'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.

The Termites consisted of Lloyd Parks and Wentworth Vernal and they recorded a very small amount of works except for Coxsone Dodd at Studio One. 'We Gonna Make It'is the rarest recording of the group on Merritone label. On the Side-B, the lead vocalist of the Ethiopians, Leonard Dillon sings 'We Gonna Be Free' with his familiar voice. Released in 1967.

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.

One of the earliest works recorded by John Holt. This is a golden Rocksteady piece clearly depicts beautiful atmosphere that Federal Records always has kept in their recording material. The single was originally released in 1966 without this acappella version. Reissued from the original master tape.

Wayne Simth unexpectedly appeared on the top of dancehall scene with Jammys' monster rhythm 'Sleng Teng' in the mid 80's at one burst. Hardcore dancehall fans will recognize this song 'My Lord My God' on 'Screechie Across The Border' rhythm is one of the most popular songs within his Jammys' catalogue.

'Rock Them One By One' is a King Jammys' digital remake on 70's classic roots tune 'Wicked Can't Run Away' by Glen Richards. Its version is very detailed to its original but still a tough digital dancehall cut. Eccleton Jarrett's delicate vocal stands out proudly.

Jamaica's favorite US northern soul group, Chilites, performs smooth harmonies on an updated version of 'Sleng Teng' rhythm produced by King Jammy's son, JohnJohn, Pad Anthony sings 'Caan Mek We Run Way' on another Jammys classic 'Jump Up' rhythm in his finest style.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

It is well-known that Wayne Smith, who was deeply associated with Jammys in production of 'Sleng Teng' rhythm, was an essential individual to embrace the Digital Revolution for Reggae / Jamaican musical history. Its tough baseline that symbolized Jammys' real sound work and young Wayne Smith's high key voice, both elements perfectly fused together to create another killer tune.

Wayne Smith scored numerous hits at Jammys and one well known is 'Under Mi Sleng Teng'. He also released same title album 'Under Mi Sleng Teng' where he showcased wavy & choppy 'E20' and crisp & clear song 'In Thing' on further computerized [Barrington Levy - Come] rhythm.

Robert Lee was also one of demanded singers at Jammys because of his musical characteristic - 'Out of Key' style. Here King Tubby produced 'Tempo' rhythm was rearranged by Jammys and it allowed Robert Lee to perform calmly with his aggressive lyrical expression for creating another killer song.

Junior Marvin is apparently more known for his 70's work but he continued his career while dancehall period and released album 'Apartheid' at Jammys. This heavy weight dancehall song 'Jack Slick' was on the album and released on 12" single vinyl. On side B, 'Dancehall Vibes' by Anthony Johnson on the same rhythm with different arrangements was only released on 12" single vinyl.

‘Runnings’ by Dave Bailey begins with very rough & tough melodic elevation. This is certainly one of his classic songs! The strong digital track, which was created by magic hands of Redman with profound roots in essence, matches perfectly to Dave Bailey’s melancholy vocal.

Johnny Osbourne recorded many major hit songs such as ‘Buddy Bye’and ‘On The Right Track’ for King Jammy. And ‘Chain Robbery’ is one of those and still regarded as one of his best works with King Jammy by the 80’s hardcore dancehall funs.

While digital dancehall was gaining in popularity since 1985, Pad Anthony released a large number of classical songs with King Jammy. ‘Dangerous System’ is one of his major songs. The artist focuses on systematic oppression as his theme to deliver his warning lyrics to the same rhythm track ‘Like A Dragon’ by Wayne Smith and ‘History’ by Dennis Brown.

Little John praises King Jammys Super Power with his melancholy vocal and serious lyrics. Anthony Malvo and Collin Roach, who both recorded at King Jammys Recording Studio regularly, sings world renowned song 'We Are The World' in combination.

Another crucial dubplate by Nitty Gritty on his hit tune 'Trial And Crosses'. Side-A features Pad Anthony's 'Try A Time' and original dubplate version of 'Trial And Crosses' by Nitty Gritty on the other side. Only some foundation sound systems own and play Nitty Gritty's dubplates as he was shot to death in 1991.

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.

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.

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.

Leslie Butler's Jazz approach, which can be heard in the beginning, obviously secures elegance of 'Let Me Come On Home'. Hopeton Lewis also sings sufferer's song on the flipside. Both side are taken straight from the original master tape for this reissue.

Some people perhaps recognize the Untouchables for their Early Reggae works for Lee Perry. This is another crucial rare record to be reissued among Merritone catalogue. Originally released in 1967.

'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.

Although Super Black is known for his hits "Deh Wid You", "Rambo We Rambo" at Jammys, the artist also fit well with the Photographer label where he put out a superb song "Just Like A Magic". Among the 80's catalogue of King Tubby, "Rising Star" is very exceptional and features a unique groove, which is created by the solid bass line to bring out the best of Super Black's appealing voice.

Tony Tuff, who was one of predominant figures in the 80’s dancehall scene, showcases his low-keyed performance and sings about careless people who cannot wash, cook, iron, clean, he warns them to learn something. This speedy bouncy rhythm, which is very similar to Redman’s classic rhythm “Koloko”, symbolizes astonishing sound works of Redman’s rhythm building.