|
Family Man, Rebel Arms - Family Man Skank / Dub Combination
Cobra / Dub Store Records JPN 1981
¥1480 (US$9.36)
The finest instrumental dub that deserves the name, Familyman and the Rebel Arms. A piece never really got released back then.It is Familyman’s specialty to express his infinite creativity on instrumentals. As expected, he easily achieved higher dimension with these two minimalistically structured pieces. Nothing but a Familyman’s sound played by no other than the Wailers band themselves. In addition, he may have played this superb synthesizer himself.Guaranteed you won’t hear this sort of sound anywhere else.
Wailers - Guided Missile / Work
Fam's / Dub Store Records JPN 1975
¥1980 (US$12.52)
Jackie Mittoo’s all time classic interpreted deadly by Familyman, backed with the one off style instrumental accompanied by astonishingly cool chant.It would never be possible to mass-produce this kind of highly creative and artistic piece by mainstream producers. This would only have happened by the world’s top class band that they are.
Jimmy Riley - We're Gonna Make It / Family Man - Dub Maker
Fam's / Dub Store Records JPN 1981
¥1980 (US$12.52)
A dignified roots vocal that represents the sounds of the Wailers of the time. In the 60’s, as known as the prime of time for Rocksteady, Jimmy Riley used to sing for a vocal group called the Uniques. Back then, Familyman was playing as a part of the infamous session band, the Hippy Boys in the heart of Kingston.The first ever recording of those two goes way back in 1968, so it must have been quite a reunion in this studio session.This piece was recorded around about the same time as the Cobra Style, and exactly as Familyman plotted, the veteran, Jimmy achieved the great Wailers sound.
In the 60’s, as known as the prime of time for Rocksteady, Jimmy Riley used to sing for a vocal group called the Uniques. Back then, Familyman was playing as a part of the infamous session band, the Hippy Boys in the heart of Kingston.The first ever recording of those two goes way back in 1968, so it must have been quite a reunion in this studio session.This piece was recorded around about the same time as the Cobra Style, and exactly as Familyman plotted, the veteran, Jimmy achieved the great Wailers sound.
Maria Anderson - Cottage By The Sea Side / Woman In Love
Cobra / Dub Store Records JPN 1975
¥2180 (US$13.79)
Beautifully shinning golden female Lover's Rock.At this time, the Wailers band didn't play much of those sweet love songs, however this 7” definitely proves Familyman’s versatile musical orientation. A truly tight rhythm section beautifully blends with this rather unknown singer’s superb voice making these nothing but a masterpiece. A heart calming double-sider.
Family Man, Rebel Arms - Eastern Memphis / Wailers - Rebel Am I
Cobra / Dub Store Records JPN 1973
¥2180 (US$13.79)
This is the quintessence of the Wailers lead by Familyman, playing a killer horn instrumental and the dubwise. Arguably one of the most accomplished reggae instrumentals to date. The Wailers consisting of the Barrett brothers is without a doubt the number one band of the era, showcasing their full confidence which later gets praised by the entire world. The bold and courageous, yet ambitious and highly spirited, everything you need to get out of the Caribbean ghetto to the world is heard in this miraculous recording.
Max Edwards - Gideons High / Gideon All Stars - Ixes
Gideon / Dub Store Records JPN 1973
¥1480 (US$9.36)
An experimental and minimalistic early dub instrumental joined by the Soul Syndicate drummer, Max Edwards. Music without commercialism – this minimalistic and repetitive dub instrumental shows the unique musical structure by one of the most future-oriented arrangers, the great Familyman.
Jump With Joey - El Diablo Ska (Label Damage) / Artibella
Laughing Pussy US (Blank) (Org) 1990
Info: Original Press
¥1580 (US$9.99)
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.
Blues Busters - I Won't Let You Go / Love Me Forever
Kentone / BMN / Dub Store Records JPN 1964
¥2180 (US$13.79)
The big hit Ska classic everybody loves, sang by one of the top groups of the 60’s!! Along with the Maytals and the Wailers, the Blues Busters were one of the top groups at the time, however commercially they were going more of a mainstream than the others. Since their career goes way back in the late 50’s, they must have been idolized by so many of those who made their debut later in the Ska era. This is an essential mainstream Ska classic by the brilliantly skilled duo in their best form backed by no other than Byron Lee.
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$12.52)
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.
Blues Busters - Soon You'll Be Gone / I Don't Know
Sunshine / BMN / Dub Store Records JPN 1964
¥2180 (US$13.79)
Another smash hit Ska masterpiece by the Blues Busters, the superstar duo who had been dominating the Jamaican pop music industry since the 50’s!! Covering the American hits as their specialty, the popular group had left a number of Jamaican souls, although only a few ska hits. Out of those few, this is undoubtedly another one of the most considerable tunes they had left. An excellent singing melody sparkles on top of the Byron Lee’s iconic softly touched bass line.
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.
Renegades - You've Lost The Love / Merritone Singers - Rude Boy A Wail
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
N/A
The Renegades consisted of Winston 'Pipe' Matthews, Lloyd 'Bread' McDonald and George 'Buddy' Haye and later became a group called the Wailing Souls. ‘You've Lost The Love’ is one of their earliest Rocksteady works and it was originally released in 1966. It is also one of the rarest records hardly ever found. The record also features previously unreleased Ska vocal recording ' Rude Boy A Wail' by the Merritone Singers from the original master tape.
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.
Alton Ellis - La La Means I Love You / Alton Ellis, David Isaacs - Give Me Your Love
Supersonics 1968
N/A
Roland Alphonso - From Russia With Love / Cleopatra
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥2180 (US$13.79)
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!
Jennifer Lara - Woman Of The Ghetto / Jackie Mittoo, Sound Dimension - Side Walk Doctor Version
Dub Store Records JPN / Studio One 2004
¥2180 (US$13.79)
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.
Keith & Tex - Stop That Train / Bobby Ellis, Jets - Feeling Peckish
Move & Groove / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
N/A
Without any explanation, ‘Stop That Train’ by Keith & Tex is a true Rocksteady classic of all times. The song stands tall in Reggae music history and a biggest hit among Derrick Harriott’s catalogue. Side B features Memphis Soul Rocksteady instrumental, just like a trendy song from Stax Records. Now reissued for the first time with these original recordings on both sides.
Dennis Brown - Lips Of Wine / Crystalites - Stranger In Town
Move & Groove / Dub Store Records JPN 1970
¥1380 (US$8.73)
Being known as Crown Prince of Reggae, this is Dennis Brown's commemorated first single and it was written and composed by Dennis himself. This is, of course, before he started recording at Studio One and is one of his best heartwarming songs. Crystalites' killer keyboard instrumental is featured on B-side and has been admired to listeners who have great appreciation for 1969-70’s up-tempo instrumentals.
Minstrells - People Get Ready / Hamlins - Everyone Got To Be There
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥2180 (US$13.79)
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.
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.
Blues Busters - There's Always Sunshine / Maytals - Sometimes (Love Is A Special Feeling)
Sunshine / BMN / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥2180 (US$13.79)
A magnificent Rocksteady piece in one-off style sang by one of the groups that represent the golden age of Ska. Since the number of their recordings decreased devastatingly after the Ska era, this truly is a rare Rocksteady made in its top form with the veteran’s dignity. In addition, this is the own Rocksteady cover version of one of their first ever recordings at the Coxsone’s in 1960.
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 - Rock A Shacka / I Don't Want Trouble
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥1380 (US$8.73)
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.
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.
Augustus Pablo - Bedroom Mazurka / Scotty - Children Children
Move & Groove / Dub Store Records JPN 1973/ 1970
¥1380 (US$8.73)
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.'
Toots & The Maytals - 54-46 Was My Number / Pressure Drop (Off Center)
Beverleys UK 1969
¥2180 (US$13.79)
Gregory Isaacs - Ruler / Ruler Version
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1989
¥1680 (US$10.63)
‘The Ruler’ by Gregory Isaacs was only available for listening on a LP album “Reggae Sound War: Electrocutioner Vol.2”. The reggae crooner gently buries idiot sound bwoys with his killer lyrics and stand tall as the Cool Ruler. Recorded to the same rhythm track ‘Running From Reality’ by Admiral Tibet.
Dawn Penn, Tommy McCook, Supersonics - Why Did You Lie ? / Tommy McCook, Supersonics - Moody Ska
Discolite 1967
N/A
Barry Brown - Blackman Should Never Turn His Back / Street In Africa Dub Wise
Eek A Mouse EU 1976
¥2980 (US$18.85)
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.
Henry Buckley - I'd Like To Know / Lynn Taitt, Jets - Soul Shot
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966/ 1967
¥1380 (US$8.73)
Although Hopeton Lewis recorded many songs for the Merritone, Henry Buckley was also a prolific singer who recorded many songs for the label. Federal was probably recording with him for his never released debut album. Side-B features a Rocksteady instrumental, which appeared on LynnTaitt’s debut album.
Derrick Harriott - It's All Right / You Really Got A Hold On Me
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1969
N/A
Up-tempo early Reggae made in 1969 on the A-side and a cover version of Smokey Robinson’s soul classic on the B-side. These classic songs give spectacular feelings that the dawn of the new era of Reggae music comes just around the corner.
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.
Wayne Smith - E20 / In Thing
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1985
B: Come
¥1280 (US$8.10)
Wayne Smith scored numerous hits at Jammys and one well known is 'Under Mi Sleng Teng'. He also released same title album 'Under Mi Sleng Teng' where he showcased wavy & choppy 'E20' and crisp & clear song 'In Thing' on further computerized [Barrington Levy - Come] rhythm.
Heptones - Suspicious Mind (Original Stamper) / Haven't You Any Fight Left
Studio One 1970
¥1180 (US$7.46)
Clarendonians - Darling Forever / Peter Austin - Marie My Love
Stud / Reggae Fever EU 1972
¥1680 (US$10.63)
Don Drummond - Rain Or Shine Take 2 / Rain Or Shine Take 3
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥2180 (US$13.79)
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.