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J Boog - Let's Do It Again / Major Riddim Instrumental
Don Corleon / Buyreggae EU 2011
¥2080 (US$13.26)
Robert Lee, Bunny General - Midnight Hour / Midnight Hour Version
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1988
¥1680 (US$10.71)
Robert Lee and Bunny General adopted the phrase of a classic song 'Midnight Hour' by Sivertones in their combination song 'Midnight House'. The original press was only available by 12" single vinyl on Unity label.
Andrew Bees - Life In The Ghetto
New Name / Digikiller / Deeper Knowledge US 1989
¥1680 (US$10.71)
Straight from Maxfield Avenue, 1989, Castro Brown's New Name Muzik outfit produced some of the best of the first wave of digital roots. Here are a couple of their finest outings. Andrew Bees has two of his finest tunes in "Struggle & Strive" and "Life in the Ghetto", both re-released here for the first time ever. These stand right beside his classic "Militant" on Music Lion as early classics of the emerging style.
Phyllis Dillon - One Life To Live / Tommy McCook - My Best Dress
Treasure Isle 1969
B: My Best Girl
N/A
Akon, T-Pain - Bar Tender / Malanie Fiona - Sad Songs
Benz Records UK 2009
007 B: Silly Games
¥2880 (US$18.36)
Gaylettes, Lynn Taitt, Jets - Silent River Runs Deep / I Like Your World
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
N/A
Judy Mowatt used to form a group called the Gaylettes in her early career although she is known for touring all over the world as a member of I Threes and the Wailers. 'Silent River Runs Deep' is the most known song and a hit for the group. 'I Like Your World' was also originally released on the A-side of another record released on Merritone label. Those recordings of this double A-sided single are certainly great enduring female Rocksteady songs of all time.
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.
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.
Tomorrow's Children - Bang Bang Rock Steady / Rain (Rock Steady)
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
N/A
Tomorrow's Children were probably favored by uptown youths rather than downtown Rudies because of their funky, hard hitting sounds and lyrics. With those elements, they successfully created own killer style, which can be undoubtedly heard with ‘Bang Bang Rock Steady'. The group also versioned the Beatles' 'Rain' in fine Rocksteady style. The original record was released in 1967.
Roland Alphonso - Stranger For Durango / Sounds Of Silence
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
N/A
'Stranger For Durango is a bright instrumental performed by Roland Alphonso. Ska/Rocksteady lover's delight! The song also features remarkable solo on keyboard. The musician remakes Simon & Garfunkle's 'Sound of Silence' in a graceful Rocksteady style. Those recordings were originally released in 1966 and reissued from the original master tape.
Hopeton Lewis - This Music Got Soul / Rocksteady
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
N/A
'This Music Got Soul' is one of the earliest works by Mr. Rocksteady aka Hopeton Lewis. Interestingly, some would even say 'This Music Got Soul' is his debut single. When the song was released in 1966, it seems that the musical term "Rocksteady" did not exist but this classic clearly proves a new wave of Rocksteady was coming very near. The artist also sings 'Rock Steady' to highly praise the new genre. Reissued from the original master tape.
Robert Lee - Battlefield / Tuff Scout All Stars - A Battling Dub
Tuff Scout UK 2011
¥1880 (US$11.99)
Josey Wales - Water Come A Mi Eye / Admiral Bailey - Mi Ah The Danger
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1987
¥1680 (US$10.71)
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.
Reggae George - Girl You're Too Young / Dub
Zion Yant / Digikiller / Deeper Knowledge US 1982
N/A
egendary and rare roots reggae tunes from 1982. Michael "Kush Dan I" Gardine produced himself doing the awesome "Jah Law of Love" at Tuff Gong to great effect, featuring fantastic instrumentation. Originally released only in tiny quantity on 45 in JA, it's back now, and featuring the same brilliant label art, faithfully reproduced in Jamaica from the original films! Around the same time, Kush also produced some tunes with Reggae George, most notably the well known "Three Wicked Men." But there is also this tune, "Girl You're Too Young", a killer slice of heavy lovers. Only ever dubiously released in Canada on a now very rare 12-inch, it's also back again, shedding some light on the under-appreciated artist and producer both.
