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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.
Eddie Perkins - I'm Coming Home / Merritone All Stars - I'm Coming Home Instrumental
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥1380 (US$8.91)
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.
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.
Renegades - Mr. Hops / Oswald Sewell - Oh My Love
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥1380 (US$8.91)
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.
J Boog - Let's Do It Again / Major Riddim Instrumental
Don Corleon / Buyreggae EU 2011
¥2080 (US$13.43)
Renegades - Big And Fine / Oswald Sewell - Where Can He Go
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥1380 (US$8.91)
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.
Shaggy, Alaine - For Your Eyez Only / (Extended Version)
K Licious / Buyreggae EU 2011
¥1380 (US$8.91)
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.
Sharks - You Made Me Warm / Sharks, Federal Studio Orchestra - You Made Me Warm
Kentone / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥1480 (US$9.56)
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!
Half Pint - One Big Ghetto / Tonto Irie - Ram Up Every Corner
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1984
N/A
Without mentioning Half Pint, the true story about the Jammys label can never be told. King Jammy adopted a classic song ‘Open The Gate’ and versioned the rhythm digitally. The young Half Pint claims this wild world is ‘One Big Ghetto’. On the flip side, Tonto Irie showcases his skillful and edgy lyrical flow to the same rhythm.
Pad Anthony - Murderer / Tullo T - None Ah Dat
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1987
N/A
King Jammy recorded two outstanding songs on the foundation ‘Heavenless’ rhythm among many others. Although Pad Anthony’s ‘Murderer’ is perhaps the most well known soundclash standard, Tullo T aka Papa Tullo showcased his conscious lyrics with fast-rapping style on the same rhythm.
Sugar Minott - Conscious Lover / Pad Anthony - By Show Down
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1989
¥1280 (US$8.27)
Sugar Minott always showcased his versatile talent by singing lover’s rock to dancehall songs and attracted a variety of wide audiences. Certainly, he proves this ability on the ‘Tonight’ rhythm, which is regarded as one of the most popular rhythms among the Jammys catalogue. On the flip side, Pad Anthony sings a soundclash anthem to the same rhythm. The song only appeared on a LP album entitled ‘Sound Clash 89’.
Admiral Tibet - Running From Reality / Running From Reality Version
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1988
N/A
Admiral Tibet maintained himself as one of forefront cultural singers during the 80’s and the early 90’s. He consciously warns his girl friend about their love relationship with his melodious lyrics. “May be, Might be, Could it be, Girl you are running from reality”
Gregory Isaacs - Ruler / Ruler Version
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1989
¥1680 (US$10.85)
‘The Ruler’ by Gregory Isaacs was only available for listening on a LP album “Reggae Sound War: Electrocutioner Vol.2”. The reggae crooner gently buries idiot sound bwoys with his killer lyrics and stand tall as the Cool Ruler. Recorded to the same rhythm track ‘Running From Reality’ by Admiral Tibet.
Conroy Smith - Sugar Me / Sugar Me Version
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1989
¥1280 (US$8.27)
A few titles has been released on Suguar Minott’s ‘Conscious Lover’ rhythm but ‘Sugar Me’ by Conroy Smith is one of the most wanted records on the rhythm among collectors. On this smooth drifting rhythm, he sings mournfully but also with his sweet lyrics.
Phyllis Dillon - Don't Stay Away / Tommy McCook, Supersonics - Starry Night
Treasure Isle UK 1967
¥2180 (US$14.08)
