade, the American audience began to move towards a somewhat softer sound. The driving rhythm & blues discs became increasingly hard to find and the more progressive Jamaican sound system operators, realising that they now needed to make their own music, turned to Kingston’s jazz and big band musicians to record one off custom cut discs. These were not initially intended for commercial release but designed solely for sound system play on acetate or ‘dub plates’ as they would later be termed. These ‘specials’ soon began to eclipse the popularity of American rhythm & blues and the demand for their locally produced music proved so great that the sound system operators began to release their music commercially on vinyl and became record producers. Clement ‘Coxsone’ Dodd, Duke Reid ‘The Trojan’ and Prince Buster, who operated his Voice Of The People Sound System, were among the first to establish themselves in this new role and the nascent Jamaican recording industry now went into overdrive.

In 1954 Ken Khouri had numbered among the first far sighted entrepreneurs to produce mento records with local musicians (mento is Jamaica’s original indigenous music) before progressing to opening Jamaica’s first record manufacturing plant. Three years later he moved his operation to Foreshore Road (later renamed Marcus Garvey Drive) where, with the assistance of the inestimable Graeme Goodall, he updated and upgraded his recording studio. The importance of this enterprising move was critical to the development of Jamaican music and its influence both profound and far reaching.

51
BUY

Lynn Taitt, Jets - Sounds Rock Steady

Dub Store Records JPN 1967

Info: ライナーノーツ付

¥3980 (US$26.47)

52
BUY

Don Drummond - Rain Or Shine Take 2 / Rain Or Shine Take 3

Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965

¥2180 (US$14.50)

Recorded at the height of the phenomenal carrier as the number one Ska band, these are never-released alternative takes of the ultimate instrumental Ska tune ‘Rain Or Shine’ by Skatalites and with respect, it should be called a product of miracle. Both are taken from the master tape. Recorded on the same session as ‘Last Call’ that Don Drummond was in charge, here we have two alternative takes of a seriously killer instrumental Ska which was featured as the introduction of the iconic Ska album “Ska Authentic Volume 2” Like ‘Freedom Sounds’ and other recordings made in the same period, the excavation and releasing of these tunes are much more important for Dub Store Records than the significance of the historic discovery of Pyramid! This is one extremely important and precious piece to complete the puzzle of the mystery of the late genius, Don Drummond and the magnificent tune for deep diggers of Reggae music. What a great Skatalites! What makes even cooler about this tune is that if you listen carefully for both sides, you will realize that each player is not playing a score at all; they all are improvising. It proves that they are undoubtedly the best Jamaican band of all time.

54
Add To Want List

End of sales

Tommy McCook - Sampson / Maytals - Hello Honey

R & B UK 1964

¥1980 (US$13.17)

56
BUY

Ska 12345

Rico Rodriguez & Friends - Unreleased Early Recordings: Shuffle & Boogie 1960 (10"LP)

Dub Store Records JPN 1960

¥3980 (US$26.47)

Previously unreleased early shuffle and boogie recordings from the ‘Man from Wareika’: Rico Rodriguez



One of the most talented musicians of his generation, trombonist Rico, was a key player and founding father of Jamaican music who went on to establish ska in Britain in the early sixties and then add authenticity to the Two Tone ska revival of the late seventies. Hear him here at the outset of his incredible musical journey…

57
BUY

Gaylads - Looking For A Girl / Aren't You The Guy

Links / Dub Store Records JPN 1968

¥2180 (US$14.50)

For all collectors here is a great reissue of rare rocksteady from The Gaylads. Wonderful chorus works by the group that are thought to be some of the greatest works the Gaylads after Studio One era.

58
BUY

Ken Boothe - Can't You See / I Remember Someone

Links / Dub Store Records JPN 1968

¥2180 (US$14.50)

A pair of all time classics, soulful lovers rocksteady vocals sang by the Mr. Rocksteady a.k.a. Ken Boothe.

59
BUY

Maytals, Skatalites - My Daily Food / One Look

Kentone / Dub Store Records JPN 1965

¥1980 (US$13.17)

A prominent singer backed by none other than the Skatalites, it is a symbolic Ska beat representing Kentone which will make everyone a smile. Although the Maytals have recorded Ska tunes for Studio One, Prince Buster and many more, they might have taken a further step when recording for the Jamaican music industry’s godfather, Ken Kouri by singing it well tight and fiery. Even for the Federal side, it must have been quite special to hire the Skatalites for this project. One minute and half might be a little too short for an A side, though this one will make you want to slip it in your DJ box every time.

70
BUY

Various Artists - BMN Ska & Rock Steady: Always Together 1964-1968

Dub Store Records JPN 1964- 1968

¥3980 (US$26.47)

Marvellous music from Ronnie Nasally… one of the founding fathers of the Jamaican music business

Includes vital vocals from The Blues Busters and The Maytals, eccentric Chinese rock steady from Stephen Chang and one of the first deejay records, ‘Ska-ing West’, from the legendary Sir Lord Comic. Incomparable!

71
BUY

Carlton Manning - We Will Live & Love / The Soul Lads - I Am Yours Forever

Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1967

¥1580 (US$10.51)

The debut song from Carlton Manning - elder brother of Lynford and Donald of The Abyssinians and later known for his Carlton and The Shoes releases for Studio One. On the flip side it’s a previously unreleased tune from The Soul Lads - later re-recorded and released on Treasure Isle with another cut which could be why this never saw the light of day.

72
BUY

Ska 12345

Various Artists - Gay Feet: Every Night featuring Baba Brooks and his Band

Dub Store Records JPN 1965

¥3680 (US$24.48)

Ska, Jump Up and Soul! The authentic early sixties sound of the Caribbean

A shimmering showcase of the wonderful work of Jamaica’s first and foremost female record producer, Mrs Sonia Pottinger, featuring the inimitable talents of Oswald ‘Baba’ Brooks and his Recording Band with their 1966 debut album.

73
BUY

Patsy Millicent Todd - Loving Love / Loving Love (Alternative Take)

Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1965

¥1580 (US$10.51)

Vigorous Patsy vocal and soulful saxophone solo on bouncy ska rhythm. Previously unreleased alternative take on the B-side.

74
BUY

The Techniques & Friends - Winston Riley's Rock Steady & Early Reggae 1968-1969

Dub Store Records JPN 1968- 1969

¥3980 (US$26.47)

Winston Riley started his production career as a singer with an enviable track record, having formed the Techniques in 1962 and hitting the top of the charts two years later with the splendid ‘Little Did You Know’ for Duke Reid’s esteemed Treasure Isle label. When the frantic ska beat slowed down and turned into rocksteady Winston remained the only permanent component of the Techniques, arguably Jamaica’s finest vocal group.

As the beat changed yet again from rock steady to the faster reggae format, Winston’s thoughts turned to production, and he decided to create his own ‘Techniques’ label. A serious man with a serious work ethic, the quality of his music was apparent from the start as he released hit after hit, producing and singing as part of the different combinations of singers and vocal groups that he worked with.

75
BUY

Herman Hersang & His City Slickers - Hersang Hop / Don Drummond, Tommy McCook, Roland Alphonso - Calypso Jazz (Iron Bar) (Alternative Take)

Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1961

¥1580 (US$10.51)

Early ska instrumental with vibing call and response from the organ and guitar. Backed by the finest Jamaican jazz played by the likes of Don Drummon, Tomy McCook and Roland Alphonso.

80
BUY

Sharks - You Made Me Warm / Sharks, Federal Studio Orchestra - You Made Me Warm

Kentone / Dub Store Records JPN 1965

¥1480 (US$9.84)

Previously unreleased early acoustic cut from master tape! Unprolific vocal group called Sharks (also spelled Sheiks) released the up-tempo original cut in 1965. The reissue features the original cut on the B-side and the early acoustic cut on the A-side. With raw double bass, deep acoustic guitar and backing chorus that reminds the chain gang work songs, the group sings astonishing love song. "I was so cold last night, You made me warm, with your heart, with your lips, with your charm"…The song purely transcends musical boundaries of the time and this is another Jamaican gem!

81
BUY

Heptones - Mama

Studio One 1968

Mama

¥850 (US$5.65)

88
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Glen Adams - I Want To Hold Your Hand / Ann Reid - Remember Me

Bunny Lee / Dub Store Records JPN 1968

¥2180 (US$14.50)

Glen Brown pleasantly covering the familiar Beatles classic not to mention stunning arrangement by Bunny Lee. Backed with popular female rocksteady vocal

91
BUY

Ska 12345

Various - Merritone Rock Steady 1: Shanty Town Curfew 1966-1967 (2LP)

Dub Store Records JPN 1966- 1967

¥5380 (US$35.79)

Ken Khouri’s Federal Records gave Jamaica its musical identity The Federal Record Manufacturing facility was the first pressing plant in Jamaica... their studio gave birth to mento, ska, rock steady and reggae of the highest calibre. This album features an astonishing selection of well known classics and rarities transferred straight from their master tape

95
BUY

Hopeton Lewis - Take It Easy With The Rock Steady Beat

Dub Store Records JPN 1966

¥2500 (US$16.63)

A fundamental album released in 1966 that determined the way Rocksteady was going to journey. In 1966, Rude Boys were at the peak of the fame with their notorious behaviors, while Ska gradually started to slow down its tempo. This album paved the way for a newborn music, Rocksteady, with rather slower and tighter rhythm approach. This album should be considered as one of the ten most important albums in Reggae history. The descent from Ska, which had its derivation from Jazz or Rhythm and Blues, to Rocksteady, with its various potential elements which would be passed to the next decade of Reggae, has been allegedly created in this album with Trinidadian guitarist Lynn Taitt and his band The Jets as the backing band. Entitled “Take It Easy With The Rock Steady Beat!”, most of the tunes featured in this album were written for praising dancehall as if he’d have known this genre was going to rule the dance floors. Among the tunes in this album, “This Music Got Soul” was the coolest of all and called out the dawn of the Rocksteady era. This tune had a huge influence on the future developments of Reggae music.

96
BUY

Granville Williams, His Orchestra - Wailin' / Granville Williams Orch. - Old McDonald

GWO / Dub Store Records JPN 1965

¥1380 (US$9.18)

An ultimate super killer Ska instrumental by an extremely unprolific band, brilliantly recorded in stereo. Although this newly signed band recorded exclusively for Federal releasing an LP, they play a little commercial uptown sound, however the Skatalites admitted their inferiority to this band’s performances. The interestingly arranged “Old McDonald” on the flip features the guitarist Ernest Ranglin. Very rarely recorded in stereo for the time in Jamaica, only could have been done by the notorious Federal which clearly was known for its up-to-date setups.

97
BUY

Lester Sterling, Lyn Taitt, Jets - Check Point Charlie / A Whiter Shade Of Pale

Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1967

¥1980 (US$13.17)

The Merritone trademarked, a refined and lustrous Rockstready piece along with the cover ballad inst of a popular song. This Rocksteady inst represents another one of those utterly rare Merritone singles, backed with the original coupling song.

98
BUY

Keith & Tex - Goodbye Baby / What Kind Of Fool

Move & Groove / Dub Store Records JPN 1969

¥1980 (US$13.17)

‘Goodbye Baby’ is another train theme Rocksteady by Keith & Tex who were expert at singing that subject just like their other classic ‘Stop That Train.’ The flip side features a mid-tempo Rocksteady that might sound monotonous in a way but is matching its lyrics beautifully.

99
BUY

Tartans - Dance All Night / What Can I Do

Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966

¥1380 (US$9.18)

‘Dance All Night’ is a hit song released by the Tartans, a Rocksteady legendary group that consisted of Prince Lincoln, Cedric Myton, Devon Russell and Lindberg Lewis, in 1966. Emphasized on double basses and piano, the song was made to praise sound system dances and it became one of the good old Rocksteady anthems of the Rude Boy era. On the B-side, the group sings ‘What I can do to save your life’ and warns rude boys for their action.

100
BUY

Joe Higgs, Lynn Taitt, Jets - You Hurt My Soul / Lynn Taitt, Jets - Why Am I Treated So Bad?

Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1968

¥1980 (US$13.17)

Joe Higgs was a mentor for many young artists and taught them how to sing as well as about the recording industry. Many followed and learned his lessens and passed it on to coming generations. ‘You Hurt My Soul’ is one of his early recordings with his distinctive singing style. Side B is Merritone cut to the classic reggae instrumental ‘Bad Treatment’. The recordings were released in 1968 and reissued from the original master tape.