|
Joya Landis - Moonlight Lover / Winston Wright - Moonlight Groover
Treasure Isle / Buyreggae EU 1969
N/A
Hopeton Lewis - Run If You Are Afraid / Sounds And Pressure
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
N/A
A rare previously unreleased Rocksteady by Federal’s star singer, Hopeton Lewis. This killer Rocksteady represents one of the traditional elements of Jamaica, as well as the Rude Boy themed warning which could be heard in the lyrics. These types of unreleased materials could only be dug out at such a profound label, Federal.
N/A
Recorded in 1964 at the Federal studio, this elegant yet unique previously unreleased album is said to be the origin of the Jamaican Mento meets 4 Beat Jazz. This brilliant album is one of the most important Jamaican Jazz recordings that Ernest Ranglin has ever made. Everything in this album starts with the traditional Caribbean Jazz classics and then develops into 4 Beat Jazz. Produced by Godfather of the Jamaican music, Ken Kouri, this album is nothing but deserves its title. You may want to add this next to the Guitar In Earnest [DSR-LP/CD-501] in your collection.
Henry Buckley - You Never Could Be True / Mike Thompson - Get Me To The Church On Time
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥1380 (US$9.11)
Honeyed Rocksteady singer singing a sweet and sophisticated sounding original backed with a different take from another popular tune. Henry Buckley was supposed to be the next Rocksteady star after Hopeton Lewis, although in this tune he is credited as Henry IIIrd.Also Buckley was once called as Don Henry, so it seems Federal was perplexed how to promote him, however as a great singer, the quality of his music was always steady and promising. A previously unreleased material on the flip featuring a Rocksteady wedding song which had its name written on the master-tape.
Conquerors - Lonely Street / Moving Brothers - Don't Play That Song
Treasure Isle / Buyreggae EU 1968
N/A
Hopeton Lewis - Run Down / Lynn Taitt, Jets - Napoleon Solo
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966/ 1967
N/A
The very first Merritone ska classic released under its project the Federal Ska! Featuring a classic Rocksteady tune from no other than Lynn Taitt on the flip. No one else but him should be qualified as the Mr. Rocksteay, Hopeton Lewis presents a rare early Ska! Reminding the good old days in Kingston with slow, nice and easy vibes. On the B-side, Lynn Taitt just proves again how tight and heavy the sound was at the Federal studio back then with this great piece of music.
Dawn Penn, Tommy McCook, Supersonics - Why Did You Lie ? / Tommy McCook, Supersonics - Moody Ska
Discolite 1967
N/A
Junior Soul - Glendevon Special / Magic Touch
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
N/A
As Junior Soul, Junior Murvin recorded definitely the greatest Rocksteady tune,「Glendevon Special」 on early days of his recording career. This tune is also unique among Derrick Harriott's catalog and it proves how wide varieties his production was. This song is rare that many collectors have been looking for years.
Chronixx - Here Comes Trouble / Version
Overstand Entertainment / Buyreggae EU 2013
¥1880 (US$12.41)
Alton Ellis, Flames - Cry Tough / Errol Brown - Toughest (Dub)
Treasure Isle / Buyreggae EU 1967
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.
Tarrus Riley - Gimme Likkle One Drop / Chronixx - Ain't No Giving In
Chimney Records / Buyreggae EU 2013
¥1880 (US$12.41)
Blues Blenders - Shuffling Jug (Original Stamper) / Don Drummond - Scandal
Studio One 1963/ 1960
N/A
Don Drummond - Last Call / Last Call Take 2
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥2180 (US$14.39)
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.
Owen Gray - Give Me A Little Sign / Raver
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥2180 (US$14.39)
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.
Vivian Jackson, Prophents - Sipping I & I Chalice / I & I Chalice Version
Pressure Sounds UK 1976
¥2180 (US$14.39)
Sensations - Everyday Is Just A Holiday / Tommy McCook - Rock Away
Treasure Isle / Buyreggae EU 1969
N/A
Slim Smith - People Get Ready (Side A, B Label Reversed) / Errol Dunkley - I'm Going Home
Lee UK 1968
¥1980 (US$13.07)