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.

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.

A perfect, yet low-keyed, Studio One Rocksteady double A-sided masterpiece!! Recorded in 1967 while Clement Dodd and Soul Vendors were on tour in the UK. The former Jamaican popular singer Owen Gray, who had already been living there then, voiced these unique pieces. It sounds very different from the ones recorded at Brentford Road, although both tunes certainly have the “Coxsone Sound” – A masterpiece that is refined, and maximize the talent of this one-time star. Only ‘The Raver’ was recorded from the original master-tape.

The astonishing take of previously unpublished Rocksteady - reveals new facts about Studio One’s Ska and Rocksteady!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the famous “Freedom Sounds”, the band has reconstructed as the Soul Brothers and this is the astonishing, previously unpublished take of them playing the Rocksteady version.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.

A faultless selection of seriously sublime rock steady from Derrick Harriott. A timeless classic where one of the pivotal pioneers of Jamaican music lays down sweet melodies, mellow grooves and wall to wall soul.

Rocksteady cover of the undoubtable Impressions’ anthem. Out of many rocksteady tunes this one stands out with its splendid arrange and engineering genius. Backed with The Uniques legendary “Never Let Me Go”.

Winston Riley started his production career as a singer with an enviable track record, having formed the Techniques in 1962 and hitting the top of the charts two years later with the splendid ‘Little Did You Know’ for Duke Reid’s esteemed Treasure Isle label. When the frantic ska beat slowed down and turned into rocksteady Winston remained the only permanent component of the Techniques, arguably Jamaica’s finest vocal group.

As the beat changed yet again from rock steady to the faster reggae format, Winston’s thoughts turned to production, and he decided to create his own ‘Techniques’ label. A serious man with a serious work ethic, the quality of his music was apparent from the start as he released hit after hit, producing and singing as part of the different combinations of singers and vocal groups that he worked with.

Founder of Jamaica’s first recording studio, Ken Khouri produced early ska classics
14 first-rate ska pieces including previously unreleased materials from undoubtedly the industry leading Federal Records that consisted the virtuoso Ernest Ranglin and co.

Previously unreleased rare instrumental Ska masterpieces based on Rhythm and Blues classic!

These are the previously unreleased two instrumental cuts of the cheerful cover of Amos Milburn’s Jamaican sound system classic in the 50’s sung by Clive Wilson. Clearly great and with full of vibes, if your are a Ska Man there is no way to avoid these special tunes. *Recommended to pair this with the vocal version by Clive Wilson released on this very same series (DSR-FW7-02)

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!

A selection of magical rocksteady music from one of the masters of the genre…One of the forerunners in Jamaican music from its very beginning, Derrick Harriott, along with a stellar cast, showcases the some superb rocksteady.

Obscure but undoubtedly a historical nyabinghi masterpiece played byy Count Ossie with organ virtuoso Leslie Butler. Backed with a genre defining "ABC Rock Stedy" by The Gaylads.

A prominent singer backed by none other than the Skatalites, it is a symbolic Ska beat representing Kentone which will make everyone a smile. Although the Maytals have recorded Ska tunes for Studio One, Prince Buster and many more, they might have taken a further step when recording for the Jamaican music industry’s godfather, Ken Kouri by singing it well tight and fiery. Even for the Federal side, it must have been quite special to hire the Skatalites for this project. One minute and half might be a little too short for an A side, though this one will make you want to slip it in your DJ box every time.

Previously unreleased early acoustic cut from master tape! Unprolific vocal group called Sharks (also spelled Sheiks) released the up-tempo original cut in 1965. The reissue features the original cut on the B-side and the early acoustic cut on the A-side. With raw double bass, deep acoustic guitar and backing chorus that reminds the chain gang work songs, the group sings astonishing love song. "I was so cold last night, You made me warm, with your heart, with your lips, with your charm"…The song purely transcends musical boundaries of the time and this is another Jamaican gem!

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.