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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.
Maytals, Skatalites - My Daily Food / One Look
Kentone / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥1980 (US$13.09)
A prominent singer backed by none other than the Skatalites, it is a symbolic Ska beat representing Kentone which will make everyone a smile. Although the Maytals have recorded Ska tunes for Studio One, Prince Buster and many more, they might have taken a further step when recording for the Jamaican music industry’s godfather, Ken Kouri by singing it well tight and fiery. Even for the Federal side, it must have been quite special to hire the Skatalites for this project. One minute and half might be a little too short for an A side, though this one will make you want to slip it in your DJ box every time.
Joya Landis - Moonlight Lover / Winston Wright - Moonlight Groover
Treasure Isle / Buyreggae EU 1969
N/A
Eddie Perkins, Patsy - Take These Chains From My Heart / Eddie Perkins - I Am Blue
Kentone / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥1980 (US$13.09)
An up tempo duet with great lyrics sung by a veteran unprolific singer. You may think twice about getting the original copy of this release. Oldies but goodies, this 100% positive conscious tune is almost singing about “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery” Redemption Song ? Bob Marley, one of the representative themes of Jamaican music, in a nice duet style. An excellent party piece guaranteed to make you smile.
amami, Wareikers - Day Drum Sound / My Little Bag (Dedicate To Lloyd Knibb)
a&family JPN 2013
¥1280 (US$8.46)
Llans Thelwell, Celestials - Llans Plays It All
¥2880 (US$19.04)
Miraculously recorded in 1965 when Ska was at its best, this is one of the rarest and killer LP to date. Llands Plays It All is constructed with a Caribbean coast vibe such as Ska, Jazz, Afto, R&B, Soul, Jump Up, Cha Cha Cha to name a few. However this killer Montegonian band is surprisingly tight, presenting second to none great performances. LP starts with “Jive Samba” by Cannonball Adderley, brilliantly arranged in the Afro-Caribbean Jazz style. Then moving on to some Jamaican R&B, to the featured track of the album “Mughead Ska”, a slightly longer version than the 7” cut (DSR-RN7-01), furthermore there is“Golden Horns”, this is an ultimate selection for all DJ’s and Selectors. This is definitely a must-have for shelves of the Jamaican music lovers.
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
Granville Williams, His Orchestra - Wailin' / Granville Williams Orch. - Old McDonald
GWO / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥1380 (US$9.12)
An ultimate super killer Ska instrumental by an extremely unprolific band, brilliantly recorded in stereo. Although this newly signed band recorded exclusively for Federal releasing an LP, they play a little commercial uptown sound, however the Skatalites admitted their inferiority to this band’s performances. The interestingly arranged “Old McDonald” on the flip features the guitarist Ernest Ranglin. Very rarely recorded in stereo for the time in Jamaica, only could have been done by the notorious Federal which clearly was known for its up-to-date setups.
Keith & Tex - Tonight / Lynn Taitt, Desmond Miles Seven - You've Caught Me
Move & Groove / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
N/A
A star duo at the Harriott’s production, Keith & Tex’s‘Tonight’is also the everlasting masterpiece in the history of Reggae music. There were many essential songs in his production from 1967 to 68 but‘Tonight’is obviously the most indispensable one. Lynn Tait plays a beautiful instrumental version to Melodians’ hit ‘You’ve Caught Me’ on the flip side. Reissued with these original recordings on both sides.
Derrick Harriott - Reach Out I'll Be There / Bobby Ellis, Crystalites - Illya Kuryakin
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥1980 (US$13.09)
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.
Derrick Harriott - Some Guys Have All The Luck / Kim Harriott - Just Want To Be Your Joy
Crystal / Wild Flower / Dub Store Records JPN 1974/ 1975
¥2180 (US$14.41)
It is an obvious fact that Dreadlocks culture was the trend of the time when this tune was released, but how could we ever imagine Derrick Harriott wearing Dreadlocks? He was wearing Afro instead and showed how he could easily cover Persuaders’ Soul hit. The flip side features another cover of a US Soul track that was transformed to a sweet Lover’s Rock by Harriott’s relative, young Kim Harriott. Apparently Harriott’s surroundings at this time were all wearing Afro even if it was the Dreadlocks era.
Aubley Williams, His Orchestra - String Of Pearls / Granville Williams Orch. - Third Man Theme
GWO / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥1980 (US$13.09)
A wonderful, previously unreleased Jamaican Ska in one and only jazzy big band style. The length of this recording is slightly longer and all the solo parts are brightly emphasized. A rare piece with an adventurous development which is not quite typical for Jamaican music. A very fine Ska beat on the flip showcasing their original musicality. Also it is nice to see the appearance of Ernest Ranglin on both sides.
Damalistik, YT - Leave I Alone / Damalistik, Deadly Hunta - Ghetto Youth In A Danger
Scotch Bonnet UK 2014
¥1180 (US$7.80)
Fashioneers - Give A Helping Hand
Swing Bird / / Digikiller / Deeper Knowledge US 1978
N/A
Awesome second cut on the "Guiding Light" rhythm from the Fashioneers, in this incarnation, just Leonard Billings & Glenford McLeggan, from after Jaiq Sterling had departed. Recorded and mixed at Channel 1, late '70s.
Joe Higgs, Lynn Taitt, Jets - You Hurt My Soul / Lynn Taitt, Jets - Why Am I Treated So Bad?
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥1980 (US$13.09)
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.
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.
I Roy - Tougher Than Tough / Chosen Few - Do Your Thing
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1972
N/A
Another cover version of an Isaac Hayes’ classic. I Roy is blasting an heavy-weight toasting over the Chosen Few's vocals on the A-side "Tougher Than Tough". A straight cover version by Chosen Few appears on the B-side.
Scotty - Draw Your Brakes / Worry
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1971
N/A
The main DJ of Harriott's production, Scotty, skillfully handles Keith & Tex' Rocksteady classic 'Stop That Train'. This is one of the most popular piece of music in Harriott's production. The flip side is available for the first time on vinyl that features Scotty's DJ cut to Derrick Harriott's moving ‘Do I Worry' track.
Mighty Abajians - Guiding Light
Swing Bird / / Digikiller / Deeper Knowledge US 1981
N/A
The second cut of 'Guiding Light', and third cut on the rhythm. This time with a different mix and percussion overdubs by Bongo Herman, again done at Channel 1. This cut mixed in a more spare early '80s style, hard stuff. The Mighty Abidjans for this one were Jaiq Sterling, Leonard Billings and Glenford McLeggan. This is the final Mighty Abidjans single to feature vocalist & song writer Jaiq Sterling.
Mungos Hi Fi, YT - Serious Time / Mungos Hi Fi, Shanti D - Sensi International
Scotch Bonnet UK 2014
N/A
Conquerors - Lonely Street / Moving Brothers - Don't Play That Song
Treasure Isle / Buyreggae EU 1968
N/A
Hopeton Lewis - Rock A Shacka / I Don't Want Trouble
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥1380 (US$9.12)
Those rare songs did not appear Hopeton Lewis’s classic Rocksteady album Take It Easy. ‘Rock A Shacka’ is truly a Rocksteady classic of all times. It’s a must item for all Rocksteady fans. With his dearest hope, he calmly sings ‘I don’t want no trouble now, no no no. I just can’t take troubles now, no no no. So let’s together in unity, let’s togther in prosperity’ backed by version accompanying heavy bass.
Keith & Tex - Hypnotizing Eyes / Down The Street
Move & Groove / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
N/A
By Keith & Tex, a vocal duo who represented Derrick Harriott's production, 「Hypnotizing Eyes」 was a hugely popular tune released at the end of Rocksteady era. The B-side,「Down The Street」was a pioneering sound of up-tempo Reggae that became the major style in 1969. From 1968 to 69, they recorded enough songs to make an album and amazingly all of them were top-notch. Re-issued original songs on both sides.
Keith & Tex - Run To The Rocks / Let Me Be The One (This Is My Song)
Move & Groove / Dub Store Records JPN 1969
N/A
Originally released on 1969 by Keith & Tex, who were the favorite duo in Rocksteady era, this up-tempo tune introduced the beginning of Reggae's new style. This duo never disappointed everybody's expectation by their high quality tunes. Re-issued original songs on both sides.
Chosen Few - Am I Black Enough / Psychedelic Train
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1972/ 1970
N/A
Undoubtedly one of the best Funky Reggae tunes from Derrick Harriott's production, "Am I Black Enough" was originally a Billy Paul hit and has been covered by Derrick Harriott and Chosen Few who were into the Black Power movement at the time. The B-side "Psychedelic Train" is one of the earliest Funky Reggae instrumental songs which made Derrick Harriott recognized for his Funk-influenced style to listeners.
Dawn Penn, Tommy McCook, Supersonics - Why Did You Lie ? / Tommy McCook, Supersonics - Moody Ska
Discolite 1967
N/A
Heavy Manners; Dougie Conscious - Heavy Manners; Manners In Dub / Danny Red - Smoke My Chalwa; Smokey Dub
Ababajahnoi UK 2014
¥2180 (US$14.41)
Yoshie Nakano - Osaka Blues (Picture Sleeve) / Ed Motta - Tokyo Blues
Blue Beat / Jet Set JPN 2014
N/A
Llans Thelwell, His Celestials, Dennis Robinson - Jive Samba / Llans Thelwell, His Celestials, Busty Brown - Pick Up The Pieces
Soul / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥1980 (US$13.09)
The Cannonball Adderley’s famous Jazz classic beautifully covered into Afro Caribbean Jazz masterpiece. This precious piece digs into depth of the Jamaican music to show unique side of the history. Due to their regular appearances in hotels at Montego Bay, it is reasonable to understand that the band had a range of repertoire other than Ska. The MC's hype heard right after the riff interprets the excitement of the session and creates a great atmosphere. Matching the original release, backed with a prime Jamaican Soul by talented Busty Brown who later recorded with Lee Perry.
Alton Ellis, Flames - Cry Tough / Errol Brown - Toughest (Dub)
Treasure Isle / Buyreggae EU 1967
N/A
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.
Hopeton Lewis - This Music Got Soul / Rocksteady
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
N/A
'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.
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.
Keith & Tex - Goodbye Baby / What Kind Of Fool
Move & Groove / Dub Store Records JPN 1969
¥1980 (US$13.09)
‘Goodbye Baby’ is another train theme Rocksteady by Keith & Tex who were expert at singing that subject just like their other classic ‘Stop That Train.’ The flip side features a mid-tempo Rocksteady that might sound monotonous in a way but is matching its lyrics beautifully.
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.
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.
Augustus Pablo - Bedroom Mazurka / Scotty - Children Children
Move & Groove / Dub Store Records JPN 1973/ 1970
¥1380 (US$9.12)
On Keith & Tex' classic tune 'Tonight,' Augustus Pablo's melodica echoes along the entire track mysteriously, while the fascinating female vocalist Fay quotes breathy lines from the popular German soft porn film Bedroom Mazurka. The flip side features Scotty's DJ version to 'Tonight.'
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.
Ras Mykha; Micheal Exodus - I&I Believe; Believe In Dub / Luca Dread; Micheal Exodus - I Lodica; Same Blood Same Soul
Dub O Matic EU 2014
¥2380 (US$15.73)
Dairy Dub, Echo Roots - Next Generation; Dub Cut 1; Dub Cut 2 / I&I Vibes, Ekss - Resistance; Dub Cut 1; Dub Cut 2
Original Formula EU 2014
¥2380 (US$15.73)
Jackie Mittoo - Chinese Chicken / Put It On
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥2080 (US$13.75)
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.
Sensations - Everyday Is Just A Holiday / Tommy McCook - Rock Away
Treasure Isle / Buyreggae EU 1969
N/A
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.
Wailers - Rock Sweet Rock / Jerk In Time
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥2180 (US$14.41)
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.
Soul Brothers - James Bond Girl / Summertair Girls - My Heart Cries Out
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
N/A
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.
Roland Alphonso - Sai Pan / Black Brothers - Born To Rule
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥1380 (US$9.12)
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.
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.