Based on the Rhythm and Blues classic, this is a super rare uptempo Ska cover and for all Ska Man and the DJ's!
Originally sung by Amos Milburn, in the 50's this had been a sound system classic in Jamaica. There is nowhere else in the world but Jamaica could produce such a cover version and utterly convincing Drummond's solo works nicely as a spice of this tune. Originally released on a blank label although it's a super rare one to find - a proud copy to own and must have for all Ska Man. On the flip is a great vocal Ska yet the singer's detail is completely unknown. *Recommended to pair this title with the instrumental version by Don Drummond on this very same series(DSR-FW7-04)

Previously unreleased rare instrumental Ska masterpieces based on Rhythm and Blues classic!

These are the previously unreleased two instrumental cuts of the cheerful cover of Amos Milburn’s Jamaican sound system classic in the 50’s sung by Clive Wilson. Clearly great and with full of vibes, if your are a Ska Man there is no way to avoid these special tunes. *Recommended to pair this with the vocal version by Clive Wilson released on this very same series (DSR-FW7-02)

Previously unreleased mysterious uptempo vocal sung by unknown female (or boy) singer!

Typical but good female vocal style and the harmonica solo makes it even sweeter – not to miss for all Ska fans. Although we could be a little familiar to her voice, it is hard to define her name since there was no mention on the master-tape. Another mysterious vocal on the flip makes this 7” a generous double-sider

Freshly dug out uptempo Ska beats by Toots Hibbert and Don Drummond - apparently never been released before!

Recorded in 1965 when Ska was at its peak, those are the typical Maytals uptempo beats with an unmissable Don D’s solo part on both. Taken directly from the great Daddy Ken Khouri’s master-tape which belongs to the Federal Studio. It’s quite a combination to pull both the Maytals and the Skatalites together, although what’s more remarkable is the fact they have been unreleased for the whole time

Finally reissued, the murderous second cut of KC White's take on "No No No." A few years after his breakout 1973 tune, KC migrated to New York where he took up work at Brad's Record Den on White Plains Road in the Bronx, and began working at Bullwackie's nearby studio. It was around this time that he went back to JA and re-cut "No No No" in the updated 'rockers' style, heavier than before, and with the Heptones on harmonies. This tune was originally released as a 12" single on Brad's in-house Clocktower label, and never re-released since. Arguably better than his first take, if you like late '70s rockers this one is a must.

Inna De Yard Production presents brand new 7” from Autarchi, son of artist and producer, Donovan Joseph. Purely grown at Inna De Yard, Autarchi spontaneously covers his father’s song on melodious one drop based on China Smith’ real ability, melancholic guitar sound. On the flip is a combination by Bermudian Roots singer Magma and the female artist Ruffi-Ann who has been know with her hit “Save The Juvenile”.

This talented sing jay has been perfecting his craft from his pre teen age and have developed over the years to become today an important fixture in conscious reggae music. Born adam mayo in Warwick, Bermuda to a British father and a Bermudian mother. He was attracted as a youth to the teachings of emperor Haile Selassie and the Jamaican Rastafarian culture. "There are a lot of Rasta there, even though I didn’t wear locks then I was always into the words of his majesty" he recalled.

Absorbing the culture, led him to the music which have consumed him, providing for him the avenue to express his new Found consciousness he started performing live music in Bermuda learning his skill, doing the music he loves.

Super heavy tune, originally tucked away on KC's ~1980 showcase LP on Brooklyn's Love People label. This is the first time this tune is being released as a single. Recorded at Channel 1 and mixed at Harry J, this tune has the trademark late '70s Channel 1 sound and a wicked dub.

What really needs to be said about this record? Rearing its head from the endless forgotten void of reggae music history, 30+ years in hiding, here it is. Previously unreleased & unheard full-on mystical Black Ark first version of "World Crisis", sung by Michael Rose, pre-Black Uhuru. Extended vocal and full psychedelic dub. Utterly killer, enjoy.

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.

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.

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.

A festive Christmas piece presented by the Federal ambassador, Hopeton Lewis, along with a previously unreleased cool Rocksteady instrumental. Hopeton Lewis, a.k.a. the Mr. Rocksteady celebrates the festive season with this happy piece. Flip is the Merritone trademarked, an elegant, yet respectable instrumental. As this has never seen the light of day, all the inst fans should have one in your collection.

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.

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.

In the late 80's, not only Jammys but also many labels tried to score some hits by remake of a foundation rhythm 'Heavenless'. Among Jammys catalogue on this rhythm, 'We Gonna Rock It Tonight (Dub Plate Playing)' by Johnny Osbourne is known as the most popular number. Often hear sound systems playing this dub plates.

Finally, a reissue program of Carl "Stereo" Fletcher's amazing mid 1970's Uprising label. Stereo was a singer and producer who's handful of roots reggae releases on his Uprising and Stereo Beat labels in the mid-late '70s are some of the best of the era. Affiliated with the 12 Tribes of Israel musicians, Stereo's productions captured some of their best performances. We'll be (re)issuing some of the best released and previously unreleased cuts from this '70s era and beyond, as Stereo has kept producing right thru to the present day. Thru our previous releases on the Negus Music label (with more yet to come!), you should know how much we like Albert "Ilawi" Malawi. Known as a great drummer and also as selector of the legendary Jah Love sound system, Ilawi is also a fantastic vocalist and here is maybe his best record, one of the best roots records of the 1970's, and a great dub mixed by Sylvan Morris.

Bunny continued to release records throughout the seventies that were never less than excellent and, as the new decade got underway, he came forward with one of his best ever releases: the militant clarion call 'Rise And Shine'. Stretched over two momentous sides of a UK twelve inch release, the record was a huge hit, but has been unavailable ever since. Bunny returned to the song on his superb 'Liberation' album at the close of the decade but the original cut has remained one of the most in-demand records on the 'revival' circuit.

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.

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.

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.

Stephanie Samuels 'Africa We Want to Go', beautiful one-away deep roots with birdsong, truly mystical tune.

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.

‘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.