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Soul Vendors - Last Waltz / Hamlins - Sentimental Reason
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥2180 (US$14.30)
The Soul Vendors’ horn inst cover of a mellow Latin tune, backed with the authentic Studio One Rocksteady masterpiece. This gorgeous horn inst Rocksteady features a superb arrangement from King Cannon a.k.a. Carl ‘Cannonball’ Bryan and Roland Alphonso. Like the originals on the other side here comes the one that Island was certainly familiar with back then, the Nat King Cole’s excellent vocal cover from the Hamlins.
Roland Alphonso - Ska Culation / Jack Sparrow - Ice Water
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥2180 (US$14.30)
The Skatalites’ killer shot interpretation of the world’s famous electric guitar inst, and the fully carnival-mode Ska played by a luxurious bunch of musicians. Originally played by the American electric guitar band, this is the proof of how Jamaicans won’t miss no trends. Guaranteed killer up-tempo Ska! Identical to the originals on flip by Jack Sparrow later known as Leonard Dillon of the Ethiopians, this praiseworthy piece features the Wailers on the backing vocal.
Jennifer Lara - Woman Of The Ghetto / Jackie Mittoo, Sound Dimension - Side Walk Doctor Version
Dub Store Records JPN / Studio One 2004
¥2180 (US$14.30)
Soul Brothers - James Bond Girl / Summertair Girls - My Heart Cries Out
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥2180 (US$14.30)
Another classic killer ska from the short-lived Soul Brothers. As of the original on the other side comes a sweet female lovers vocal from a night before the Rocksteady era. Succeeding the authentic ska from the legendary Skatalites then evolving it to the sound of Rocksteady, a fluid session band of Studio One, the Soul Brothers bring another classic instrumental ska tune. Like you can almost smell the perfume of Rocksteady era at its best, here comes a cool and cute lovers tune from Kingston on the other side. When the Soul Brothers were active after the Skatalites, they have certainly lost the thrill of solo performances, though this might have been the Skatalites were just too great.. Recorded from the master tape itself, this take contains slightly different solo compare to the original single.
Roy Richards - Summertime / Sound Dimension - Soulful Strut
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1969
¥2180 (US$14.30)
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.
Sixy Morris - Me Nuh Response / Version
Blue Mountain / Digikiller / Deeper Knowledge US 1987
N/A
t's been a while since Digikiller issued any '80s digital tunes, but here's one of the rarest and best. Sixy Morris' tune was released on 7" in JA and on 12" in the UK. A great digital tune which combines elements of the classic late '80s digital sound with a bit of early '90s flavor, it's got a killer rolling bassline, great singing, and of course, the famous "scratching" fx!
Toots & The Maytals - 54-46 Was My Number / Pressure Drop (Off Center)
Beverleys UK 1969
¥2180 (US$14.30)
Leslie Butler - We've Only Just Begun
N/A
Because of his superior talent and intense personality, one of the most ingenious pianists Leslie Butler had a lack of releases, however he was given an exceptional chance by the Federal Records to record this one of the most peculiar albums in the history of Jamaican music. This beautifully finished Jamaican Jazz Funk/Rare Groove album is mostly constructed with the traditional covers that all Jamaicans will know although with the wonderful arrangement, and very Jamaican, ensemble stripping aesthetics give the album a whole new character that can’t be heard elsewhere.This masterpiece should make it to the shelves of not only reggae fans but soul and jazz fans as well. Leslie always committed on making a serious piece of music - never liked to make either of Jamaican popular music or business-like commercial music. He had a strong belief of not letting others to control his talent. Therefore there were often conflicts between him and producers or he was not even given a chance to record anything at all. It’s a really sad story, but this unfortunate musician’s lifestyle can be heard on the recordings such as “Guitar In Ernest – Ernest Ranglin (DSR-LP / CD-501)” and “Reggae Rhapsody – Leslie Butler (DSR-FEDS12-001).” Perhaps with this album in addition, it might be all enough.
Soul Brothers - Freedom Sounds / Freedom Sounds Take 2
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥2180 (US$14.30)
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.
George Moxey, Ernest Ranglin - Plays Music For Dancing
N/A
The leading pianist of Jamaican dance music since the 1930s, this is the only jazz album he recorded in the 60s. George Moxey has made an effort in the making of Jamaican dance music since the 1930s, teaching local musicians and has been praised as “Uncle George”. Born in Nassau, the capital of Bahama, Moxey moved to Jamaica in the 1930s where he formed and led an 8-piece band since 1939. His band took a big part in developing the local ballrooms and radio stations, therefore by the 1950s, he was a vital musician in Kingston music scene. This is a lounge style Caribbean jazz by himself and the Ernest Ranglin trio. By the young Ranglin at the time, Moxey must have appeared like a giant although the trio’s performances beautifully support Moxey at all times. It would be hard not to pay attention to the combination of this piano and guitar geniuses, the whole album is mainly constructed with the traditional calypso and jazz standards, though it also contains solo piano and organ ballads as well. As Moxey used to play organs for churches, it’s interesting how you can hear bits and pieces of those influences in his music, however it may be difficult to separate the Churches and Bibles by the background of Jamaican music. After leaving Jamaica, he became an ambassador of the Caribbean music and by the 50s he already become a legend there. This sound is the zest of good ole’ days, daddy Ken Khouri's Federal Records and having it as a real background, Jamaican music develops into Ska, Reggae to modern Ragga. Everything has its own roots, so as the Jamaican music.
King Alpha - Jah Warrior / Cyrenius Black, Conscious Sounds, Jah Zonar - I Love Jah Jah
Jah Tubbys UK 2013
N/A
Don Drummond - Rain Or Shine Take 2 / Rain Or Shine Take 3
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥2180 (US$14.30)
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.
Jamaicans - Chain Gang / Jackie Mittoo, Soul Brothers - Do The Bogaloo
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥2180 (US$14.30)
A great cover version of a Sam Cook hit with beautiful chorus and a killer instrumental that blended Jamaica’s Caribbean roots and Afro-Cuban essence. Jamaica’s favorite American singer, Sam Cook’s hit was beautifully transformed into a sweet and peaceful vocal Ska when it went through Studio One’s unique filter. The tune was taken straight from the master tape. The flip side features a mixed style of Caribbean-decent music that Soul Brothers could play best at and Jackie Mittoo’s burning keyboard maneuver made this killer instrumental best of the best.
Icho Candy - Cool Down Sufferer / Version
Tesfa / Digikiller / Deeper Knowledge US 1987
N/A
Cool Down Sufferer is probably Icho Candy's best tune, and it's back now on the Tesfa label, one of the main imprints of artist/producer Tesfa McDonald. Tesfa has now been active as a producer in five decades, so we pulled this gem from his back catalog, a heavy tune with cool synth sounds. It was originally released on the Tesfa label in JA on 7-inch, and on 12-inch in the UK on the Selah label.
Big Youth - Political Confusion / Version
Leggo Sounds / Digikiller / Deeper Knowledge US 1978
N/A
Big Youth's "Political Confusion" is a killer deejay version to the Jewels' "Love & Livity", which has been available from DKR for a few years now. Long overdue for re-release, a second cut to this heavy '70s roots rhythm is most welcome.
Henry Buckley - With A Girl Like You / Lynn Taitt, Jets - Last Waltz
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
N/A
Just like Hopeton Lewis, Henry Buckley also was one of the star singers of the Federal Records and this is his relaxed yet consistent, nice Rocksteady piece from 1967. The other side is a cut taken from the monumental Rocksteady album 「Rocksteady Greatest Hits」
Joe Higgs - Dinah (Original Stamper) / Peter Austin, Freedom Singers - Have Faith
Studio One 1966
N/A
Culture, Psychofreud, Dijeyow - Jah Jah See Dem A Come / DJ Panik, Dijeyow - Wheel Up
Dubnest UK 2013
N/A
Monty Alexander, Cyclones - Summertime / Dog It
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1962
¥2080 (US$13.64)
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.
Tartans - What You Gonna Do Now / Lynn Taitt, Jets - Pata Pata
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥1980 (US$12.99)
The Tartans were like the 70’s reggae all-stars, and this is their early big hit along with a rare Lynn Taitt’s instrumental! Formed by Prince Lincoln, Cedric Myton and Devon Russell, the Tartans brilliantly represent the “oldies but goodies’”vibe on the A-side. Flipping over to the B-side is the Lynn Taitt’s interpretation of the Miriam Makeba’s hit tune. Mysteriously it’s been unknown if this rare piece has been put out as a single or still being unreleased.
Alton Ellis - La La Means I Love You / Melodians - Passion Love
Treasure Isle UK 1968/ 1970
La La Means I Love You/Precious
N/A
Barry Brown; Revolutionaries - Forward On; Forward In Dub / Clarence Parks; Revolutionaries - So Jah Mean; Skylarking Dubplate Style
Channel One / Digikiller / Deeper Knowledge US 198-
N/A
Channel 1's lost and found series continues with a big ten-inch. This one features Channel 1's heavy update of the classic 'skylarking' rhythm. Barry Brown's "Forward On" originally appeared only on his classic "Far East" album. The vocal here is followed by an unreleased dub cut. The flip side is an unreleased vocal cut by Clarence Parks. This cut is followed by a different skylarking dub, which we believe to be also unreleased. While it's a bit more lo-fi and not quite as Channel 1 sounding, this was sourced from a collection of tunes originally played as dubplates by the Channel 1 sound system, another piece of Channel history. One bad ten-inch with four killer cuts.
Leslie Butler - Reggae Rhapsody; Version / Willie Lindo - Mystic Mood; Version
Federal / Dub Store Records JPN 1973
N/A
Classic ‘Rhapsody in Blue’, the original version of ‘Reggae Rhapsody’, was written by notable American composer and solo pianist George Gershwin in 1924. Nearly 50 years after, in 1973, Eumir Deodato edited the song and released it on CTI Records, which label was favored by Black music fans at that time. Leslie Butler recorded his keyboard version shortly after the release of Eumir Deodato version. This is another rare recording to be reissued for the very first time from the Federal catalogue. Side B features a Reggae fusion instrumental ‘Mystic Mood’ by Willie Lindo. The song became a hit and earned a position in his LP titled ‘Far and Distant’.
Yabby U - Rally Dub (Upsetters Mix) / Rally Dub (Apollo 440 Rmx)
Select Cuts EU (Org) 2003
Info: Original Press
N/A
Wailers - Rock Sweet Rock / Jerk In Time
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥2180 (US$14.30)
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, Soul Brothers - Sca-Balena / Tommy McCook (Miss Credit) - Two For One (Miss Credit)
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥2180 (US$14.30)
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.
Don Drummond - Gypsy Song / Green Island
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥1580 (US$10.36)
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.
Skatalites - Freedom Sounds / Freedom Sounds (Early Take)
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1964
¥2180 (US$14.30)
‘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.
Wailers - Life Line / Big Youth - Black On Black
Solomonic / Dub Store Records JPN 1976
B: Bide Up
¥1980 (US$12.99)
'Life Line' a gentle, haunting love song showcasing Bunny's sublime vocals over a subtle, restrained rhythm encapsulates in just over two minutes more than many lesser artists manage to express over an entire double album. Big Youth’s plea for tolerance and understanding, one of his two essential cuts of Bunny’s 'Bide Up', was originally released as a double sided single and is one of the hardest to find records on the Solomonic label. Search no more…
Dennis Brown - Silhouettes / Augustus Pablo, Crystalites - Bass & Drum Version
Move & Groove / Dub Store Records JPN 1972
N/A
'Silhouettes' is one of Dennis Brown's earliest recordings and a good old Reggae hit. The flip side features Augustus Pablo's melodica cut to the A-side. This peaceful piece proves that the early sound of King Tubby is the greatest of all.
Soul Brothers - Shanty Town Curfew / Laxton Ford - Finders Keepers
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥1980 (US$12.99)
From rudeboy era of the early Merritone label, this is an elegant and refreshing instrumental Ska backed with a rudeboy vocal in pre-Rocksteady style. The A-side is an unusual instrumental Ska recorded remarkably at the Federal studio by the Studio One’s iconic session band the Soul Brothers. The B-side is a debut song by Laxton Ford who only recorded a very few pieces during his career. The lyric is built upon proverbs, which is a popular theme amongst Jamaicans. Recorded directly from the master-tape.