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Owen Gray - Give Me A Little Sign / Raver
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥2180 (US$13.79)
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.
Jackie Mittoo - Chinese Chicken / Put It On
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥2080 (US$13.16)
The killer Rocksteady-Ska like a vital bridge between both of them, backed with a Mittoo’s nice vocal tune. Throned from the Skatalites to the Soul Vendors, this is the last form of the Studio One Ska and it’s very much like the Soul Vendor’s party piece. Along with the B-side, Jackie Mittoo had directed both and his marvelous creativity can be seen allover. Each of them recorded from the original master-tape.
Carl Meeks - Danger / Danger Version
Redman / Dub Store Records JPN 1989
¥1680 (US$10.63)
To explain the Redman International label, without mentioning Carl Meeks is impossible. The ‘Danger’ is Carl’s masterpiece where he sings with his unique Out Of Key style with his sharp lyrics on simple and un-colorful but addictive sounding rhythm to produce another impressive killer tune.
Don Drummond - Don D Special / Fidel
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥2080 (US$13.16)
The miraculous take of 'Fidel' which never came out back then! This is one of the most killer yet wonderfully tasteful masterpiece out of all the Don Drummond recordings. You wouldn’t call them fans if they didn’t know about ‘Fidel’, however this particular version has only been released on CD in the 90’s when Sir Coxsone compiled the “In Memory Of Don Drummond”. The monumental piece with the well deserved name, ‘Don D Special’ on the flip.
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.
Liberation Group - Namibia (Original Stamper) / Jay Tees - Buck Town Corner
Studio One 1977
B: Foggy Road
N/A
Soul Brothers - Freedom Sounds / Freedom Sounds Take 2
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥2180 (US$13.79)
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.
Roland Alphonso - Ska Culation / Jack Sparrow - Ice Water
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥2180 (US$13.79)
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.
Chosen Few - People Make The World Go Round / Derrick Harriott - Brown Baby
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1972/ 1973
N/A
One of the best cover versions of a Philadelphia Soul classic, "People Makes The World Go Round" is performed by Chosen Few, who were idolizing The Stylistics so much. The flip side “Brown Baby" is another Funky Reggae vocal sang by the producer Derrick Harriott himself
Ernest Ranglin - Guitar In Ernest
Info: ライナーノーツ付
N/A
Internationally acclaimed guitarist Ernest Ranglin with piano genius Leslie Butler in a dazzling quartet. Recorded in 1965.
Ernest Ranglin - Mod Mod Ranglin
N/A
A fundamental album released in 1966 that determined the way Rocksteady was going to journey. In 1966, Rude Boys were at the peak of the fame with their notorious behaviors, while Ska gradually started to slow down its tempo, this album paved the way for a newborn music, Rocksteady with rather slower and tighter rhythm approach. This album should be picked one of 10 pieces of the most important album of Reggae history.
Ernest Ranglin - Mr. Ranglin With Soul
¥3680 (US$23.28)
Unlike all the other musicians in those days, Ranglin was not allowed to go between studios to record and release music as he wished because he was an exclusive employee of the Federal records. Thus it’s really hard to find a Rocksteady record with his name on it. Although whenever he finds a spare time, he would go to Duke Reid’s studio and play the guitar and bass as a sideman, often playing sessions with Lynn Taitt. According to Ranglin himself, “I felt really comfortable being at Duke Reid’s studio”, though sadly there have not been a single release of his solo guitar tune which was recorded there. So here comes the album, it’s the rare Rocksteady instrumentals by the man himself. Some of the main features would be “Summertime”, “Flamingo” and “Hold Me Tight”, the wickedest selection of the moist Rocksteady that will certainly catch your heart. Other than that, it’s got an exotic intro and uptempo “Sling Shot”, relatively arranged towards pop direction “Don’t Sleep In the Subway” and some ballads to represent the Federal’s widely ranged style that won’t go off after a long time, exactly how this one of the biggest leading labels in Jamaica had thought of. This may not make Rude Boys in downtown growl, although it will clearly last eternally as Ranglin’s 60s best album to the future generations.
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.
Hopeton Lewis - Cool Collie / This Poor Boy
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
N/A
Originally released in 1966, 'Cool Collie' is sometimes considered as one of the first Rocksteady recordings. With hard hit paformance by the back band, Hepetone Lewis sings to free Ganja which is the one of the essential elements of Jamaican music tradition.B-side, Mr. Rocksteady performs a bitter love song in a minor key.
Bobby Ellis, Desmond Miles Seven - Step Softly / Derrick Harriott - Walk The Streets
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
N/A
Another enduring Rocksteady instrumental masterpiece by Bobby Ellis and Derrick Harriott’s timeless love song echoes sweet and bitter. Cool and dark ‘Step Softly’ is one of the most signature songs for Bobby Ellis and the greatest Rocksteady instrumental of all. The flip side is a best example of Harriott’s distinctive sound in Rocksteady era. The set of recordings are now reissued with original songs on both side.
Wayne Smith - My Lord My God / My Lord My God Version
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1985
N/A
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.
Horace Andy - Love Light Of Mine / Frankie Paul - Ready For Your Loving
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1987
N/A
'Love Light Of Mine'by Horace Andy and 'Ready For Your Loving' by Frankie Paul were both on their King Jammy produced album 'Haul And Jack Up' and 'Sara' repeatedly. Both songs were recorded on its original rhythm 'Chuck Turner - We Rule The Dancehall'. Those two veteran artists showcase their long time calm vocal skills on this bouncy dancehall rhythm to make those recordings quite tough.
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.
Horace Martin - Geow Now / Geow Now Version
Redman / Dub Store Records JPN 1986
¥1680 (US$10.63)
Recorded to the same rhythm track ‘’New Tactics’ by Admiral Tibet. Horace Martin, who is known for his major works during the late 70’s to early 80’s, has released the LP ‘Mix Up’ on the Redman label. This tune here is can be characterized with his deep sounding vocal and Redman’s synthesizer works.
Da Da Waps - Old Chain / Old Chain Version
Redman / Dub Store Records JPN 1989
¥1680 (US$10.63)
Da Da Waps is probably not familiar to many but he recorded many songs, which were mainly included in the Redman produced albums. He sings about the abolished slavery on this digital stepper rhythm. This record is highly regarded as one of sought after vinyls among the Redman’s catalogue.
Conroy Smith - Love Affair / Love Affair Version
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1987
¥1280 (US$8.10)
From its heart-shaking intro, Conroy Smith’s fresh and piercing voice echo to deliver an intense song ‘Love Affair’. Considerably, the song is known for popularity within the Jammys catalogue. Recorded to the same rhythm track ‘In Thing’ by Wayne Smith.
Banana Man - Musical Murder / Musical Murder Version
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1989
N/A
Although Banana Man is not a famous figure in the business as he was not a prolific artist, his funs still remember his soundsystem anthems and his unique name. ‘Musical Murder’ considerably one of his best works on the King Jammy’s digitally versioned ‘Wicked Can’t Run Awa’ rhythm.
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.
Delroy Wilson - Give Me Your Love / Version
Sir Collins / Digikiller / Deeper Knowledge US 1977
N/A
The mighty Delroy Wilson, one of Jamaica's biggest artists. "Give Me Your Love" was released on a Delroy LP again on the WARICKA label, which was mostly sold as a blank label pre-release with no cover, although copies with labels and/or a silk-screened cover also exist. This is a phenomenal cut on the mournful and heavy 'Artibella' rhythm, with a killer organ sound that we just love. This tune is backed by a dub cut with horns and bongos, lifted from an extremely rare blank-label Sir Collins compilation LP. We've heard tell that the vocal cut also comes on blank label pre-release 7-inch, but haven't seen it. Can anyone confirm? In any case this tune is one of our favorite of its era, essential to any Delroy Wilson selection.
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.
Earl Sixteen - Malcolm X / Winston Mcanuff - Armaggedon Time
Wild Flower / Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1976/ 1977
N/A
Featuring Earl Sixteen, who later recorded an album at Studio One, the last title of our Derrick Harriott re-issue series is one of the most rare Roots tunes from Harriott’s production. The A-side proves that Roots Reggae was at its pick at the time, and the B-Side, with its militant beat by Winston McAnuff, who renamed himself to Electric Dread, make this record an all-time Roots favorite.
Chronixx - Here Comes Trouble / Version
Overstand Entertainment / Buyreggae EU 2013
¥1880 (US$11.89)
Invaders - After A Storm / This Life I'm Living
Sir Collins / Digikiller / Deeper Knowledge US 197-
N/A
hese two songs were released on a frighteningly rare single in JA on the Invader label, while "After a Storm" was also released as a pre-release blank in the UK. The Invaders sublime and soulful harmonizing wins again, these tunes are as catchy as ever forty plus years later.
Snoop Lion (Snoop Dogg), Mr. Vegas - Fruit Juice / Snoop Lion (Snoop Dogg), Colli Budz - Smoke The Weed
Dub Rockers US / VP US 2013
A: Sleng Teng
N/A
Hopeton Lewis - Take It Easy With The Rock Steady Beat
N/A
A fundamental album released in 1966 that determined the way Rocksteady was going to journey. In 1966, Rude Boys were at the peak of the fame with their notorious behaviors, while Ska gradually started to slow down its tempo. This album paved the way for a newborn music, Rocksteady, with rather slower and tighter rhythm approach. This album should be considered as one of the ten most important albums in Reggae history. The descent from Ska, which had its derivation from Jazz or Rhythm and Blues, to Rocksteady, with its various potential elements which would be passed to the next decade of Reggae, has been allegedly created in this album with Trinidadian guitarist Lynn Taitt and his band The Jets as the backing band. Entitled “Take It Easy With The Rock Steady Beat!”, most of the tunes featured in this album were written for praising dancehall as if he’d have known this genre was going to rule the dance floors. Among the tunes in this album, “This Music Got Soul” was the coolest of all and called out the dawn of the Rocksteady era. This tune had a huge influence on the future developments of Reggae music.