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Lynn Taitt, Jets - Bat Man / Joker
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
N/A
Lynn Taitt remakes theme songs from the movie "Batman" in killer Rocksteady style. Those cheerful instrumentals, which well represent the distinctive sound of Marritone label, were originally released in 1968.
Renegades - Mr. Hops / Oswald Sewell - Oh My Love
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥1380 (US$8.87)
The Renegades consisted of Winston 'Pipe' Matthews, Lloyd 'Bread' McDonald and George 'Buddy' Haye and later became a group called the Wailing Souls. Definitely, ‘Mr. Hops’ is the most powerful Rocksteady vocal song among the whole Merritone catalogue. Originally released in 1966 and one of the rarest records you could never find. This record also features previously unreleased Ska vocal recording 'Oh My Love' from the original master tape.
Zodiacs - Walk On By / Royals (Merritone Singers) - House Upon The Hill
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
N/A
This is a Rocksteady cut of the Zodiacs' 'Walk On By' released in 1967. They recorded the original Ska cut at Duke Reid's Treasure Isle. Rare Rocksteady classic with beautiful harmonies on a profound rhythm. On the B-side, this previously unreleased material 'House Upon The Hill' features an unknown vocal group called Merritone singers.
Renegades - Big And Fine / Oswald Sewell - Where Can He Go
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥1380 (US$8.87)
The Renegades showcase one of their valuable early works to perfection. 'Big And Fine' was originally released 1966 and collectors would say the record is one of the most sought after records by the group. It also features Oswald Sewell 's previously unreleased Ska vocal material 'Oh My Love' from the original master tape on the B-side.
Eddie Perkins - I'm Coming Home / Merritone All Stars - I'm Coming Home Instrumental
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥1380 (US$8.87)
Recorded in 1967 and previously unreleased material from the original master tape. This elegant but also distinctive recording is certainly incomparable to other recordings appeared during the Rocksteady era. Veteran singer, Eddie Perkins, started his career in the early 1960s and he worked with Alton Ellis as duo called Alton and Eddy.
Jam Rock / Digikiller / Deeper Knowledge US 1987
N/A
From 1987, a piece of one-away digital fire, "Serious Thing" by Suru Board. Originally released on Tuff Gong studio's 56 Hope Road label, and produced by Tuff Gong mainstay and Jam Rock label boss Denzel Bowford, alongside the late Wailers' associate Trevor Bow. This is prime digital reggae, a scorching riddim with killer synths, and fantastic vocal from the young Suru Board (please note, the spelling of "Surn" Board on the original label was a typo!) Like the lyrics say, "serious mi serious, and me nah mek no joke!", serious digital reggae, deservedly available again.
Ernest Ranglin, Selected Group - Free Form / Skalvouvia
Kentone / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
N/A
One of the most rare double A-sided singles recorded under direction of Ernest Ranglin, who was the musical director of Federal Recording Studio at the time. While this jazzy instrumental features superbsolos by trumpet and alto saxophone, Ernie leads this minor track from beginning to end and showcases his mighty guitar playing. On the flipside, remarkable solos by trumpet and alto saxophone are again featured on the bright mid-tempo track. The original 7inch format is almost impossible to find. These recordings are simply elegant Ska Instrumentals.
J Boog - Let's Do It Again / Major Riddim Instrumental
Don Corleon / Buyreggae EU 2011
¥2080 (US$13.37)
Sharks - You Made Me Warm / Sharks, Federal Studio Orchestra - You Made Me Warm
Kentone / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥1480 (US$9.52)
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!
Marcia Griffiths, Queen Ifrica - Round And Round / Shuga - Complicated Love
Penthouse / Rockers Island JPN 2011
N/A
Stranger Cole, Patsy, Skatalites - Word Is Wind / Dobby Dobson - Cry Another Cry
Kentone / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
N/A
7inch single cut from the album "Jamaican Skarama", which was reissued by Dub Store Records on LP and CD in 2007. The great duo, Stranger & Patsy who recorded many classics during the 60's, sings another standard 'Word Is Wind'. Jamaican soul 'Cry Another Cry' by Dobby Dobson is featured on the B-side. Both songs are first time to appear on 7inch single.
Eric Monty Morris - Blackman Ska / A Spot In My Heart For You
Kentone / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
N/A
Previously unreleased vocal materials from master tapes! Eric Monty Morris sings sufferers' protest song, "Blackman work so hard, but white man gets the money, the rich shall be richer, the poor shall be poorer, something must be done soon"… At the time, most of the artists including Eric Monty Morris mainly focused on singing about love but not about conscious themes so the recording was very exceptional. B-side features previously unreleased vocal material as well. It seems that both songs were recorded for the album "Jamaican Skarama (reissued by Dub Store Records: LP/CD503)" but did not end up on the album unfortunately.
Bob Andy - Games People Play / John Holt - Talking Love
K & K US 1970/ 1969
B: Talking Love Info: Adapted
N/A
Phyllis Dillon - Don't Stay Away / Tommy McCook, Supersonics - Starry Night
Treasure Isle UK 1967
¥2180 (US$14.02)
Monarchs, Drumbago All Stars - All Of Me / Sneer Towners - You Say Me Say
Kentone / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥1480 (US$9.52)
Mid-tempo Ska song by a vocal group called The Monarchs. They only appear on this recording and the rest of information remains unknown. Side-b features previously unreleased version of Sneer Towners' 'You Say Me Say', which appeared on the album "Jamaican Skarama" reissued by Dub Store Records.
Toots & The Maytals - 54-46 Was My Number / Pressure Drop (Off Center)
Beverleys UK 1969
¥2180 (US$14.02)
Josey Wales - Water Come A Mi Eye / Admiral Bailey - Mi Ah The Danger
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1987
¥1680 (US$10.80)
Josey Wales ‘s ‘Water Come A Mi Eye’ on another Jammy’s popular rhythm ‘Love Punaany Bad’ starts with a flight attendant (Josey himself) welcoming boarding people to New York. He drops his tears as he experiences hard times in New York. Although Admiral Bailey is well known for his massive hit ‘Punanny’ at the Jammys and lyrical content, the deejay bring a rough badman anthem with ‘Me A The Danger’ this time.