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Illbilly Hitec, Longfingah, Tribuman - Head Up (Reggae Not Dead) / Illbilly Hitec - Head Up (Zion Train Dub-Mix)
Tieftonkultur EU 2014
¥980 (US$6.28)
Hopeton Lewis - Rock A Shacka / I Don't Want Trouble
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥1380 (US$8.85)
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.
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.
Maria Anderson - Cottage By The Sea Side / Woman In Love
Cobra / Dub Store Records JPN 1975
¥2180 (US$13.98)
Beautifully shinning golden female Lover's Rock.At this time, the Wailers band didn't play much of those sweet love songs, however this 7” definitely proves Familyman’s versatile musical orientation. A truly tight rhythm section beautifully blends with this rather unknown singer’s superb voice making these nothing but a masterpiece. A heart calming double-sider.
Soul Brothers - Freedom Sounds / Freedom Sounds Take 2
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥2180 (US$13.98)
The astonishing take of previously unpublished Rocksteady - reveals new facts about Studio One’s Ska and Rocksteady!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the famous “Freedom Sounds”, the band has reconstructed as the Soul Brothers and this is the astonishing, previously unpublished take of them playing the Rocksteady version.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.
Protoje, Chronixx - Who Knows / Dub Mix
Overstand Entertainment / Buyreggae EU 2014
¥2080 (US$13.34)
Chosen Few - People Make The World Go Round / Derrick Harriott - Brown Baby
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1972/ 1973
N/A
One of the best cover versions of a Philadelphia Soul classic, "People Makes The World Go Round" is performed by Chosen Few, who were idolizing The Stylistics so much. The flip side “Brown Baby" is another Funky Reggae vocal sang by the producer Derrick Harriott himself
Johnny Osbourne - Road Block / Little John - Come Fe Mash It
Prince Jammys Dub / Dub Store Records JPN 1985
Billy Jean B: Stalag
N/A
Johnny Osbourne, who recorded many of numerous hit tunes for Jammys, sings a killer number 'Line Up', which is favored by 80's dancehall lovers. On the Side-B, Little John severely performs extraordinary dubplate special 'Come Fe Mash It' on 'Stalag' rhythm.
Tarrus Riley - Gimme Likkle One Drop / Chronixx - Ain't No Giving In
Chimney Records / Buyreggae EU 2013
¥1880 (US$12.06)
Silvertones - Dis Ya River / Taitu Riddim Force, Chazbo - Dis Ya Dub
Taitu US 2014
¥1760 ¥1580 (US$10.13)
Roland Alphonso - From Russia With Love / Cleopatra
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥2180 (US$13.98)
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!
Monty Alexander, Cyclones - Summertime / Dog It
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1962
¥2080 (US$13.34)
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.
Don Drummond - Don D Special / Fidel
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥2080 (US$13.34)
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.
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.
Family Man, Rebel Arms - Eastern Memphis / Wailers - Rebel Am I
Cobra / Dub Store Records JPN 1973
¥2180 (US$13.98)
This is the quintessence of the Wailers lead by Familyman, playing a killer horn instrumental and the dubwise. Arguably one of the most accomplished reggae instrumentals to date. The Wailers consisting of the Barrett brothers is without a doubt the number one band of the era, showcasing their full confidence which later gets praised by the entire world. The bold and courageous, yet ambitious and highly spirited, everything you need to get out of the Caribbean ghetto to the world is heard in this miraculous recording.
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.
Jah 9 - Reverence / Iba Mahr - Great Is H.I.M
Overstand Entertainment / Buyreggae EU 2013
¥1880 (US$12.06)
Ninjaman - Ninja Mi Ninja (May skip in the middle due to a pressing defect) / Version
Down Sound / Buyreggae EU 2014
¥1680 (US$10.77)
Restless Mashaits, Dizzy Moore, Deadly Headley Bennett, Everton Gayle, Scully - King Of Kings (Alternative Horns Cut)
Partial UK 1999
¥1380 (US$8.85)
Roland Alphonso - Ska Culation / Jack Sparrow - Ice Water
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥2180 (US$13.98)
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.
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.
Llans Thelwell, His Celestials - Mughead Ska / Free For All
BMN / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥1480 (US$9.49)
One of the most wanted Ska titles to date, this is an ultimate killer Ska instrumental for all DJs. An exclusive reissue of the utterly rare and unique title amongst all the Ska instrumentals! Some say the title of this super killer masterpiece was taken from the musician Barry Malcolm’s nickname “Mughead”. Backed with an excellent B-side ‘Free For All’just like the original release. There are no more instructions needed for this great release!
Hopeton Lewis - Run If You Are Afraid / Sounds And Pressure
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
N/A
A rare previously unreleased Rocksteady by Federal’s star singer, Hopeton Lewis. This killer Rocksteady represents one of the traditional elements of Jamaica, as well as the Rude Boy themed warning which could be heard in the lyrics. These types of unreleased materials could only be dug out at such a profound label, Federal.
Konshens - Don Daddy / Assassin (Agent Sasco) - Hear Mi Nuh
Juke Boxx / Buyreggae EU 2014
¥1380 (US$8.85)
Alton Ellis - You Make Me Happy / Lovella Ellis - You Don't Know My Name
All Tone UK 2005
Info: Adapted
¥1980 (US$12.70)
Jump With Joey - El Diablo Ska (Label Damage) / Artibella
Laughing Pussy US (Blank) (Org) 1990
Info: Original Press
¥1580 (US$10.13)
Sugar Minott - River Jordan / Captain Sinbad, Little John - 51 Storm
Black Roots / Patate EU 1979
N/A
東京スカパラダイスオーケストラ, Asian Kung-fu Generation - Wake Up! / 東京スカパラダイスオーケストラ - Work Song
Cutting Edge / Jet Set JPN 2014
N/A
Conquerors - Lonely Street / Moving Brothers - Don't Play That Song
Treasure Isle / Buyreggae EU 1968
N/A
Morgan Heritage - Works To Do / Ras Shiloh - Don't Take Your Love Away
Digital B EU 2003
¥1380 (US$8.85)
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.
Ethiopians - You Got To Be Clean / Miss Nora
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥1380 (US$8.85)
Previously unreleased material from the original master tape. Ethiopians recorded a couple of songs for Merritone label in 1976. During this proto-reggae/roots period, they surprisingly recorded this roots song ‘You Got To Be Clean’ with lyrics referring to “Zion” in 1966. Side B is a love song that expresses sentimental feelings of a boy who fail in love with a girl.
Hopeton Lewis - Cool Collie / This Poor Boy
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
N/A
Originally released in 1966, 'Cool Collie' is sometimes considered as one of the first Rocksteady recordings. With hard hit paformance by the back band, Hepetone Lewis sings to free Ganja which is the one of the essential elements of Jamaican music tradition.B-side, Mr. Rocksteady performs a bitter love song in a minor key.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dennis Brown - Lips Of Wine / Crystalites - Stranger In Town
Move & Groove / Dub Store Records JPN 1970
¥1380 (US$8.85)
Being known as Crown Prince of Reggae, this is Dennis Brown's commemorated first single and it was written and composed by Dennis himself. This is, of course, before he started recording at Studio One and is one of his best heartwarming songs. Crystalites' killer keyboard instrumental is featured on B-side and has been admired to listeners who have great appreciation for 1969-70’s up-tempo instrumentals.
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.