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Renegades - You've Lost The Love / Merritone Singers - Rude Boy A Wail
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
N/A
The Renegades consisted of Winston 'Pipe' Matthews, Lloyd 'Bread' McDonald and George 'Buddy' Haye and later became a group called the Wailing Souls. ‘You've Lost The Love’ is one of their earliest Rocksteady works and it was originally released in 1966. It is also one of the rarest records hardly ever found. The record also features previously unreleased Ska vocal recording ' Rude Boy A Wail' by the Merritone Singers from the original master tape.
Hopeton Lewis - At The Corner Of The Street / Move Along With Me
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
N/A
Merritone label endorsed the Hopeton Lewis as one of their star singers and here he left two of his last recordings for the Merritone label. Supposedly, both songs remain unreleased until this time and A-side features Hopeton’s dark gloomy vocal. On the B-side, ‘Move Along With Me’ is a solo version of duet ‘Right Track’ with Phyllis Dillon, which were recorded for Duke Reid. According to the master tape, the song was titled ‘Move Along With Me’ instead of ‘Right Track’.
Paragons - Talking Love / If I Were You
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
N/A
‘Talking Love’ is a classic hit recording and known as one of the songs that represents Merritone label. Originally released in 1967 and features a Jamaican Soul on the B-side from the master tape.
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.
Hopeton Lewis - Rock A Shacka / I Don't Want Trouble
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥1380 (US$8.87)
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.
Bobby Ellis, Desmond Miles Seven - Step Softly / Derrick Harriott - Walk The Streets
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
N/A
Another enduring Rocksteady instrumental masterpiece by Bobby Ellis and Derrick Harriott’s timeless love song echoes sweet and bitter. Cool and dark ‘Step Softly’ is one of the most signature songs for Bobby Ellis and the greatest Rocksteady instrumental of all. The flip side is a best example of Harriott’s distinctive sound in Rocksteady era. The set of recordings are now reissued with original songs on both side.
Henry Buckley - I'd Like To Know / Lynn Taitt, Jets - Soul Shot
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966/ 1967
¥1380 (US$8.87)
Although Hopeton Lewis recorded many songs for the Merritone, Henry Buckley was also a prolific singer who recorded many songs for the label. Federal was probably recording with him for his never released debut album. Side-B features a Rocksteady instrumental, which appeared on LynnTaitt’s debut album.
Tartans - Don't Take That Train / Rockin' Chair
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥1380 (US$8.87)
Unreleased songs by Tartans, the vocal group consisted of Prince Lincoln, Cedric Myton, Devon Russell and Berg Lewis. Originally, it was recorded in 1966. They sing another ‘train’ theme, which was fashionable at that time and about love gently and bitterly on the flipside.
Toots & The Maytals - 54-46 Was My Number / Pressure Drop (Off Center)
Beverleys UK 1969
¥2180 (US$14.01)
Slim Smith - People Get Ready (Side A, B Label Reversed) / Errol Dunkley - I'm Going Home
Lee UK 1968
¥1980 (US$12.73)
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.
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.
Keith & Tex - Stop That Train / Bobby Ellis, Jets - Feeling Peckish
Move & Groove / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
N/A
Without any explanation, ‘Stop That Train’ by Keith & Tex is a true Rocksteady classic of all times. The song stands tall in Reggae music history and a biggest hit among Derrick Harriott’s catalogue. Side B features Memphis Soul Rocksteady instrumental, just like a trendy song from Stax Records. Now reissued for the first time with these original recordings on both sides.
Derrick Harriott - Reach Out I'll Be There / Bobby Ellis, Crystalites - Illya Kuryakin
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
N/A
Derrick Harriott versions a Motown hit ‘Reach Out I Will Be There’. His killer version is a dancehall shaker and many might has been searching for this rare vinyl records as an essential for DJ selection. The Four Tops originally released the song in the mid 60’s. The mid-tempo organ instrumental ‘Illya Kuryakin’ feartures Ike Bennet’s powerful organ solo on the filpside.
Ernest Ranglin - Mod Mod Ranglin
N/A
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 picked one of 10 pieces of the most important album of Reggae history.
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.
Hopeton Lewis, Lynn Taitt, Jets - Everybody Rocking / Lynn Taitt, Jets - Rocking Mood
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
N/A
A fantastic Rocksteady song by Hopeton Lewis. At that time, the song come out as a 7inch single and became a hard-to-find record. Featuring previously unreleased horn instrumental track on the B-side.
Derrick Harriott - Solomon / Bobby Ellis, Jets - Emperor
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
N/A
Derrick Harriott’s original cut to sound system foundation rhythm ‘Solomon’. Derrick sings comically about Solomon, who was given wisdom amongst of all mankind from God in the Old Testament: “Solomon was the wisest man but he didn't know the secrets of a woman” The hit rhythm has been versioned many times over last four decades. On side B, there is a nice & cool horn instrumental entitled ‘The Emperor’ by Bobby Ellis, its title might imply Derrick Harriott productions had a good taste in music at that time.
Various - Studio One Story (2LP + 1DVD + 10-Page Booklet)
Soul Jazz Records UK 1969- 1983
¥6980 (US$44.87)
Gladstone Anderson, Lynn Taitt, Jets - Glad Sounds
N/A
Trinidad born legendary guitarist, Lynn Taitt, who brought the first wave of Rocksteady to the Island, and Gladdy Anderson who is well known for a Skatalites' pianist, they both got together to record this Rocksteady instrumental album 'Glad Sounds' at Federal Studio in 1968. Released from the Merritone label, which was managed under the Federal. The album depicts the hay day and best sound of Rocksteady as well as label itself. First time to be reissued by Dub Store Records. The forth reissue of the Story Of Federal program by Dub Store Records. The original UK issue was released on the Big Shot label with a different jacket design. Album tracks consist mainly of cover versions of popular tracks, which were produced by Coxsone Dodd, Bunny Lee and Sonia Pottinger. Lynn Taitt and Gladstone Anderson added gentle flavors to their versions by their distinctive instrumental plays. Also Federal's recording facility made possible to maintain this sound quality. Certainly, this is another classic album to add to your collection shelf!!
Jimmy Cliff - Harder Road To Travel: The Collection (2CD)
Spectrum Music UK / Trojan UK 1960- 1972
N/A
Cables - What Kind Of World / Lester Sterling, Skatalites - Peace And Love (Original Stamper)
Studio One 1968/ 1965
N/A
Hemsley Morris, Phil Pratt - Little Things / Tommy McCook - Bigger Things
Pressure Sounds UK 1968
N/A
Phil Pratt, Ken Boothe - Sweet Song For My Baby / Cool Cats - What Kind Of Man
Pressure Sounds UK 1968
¥1680 (US$10.80)
Henry Buckley - Beware Of All Those Rude Boys / If I Am Right
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥1980 (US$12.73)
Merritone label endorsed Henry Buckley as a star singer of the label during the Rocksteady period. He sings "Beware of all those rude boys going around with their guns, spoiling everybody's fun" to warn behaviors of Rude Boys. It seems Rudies were everywhere when the song was released in 1966. He also showcases his conscious lyrics with song ‘If I Am Right’. The artist tried to deliver profound messages to youths. Those recordings were taken straight from the original master tape for the reissue.
Roland Alphonso - Sai Pan / Black Brothers - Born To Rule
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥1380 (US$8.87)
This deep Ska instrumental 'Sai Pan' features a beautiful solo by Roland Alphonso. The most sought after record of Merritone Ska and a crucial for all Ska lovers. On the flipside, the record features a mid-tempo Rude Boy Ska anthem 'Born To Rule' by Black Brothers, the song was taken straight from the original master tape for this reissue. Another hard to find record released in 1966.
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$12.73)
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.
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.
Tartans - Dance All Night / What Can I Do
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥1380 (US$8.87)
‘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.
Minstrels, Lynn Taitt, Jets - Hey There Lonely Girls / Hey There Lonely Girls (Acappella)
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
N/A
A very rare and beautiful Rocksteady tune that collectors are after for many years. The Minstrels released mere amount of records but all of them were top-notch recordings. This 1967 released powerful ‘Hey There Lonely Girl’ is crucial for every Rocksteady fans. Acappella version of the song is included on the B-side.
Renegades - Knocking On My Door / Hopeton Lewis - Pick Yourself Up
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
N/A
The Renegades consisted of Winston 'Pipe' Matthews, Lloyd 'Bread' McDonald and George 'Buddy' Haye and later became a group called the Wailing Souls. ‘Knocking On My Door’ is one of their earliest Rocksteady works and it was originally released in 1966. It is also one of the rarest records hardly ever found. The record features previously unreleased Ska vocal recording ' Pick Youreself Up' by Hopeton Lewis from the original master tape.
Jamaicans - Things You Say You Love / Three Tops - It's Raining
Treasure Isle UK 1967
¥1980 (US$12.73)
Techniques - Traveling Man / Love Is Not A Gamble
Treasure Isle UK 1968
Travelling Man B: Love Is Not A Gamble
¥1980 (US$12.73)
Alton Ellis - La La Means I Love You / Melodians - Passion Love
Treasure Isle UK 1968/ 1970
La La Means I Love You/Precious
N/A
Phyllis Dillon - Rock Steady / Tommy McCook - Soul Rock
Treasure Isle UK 1968/ 1970
¥1680 (US$10.80)
Sensations - Baby Love / Roy Cousins, Royals - We Are In The Mood
Treasure Isle UK 1969/ 1970
¥1180 (US$7.59)
Derrick Morgan - Want More / Roland Alphonso, Beveley's All Stars - Goodnight My Love
Pyramid UK / Beverleys 1968
¥1880 (US$12.09)
Toots & The Maytals - Pee Pee Cluck Cluck / Beverley's All Stars - Monster
Pyramid UK / Beverleys 1969
¥2180 (US$14.01)
Freddie McKay - Love Is A Treasure / Alton Ellis - I Can't Stand It
Treasure Isle UK 1968
¥2180 (US$14.01)