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Skatalites - Freedom Sounds / Freedom Sounds (Early Take)
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1964
¥2180 (US$14.18)
‘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.
Don Drummond - Gypsy Song / Green Island
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥1580 (US$10.28)
These utterly rare previously unreleased materials from the 50’s are possibly some of the oldest Don Drummond recordings ever to be made. Drummond is well-known for the symbolic masterpiece like ‘Green Island’, but THIS is a very special take of him playing the tune alongside the Jamaican Vibraphone virtuoso and band master of the Alpha Boys School, Lennie Hibbert in the 50’s! The take was originally cut into a dubplate as a Down Beat special, then to a recording tape in the early 60’s. After all it had been stored in the Studio One’s tape shed. This almost mythical piece of the history of Jamaican music tells the dawn of Jamaican music in the 50’s. As might be expected, Studio One, the name is well deserved.
Soulettes - That Ain't Right / One More Chance
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥2180 (US$14.18)
Brimmed with the vibes, this un-released killer Ska cover was recorded when Rita Marley and the Soulettes were at their best. Although it had never been released back then, Chris Wilson and the Heartbeat crew compiled this as a part of compilation series in the 90’s. The great Mr. Coxsone Dodd knew what's going on; as a spice, he occasionally released some unpublished materials. Like the name "Soulettes" suggests, this type of Soul music is their specialty and this is a female vocal Ska masterpiece.
Soul Brothers - Freedom Sounds / Freedom Sounds Take 2
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥2180 (US$14.18)
The astonishing take of previously unpublished Rocksteady - reveals new facts about Studio One’s Ska and Rocksteady!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.
Monty Alexander, Cyclones - Summertime / Dog It
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1962
¥2080 (US$13.53)
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 - Last Call / Last Call Take 2
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥2180 (US$14.18)
Known as a synonym for “killer”, this is one of the best singles released on Studio 1 by Don Drummond, including another precious take that’s been previously unreleased. Compare to any other artists, the extreme tension that Don Drummond brings into his sessions were next level. His trombone skills were above genius and it is clear to hear his strong personality and humanity through his music. With his works being released on Studio One and other productions, he had established the “Far Eastern Sound” which still lives today in Jamaica. The fact all the music that was influenced by this sound has been evaluated since therefore it is a proof of how his music is universality. It is interesting that all the unreleased Skatalites tracks from this era have different solo phrases each time, showing how valuable these recordings are for the archive.
Wailers - Rock Sweet Rock / Jerk In Time
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥2180 (US$14.18)
The Wailers have recorded a number of tunes for Studio One, however this release still gets talked a lot as its specialty. Recorded just before they left Studio One, this double A-sided single includes two of the best tunes that lead by Bunny Wailer himself. It’s even possible to hear in this excellent music that the time has come to ripen for the band to see the vision of starting up their own Wail ‘N’ Soul ’M’ label. Both sides are identical to its original release.
Roland Alphonso - From Russia With Love / Cleopatra
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥2180 (US$14.18)
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!
Roland Alphonso, Soul Brothers - Sca-Balena / Tommy McCook (Miss Credit) - Two For One (Miss Credit)
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥2180 (US$14.18)
Both sides are extremely rare unreleased takes of ska instrumentals by Roland Alphonso, Tommy McCook and the Soul Brothers. Sca-Balena is a famous cover in which you can enjoy the brilliance of Roland Alphonso, and a completely new latin take of “Two For One” originally played by Tommy McCook. It is really hard to expect what will come out of the warehouse of well-established label like Studio One, although Sir Coxsone knew exactly where everything was being placed. We’re sorry that the “Bridge View” is a misprint instead of “Two For One” Both have been recorded from the original master-tapes.
Minstrells - People Get Ready / Hamlins - Everyone Got To Be There
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥2180 (US$14.18)
Studio One’s golden Rocksteady cover; even hipper and cooler than the original by the Impressions. The original has been known for its excellent lyric and melodies, thanks to the composer Curtis Mayfield, however the Minstrells brought this to a total perfection. Even though the Minstrells left us a small number of recordings, the great vocal group had such a high standard for every single one of them. If you’ve listened to the original press of this tune, you will find the intro has been cut, unfortunately that was the same deal for the master-tape itself. The nice rocksteady by the firm but short-lived Hamlins comes on the other side. Both have been recorded from the original master-tapes.
Tommy McCook, Supersonics - Soul Serenade (Coloured Vinyl) / Paragons - Same Song
Treasure Isle 1968
N/A
Derrick Harriott - Loser / Derrick Harriott, Bobby Ellis, Desmond Miles Seven - Now We Know
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
N/A
‘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.
Little Kirk - Don't Touch The Crack / Don't Touch The Crack Version
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1987
¥1280 (US$8.33)
Now veteran deejay Kirk Davis who started his career as Little Kirk back in the 80's, since then he has been on his move. Known for his major songs: 'Screechie Across The Border' and 'Ghetto People Broke', also one of those is 'Don't Touch The Crack'. A tough digital steppers cut.
Marcia Griffiths - It's Too Late Baby (Press Noise)
Harry J 1975
Info: Adapted, Carol King
¥680 ¥1680 (US$10.93)
Roland Alphonso, Soul Brothers - Rollie Pollie (Original Stamper) / Roland Alphonso - Puzzle
Studio One 1965
¥1180 (US$7.68)
Barrington Levy, Trinity - Genocide / Barrington Levy - Tell Dem Already
Irie Ites EU 2013
¥980 (US$6.37)
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.
Sharks - You Made Me Warm / Sharks, Federal Studio Orchestra - You Made Me Warm
Kentone / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥1480 (US$9.63)
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!
Derrick Harriott - Do I Worry / Bobby Ellis, Crystalites - Shuntin
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
N/A
‘Do I Worry’is as important Rocksteady tune as Derrick Harriott’s other hit‘The Loser’in his vast catalog. The B-side features powerful horn blow and Bobby Ellis’ trumpet solo is nicely done. Reissued with these original recordings on both sides.
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.
Junior Murvin - Rescue Jah Children / Instrumental Dub Version
Wild Flower / Dub Store Records JPN 1976
N/A
This tune was the second Roots tune recorded by Junior Murvin after his first 1974 masterpiece. With different dynamics, this great track was also highly sought after, and considering this tune as one of his few recordings during the period, it should be recognized as an important record and a true masterpiece.
Delroy Williams - Three Men In A Truck Back / Jah Bull - Free Jah Jah Children
Rockers / Message / Onlyroots EU 1975
N/A
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.
Derrick Harriott - Reach Out I'll Be There / Bobby Ellis, Crystalites - Illya Kuryakin
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
N/A
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.
Karl Bryan, Crystalites - Slippery / Crystalites - Tonight
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1969/ 1970
N/A
'Slippery' is a beautifully arranged minor-chorded sax cut to Harriott production's classic rhythm, "Tonight." B-side is a piano instrumental version to the flip side.
Junior Soul - Hustler / Bongo Herman, Les - Home Sweet Home
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1969/ 1971
N/A
The Hustler' is one of Junior Murvin's, who gained international success later in his career, earliest works and is a rare tune that collectors have been after for many years. Made in 1969, this is also one of most popular up-tempo early Reggae tunes and undoubtedly the masterpiece. The flip side is the version to the A-side that featured keyboard and percussion.
Ramon, Crystalites - Golden Chickens / Bongo Herman, Les - Hail I
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1970
¥1380 (US$8.98)
Minor chorded and wicked organ instrumentals by Crystalites. It is worth to be mentioned that in this song, listeners can experience the rare toasting of Ramon The Mexican who was the resident deejay at Harriott's Musical Chariot Sound System and later changed his name to Ambelique. Both sides are the two of the best Early Reggae tunes.
Chuck Turner - We Rule The Dancehall / We Rule The Dancehall Version
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1987
¥1280 (US$8.33)
Chuck Turner has recorded his impressive songs at Jammys such as 'I Need You' and 'Run Around Girl'. 'We Rule The Dancehall' is one of those and this tough steppers rhythm was build by notable Steelie & Clivie. His melancholy voice is something very contrary to his aggressive lyrics but that's something it makes this record attractive.
Chaka Demus - Original Kuff / Original Kuff Version
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1989
N/A
In the period of Jammays golden era, Chaka Demus was a prolific artist among others like Admiral Bailey. At this time, Bobby Digital, who was often regarded as the right-hand man of King Jammy, had a popular 'Peanie Peanie' rhythm. 'Original Kuff' was recorded on this rhythm, which can be characterized by its minor chord baseline and choppy riffs and there Chaka Demus performs his catchy lyrics and melody smoothly.
John Wayne - Love It A Kill Me / Love It A Kill Me Version
Firehouse / Dub Store Records JPN 1987
N/A
The "Tempo" rhythm is considered one of the historical rhythms in the golden period of dancehall and it was apparently an answer rhythm to Jammys "Sleng Teng" rhythm."Love It A Kill Me" by John Wayne is probably the most sought after and popular cut on the rhythm and the record itself includes a superb dub-version on the side B by the Dub Master, King Tubby. Although the artist does not sing as powerfully as he does on his hit song "Call The Police" he the still displays his unique lyrical flow. Originally, 7inch vinyl record was released on the Kingston 11 label and the 12inch was on the Firehouse label.
Echo Minott - I Am Back / I Am Back Version
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1987
¥1680 (US$10.93)
Since the early dancehall period, Echo Minott aka Noel Phillips recorded some songs for King Jammy. After having a hit single ‘Murder Weapon’ on the Signet label in 1992, the deejay became absent in the business and away from Jamaica for nearly 2 year. But he came back to the scene with another hit ‘I Am Back’ produced by King Jammy.
Various - Digital Acoustic (1 CD + 1 Mix CD [Non Stop Mix by Iron 'Telano' Giant for Club Jamaica])
Necessary Mayhem UK 2010
¥1580 ¥999 (US$6.50)