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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.
Ethiopians - You Got To Be Clean / Miss Nora
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥1380 (US$8.89)
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.
Roland Alphonso - Sai Pan / Black Brothers - Born To Rule
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥1380 (US$8.89)
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.
Roland Alphonso - How Soon / How Soon Part 2
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
N/A
Roland Alphonso has covered many songs with his own unique style from his early career. 'How Soon' is simply another beautiful instrumental cover performed by Roland. ‘How Soon Pt.2' is a previously unreleased take to the A-side. Released on Federal label in 1966 and reissued from the original master tape.
Henry Buckley - Beware Of All Those Rude Boys / If I Am Right
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥1980 (US$12.75)
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.
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.
Renegades - Mr. Hops / Oswald Sewell - Oh My Love
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥1380 (US$8.89)
The Renegades consisted of Winston 'Pipe' Matthews, Lloyd 'Bread' McDonald and George 'Buddy' Haye and later became a group called the Wailing Souls. Definitely, ‘Mr. Hops’ is the most powerful Rocksteady vocal song among the whole Merritone catalogue. Originally released in 1966 and one of the rarest records you could never find. This record also features previously unreleased Ska vocal recording 'Oh My Love' from the original master tape.
Sharks - You Made Me Warm / Sharks, Federal Studio Orchestra - You Made Me Warm
Kentone / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥1480 (US$9.53)
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!
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.
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.
Phyllis Dillon - One Life To Live / Tommy McCook - My Best Dress
Treasure Isle 1969
B: My Best Girl
N/A
Gladstone Anderson, Lynn Taitt, Jets - Glad Sounds
¥2500 (US$16.10)
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!!
Cables - What Kind Of World / Lester Sterling, Skatalites - Peace And Love (Original Stamper)
Studio One 1968/ 1965
N/A
Conroy Smith - Sugar Me / Sugar Me Version
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1989
¥1280 (US$8.24)
A few titles has been released on Suguar Minott’s ‘Conscious Lover’ rhythm but ‘Sugar Me’ by Conroy Smith is one of the most wanted records on the rhythm among collectors. On this smooth drifting rhythm, he sings mournfully but also with his sweet lyrics.
Ernest Ranglin - Guitar In Ernest
¥2500 (US$16.10)
Internationally acclaimed guitarist Ernest Ranglin with piano genius Leslie Butler in a dazzling quartet. Recorded in 1965.
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.
Renegades - Big And Fine / Oswald Sewell - Where Can He Go
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥1380 (US$8.89)
The Renegades showcase one of their valuable early works to perfection. 'Big And Fine' was originally released 1966 and collectors would say the record is one of the most sought after records by the group. It also features Oswald Sewell 's previously unreleased Ska vocal material 'Oh My Love' from the original master tape on the B-side.
J Boog - Let's Do It Again / Major Riddim Instrumental
Don Corleon / Buyreggae EU 2011
¥2080 (US$13.40)
Count Owen & His Calypsonians - Calypsos Down Jamaica Way
¥2500 (US$16.10)
Crucial recordings of the multifaceted Jamaican Music from the early 1960's. Funny and sharp, with the catchiest tunes – foundation music to move your feet!
Stranger Cole, Patsy, Skatalites - Word Is Wind / Dobby Dobson - Cry Another Cry
Kentone / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
N/A
7inch single cut from the album "Jamaican Skarama", which was reissued by Dub Store Records on LP and CD in 2007. The great duo, Stranger & Patsy who recorded many classics during the 60's, sings another standard 'Word Is Wind'. Jamaican soul 'Cry Another Cry' by Dobby Dobson is featured on the B-side. Both songs are first time to appear on 7inch single.
Prince Junior - Crucial Boy / Crucial Boy Version
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1985
¥1280 (US$8.24)
Prince Junior’s ‘Crucial Boy’ appeared on the King Jammy’s classic LP [Prince Jammy Presents VOL. 2]. Although he recorded a few songs for King Jammy in 1986, much information about the artist remains unknown. However, this ‘crucial ’song preaches equal rights, Justice and Love & Unity over his high-pitched weeping voice with his conscious and profound lyrics.
Half Pint - One Big Ghetto / Tonto Irie - Ram Up Every Corner
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1984
N/A
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.
Sugar Minott - Conscious Lover / Pad Anthony - By Show Down
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1989
¥1280 (US$8.24)
Sugar Minott always showcased his versatile talent by singing lover’s rock to dancehall songs and attracted a variety of wide audiences. Certainly, he proves this ability on the ‘Tonight’ rhythm, which is regarded as one of the most popular rhythms among the Jammys catalogue. On the flip side, Pad Anthony sings a soundclash anthem to the same rhythm. The song only appeared on a LP album entitled ‘Sound Clash 89’.
J Boog - Waiting In The Rain / Protoje, Kymani Marley - Rasta Love
Don Corleon / Buyreggae EU 2011
N/A
Count Ossie, Mellow Cats - Rock A Man Soul / Lee Perry - Pronce Is In The Back
Studio One / Collectors Series 1961
N/A
Rapper Robert, Jim Brown (Jimnastick) - Minister For Ganja / Rappa Robert, Sound Dimension - Minister For Version
Studio One US (Org) 1982
Full Up Info: Original Press
N/A
Eddie Perkins - I'm Coming Home / Merritone All Stars - I'm Coming Home Instrumental
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥1380 (US$8.89)
Recorded in 1967 and previously unreleased material from the original master tape. This elegant but also distinctive recording is certainly incomparable to other recordings appeared during the Rocksteady era. Veteran singer, Eddie Perkins, started his career in the early 1960s and he worked with Alton Ellis as duo called Alton and Eddy.
Pad Anthony - Murderer / Tullo T - None Ah Dat
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1987
N/A
King Jammy recorded two outstanding songs on the foundation ‘Heavenless’ rhythm among many others. Although Pad Anthony’s ‘Murderer’ is perhaps the most well known soundclash standard, Tullo T aka Papa Tullo showcased his conscious lyrics with fast-rapping style on the same rhythm.
Gregory Isaacs - Ruler / Ruler Version
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1989
¥1680 (US$10.82)
‘The Ruler’ by Gregory Isaacs was only available for listening on a LP album “Reggae Sound War: Electrocutioner Vol.2”. The reggae crooner gently buries idiot sound bwoys with his killer lyrics and stand tall as the Cool Ruler. Recorded to the same rhythm track ‘Running From Reality’ by Admiral Tibet.
Monarchs, Drumbago All Stars - All Of Me / Sneer Towners - You Say Me Say
Kentone / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥1480 (US$9.53)
Mid-tempo Ska song by a vocal group called The Monarchs. They only appear on this recording and the rest of information remains unknown. Side-b features previously unreleased version of Sneer Towners' 'You Say Me Say', which appeared on the album "Jamaican Skarama" reissued by Dub Store Records.
Desmond Dekker - Unity / Austin Faithful, Hippies - Ain't That Peculiar
Pyramid UK / Beverleys 1968
¥1880 (US$12.11)
Johnny Melody (George Dekker) - Cover Your Mouth (Govern Your Motuh) / Larry Marshall - Money Girl
Beverleys UK 1967
¥2380 (US$15.33)