|
Don Drummond - Don D Special / Fidel
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥2080 (US$13.46)
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.
Charlie Organaire - Bad Boy Charlie / Soul Brothers - Thunderball
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥2080 (US$13.46)
Double A-sided 7” featuring a killer Ska inst. From Jamaican harmonica virtuoso and Soul Brother’s killer horn Ska instrumental! One of the Studio One titles that the collectors have been looking everywhere to get hold of. Featuring no other than Rude Boy Charlie although it was stated as Bad Boy Charlie on the master-tape. An extremely rare take of Thunderball arranged by Jackie Mittoo on the flip side.
Soul Vendors - Last Waltz / Hamlins - Sentimental Reason
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥2180 (US$14.11)
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.
Lester Sterling, Lyn Taitt, Jets - Check Point Charlie / A Whiter Shade Of Pale
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥1980 (US$12.82)
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.
Roland Alphonso - Ska Culation / Jack Sparrow - Ice Water
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥2180 (US$14.11)
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.
Joe Higgs - Dinah (Original Stamper) / Peter Austin, Freedom Singers - Have Faith
Studio One 1966
N/A
G Flux, Los Master Plus - Ritmo Universal / G Flux, Afrodita, J. Luis Carballo - Meneito
Electric Cowbell US 2013
N/A
Orville Smith - Leaving Rome / Repatriation Dub
Riz Records UK (Org) 1990
Info: Original Press
¥2080 ¥1480 (US$9.58)
Roland Alphonso - From Russia With Love / Cleopatra
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥2180 (US$14.11)
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!
Don Drummond - Last Call / Last Call Take 2
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥2180 (US$14.11)
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.
Skatalites - Freedom Sounds / Freedom Sounds (Early Take)
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1964
¥2180 (US$14.11)
‘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.
Roy Richards - Summertime / Sound Dimension - Soulful Strut
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1969
¥2180 (US$14.11)
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.
Sixy Morris - Me Nuh Response / Version
Blue Mountain / Digikiller / Deeper Knowledge US 1987
N/A
t's been a while since Digikiller issued any '80s digital tunes, but here's one of the rarest and best. Sixy Morris' tune was released on 7" in JA and on 12" in the UK. A great digital tune which combines elements of the classic late '80s digital sound with a bit of early '90s flavor, it's got a killer rolling bassline, great singing, and of course, the famous "scratching" fx!
Snoop Lion (Snoop Dogg), Mr. Vegas - Fruit Juice / Snoop Lion (Snoop Dogg), Colli Budz - Smoke The Weed
Dub Rockers US / VP US 2013
A: Sleng Teng
N/A
Marcia Griffiths - It's Too Late Baby (Press Noise)
Harry J 1975
Info: Adapted, Carol King
¥680 ¥1680 (US$10.87)
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.
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.
Keith & Tex - Tonight / Lynn Taitt, Desmond Miles Seven - You've Caught Me
Move & Groove / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
N/A
A star duo at the Harriott’s production, Keith & Tex’s‘Tonight’is also the everlasting masterpiece in the history of Reggae music. There were many essential songs in his production from 1967 to 68 but‘Tonight’is obviously the most indispensable one. Lynn Tait plays a beautiful instrumental version to Melodians’ hit ‘You’ve Caught Me’ on the flip side. Reissued with these original recordings on both sides.
J Boog - Break Us Apart / Richie Campbell - I'm Going
21st Hapilos / Buyreggae EU 2013
¥1380 (US$8.93)
Soul Brothers - Freedom Sounds / Freedom Sounds Take 2
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥2180 (US$14.11)
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.
Monty Alexander, Cyclones - Summertime / Dog It
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1962
¥2080 (US$13.46)
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.
Wailers - Rock Sweet Rock / Jerk In Time
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥2180 (US$14.11)
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.
Soul Brothers - James Bond Girl / Summertair Girls - My Heart Cries Out
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
N/A
Another classic killer ska from the short-lived Soul Brothers. As of the original on the other side comes a sweet female lovers vocal from a night before the Rocksteady era. Succeeding the authentic ska from the legendary Skatalites then evolving it to the sound of Rocksteady, a fluid session band of Studio One, the Soul Brothers bring another classic instrumental ska tune. Like you can almost smell the perfume of Rocksteady era at its best, here comes a cool and cute lovers tune from Kingston on the other side. When the Soul Brothers were active after the Skatalites, they have certainly lost the thrill of solo performances, though this might have been the Skatalites were just too great.. Recorded from the master tape itself, this take contains slightly different solo compare to the original single.
Soulettes - That Ain't Right / One More Chance
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥2080 (US$13.46)
Brimmed with the vibes, this un-released killer Ska cover was recorded when Rita Marley and the Soulettes were at their best. Although it had never been released back then, Chris Wilson and the Heartbeat crew compiled this as a part of compilation series in the 90’s. The great Mr. Coxsone Dodd knew what's going on; as a spice, he occasionally released some unpublished materials. Like the name "Soulettes" suggests, this type of Soul music is their specialty and this is a female vocal Ska masterpiece.
Don Drummond - Rain Or Shine Take 2 / Rain Or Shine Take 3
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥2180 (US$14.11)
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.
Jennifer Lara - Woman Of The Ghetto / Jackie Mittoo, Sound Dimension - Side Walk Doctor Version
Dub Store Records JPN / Studio One 2004
¥2180 (US$14.11)
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.
Frankie Paul - Worries In The Dance / Version
Channel One / Digikiller / Deeper Knowledge US 1984
N/A
"Worries in the Dance", in our estimation the best rhythm of the early '80s and perhaps the entire decade, nothing short of a masterpiece. This rhythm and this tune really represent the refinement and zenith of heaviness in reggae as achieved by Channel 1, also in our opinion still unequaled then or now. This is a reissue of the rare JA 45 pressing of this tune, which features vocal & dub mixes different to any of the more common LP cuts. As if the rhythm wasn't enough, this is one of FP's best vocal outings, and the lyrics provide a brilliant and vivid snapshot of the climate in the area of 29 Maxfield Avenue at the time.
Chosen Few - Am I Black Enough / Psychedelic Train
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1972/ 1970
N/A
Undoubtedly one of the best Funky Reggae tunes from Derrick Harriott's production, "Am I Black Enough" was originally a Billy Paul hit and has been covered by Derrick Harriott and Chosen Few who were into the Black Power movement at the time. The B-side "Psychedelic Train" is one of the earliest Funky Reggae instrumental songs which made Derrick Harriott recognized for his Funk-influenced style to listeners.
Junior Murvin (Junior Soul) - Rescue The Children / Rescue The Children Version
Move & Groove / Dub Store Records JPN 1974
N/A
Recorded in 1974, this is Junior Murvin's first Roots tune ever. Having always been sought after by collectors, this song is possibly the ultimate classic. This is a completely different take from the one Junior Murvin recorded for Lee Perry in 1977 for the “Police and Thieves” LP distributed by Island. Undoubtedly this is one of Murvin’s best tunes, which should be in every collector’s record box.
Exco Levi, Kabaka Pyramid - Strive / Lutan Fyah - Lonesome Soldier
Silly Walks / Buyreggae EU 2013
N/A
Chronixx - Here Comes Trouble / Version
Overstand Entertainment / Buyreggae EU 2013
¥1880 (US$12.17)
Toots & The Maytals - 54-46 Was My Number / Pressure Drop (Off Center)
Beverleys UK 1969
¥2180 (US$14.11)
Triston Palmer - Tek A Set / Roots Radics - South A De Border (Mixed By Scientist)
Black Solidarity UK 1984
¥1880 (US$12.17)