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.

‘The Loser’is gloriously considered as one of the most significant songs as well as rhythm tracks in the history of Reggae music. Also entitled as‘The Winner’, the song is easily adapted to sound system dubplates. Talking about the genre of Rocksteady, this song cannot be ignored.‘Now We Know’on the flip side is to be released on 7 inch single for the first time ever.

‘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.

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.

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.

Based on the Rhythm and Blues classic, this is a super rare uptempo Ska cover and for all Ska Man and the DJ’s!
Originally sung by Amos Milburn, in the 50’s this had been a sound system classic in Jamaica. There is nowhere else in the world but Jamaica could produce such a cover version and utterly convincing Drummond’s solo works nicely as a spice of this tune. Originally released on a blank label although it’s a super rare one to find - a proud copy to own and must have for all Ska Man. On the flip is a great vocal Ska yet the singer’s detail is completely unknown. *Recommended to pair this title with the instrumental version by Don Drummond on this very same series(DSR-FW7-04)

Another smash hit Ska masterpiece by the Blues Busters, the superstar duo who had been dominating the Jamaican pop music industry since the 50’s!! Covering the American hits as their specialty, the popular group had left a number of Jamaican souls, although only a few ska hits. Out of those few, this is undoubtedly another one of the most considerable tunes they had left. An excellent singing melody sparkles on top of the Byron Lee’s iconic softly touched bass line.

Dancehall expert Pad Anthony left so many hit tunes for Jammy at the golden age of the label in the 80’s. “Ruff A Them” is a slightly Roots orientated killer rhythm with a twinkle of Jammy’s Dancehall essence to it. Pad Anthony going right in showcasing his dazzling melody sense.

Ever since his career bean in the early 80’s, the veteran Pad Anthony has always played an important role at frontline of the Dancehall music even to date. This previously unreleased material has only been heard on dubplates and Dub Store Records is proud to finally reissue this gem. Soulful vocal and Jammy’s trademark melancholic digital rhythm is just a combination that never seem to fail.

Previously unreleased material from Frankie Wilmott recorded straight from the master tape. Known for his 80’s classics such as “Sensimilla” and “Money Gone Down The Drain”, Frankie has been passionately supported from Dancehall fans across the globe. “Why Won’t You Come” features a tight rhythm based around the warm bassline and Frankie’s sensitive vocal excellently resonate throughout the track.

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.

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.

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.

The very first Merritone ska classic released under its project the Federal Ska! Featuring a classic Rocksteady tune from no other than Lynn Taitt on the flip. No one else but him should be qualified as the Mr. Rocksteay, Hopeton Lewis presents a rare early Ska! Reminding the good old days in Kingston with slow, nice and easy vibes. On the B-side, Lynn Taitt just proves again how tight and heavy the sound was at the Federal studio back then with this great piece of music.

Originally started as The Renegades onto The Classics, one of the most prominent vocal groups, Wailing Souls have been keeping it authentic since the 60’s. Although they did not record that many at the digital dancehall era this one has been well received since day. Having both roots and dancehall elements is one of the key factors of King Jammy’s sound and this one remains as a masterpiece with the sorrow vocals by Wailing Souls. On the flip an enormously rare Wackad – Cry For The Youth who only released a few tracks from the late 80’s and early 90’s. Previously this can only be heard as a part of the compilation “King Jammy: A Man & His Music vol.1”.

'The Exit' by Dennis Brown is a tough song on a classic dancehall rhythm 'Screechie Across The Border', which often regarded as one of the best 80's dancehall rhythms.
Comparing to its original – 'Screechie Across The Border' by Courtney Melody, it sounds a little less dynamic but the reconstructed rhythm based on pensive minor chords perfectly matches to the singer's profound vocal and lyrics.

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.

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”

Sampling one of the greatest classics Black Uhuru left for Jammy’s, the remarkable roots revival tune is finally out on vinyl. Dominating the recent rasta revival movement, Cronixx sings freely bringing new life to the rhythm with his strong message. Representing the excellent side of reggae music of taking lessons from the past.