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Stephen Cheng - Always Together / Sam Carty - Rich Man, Poor Man
BMN / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥2180 (US$14.41)
Extremely rare rocksteady masterpiece recorded in 1967. Curiously sang in Chinese, this novelty record was originally pressed and spread within the Chinese community in Jamaica. Even though comparing to its entire population this island has exceptionally high rate of musical recordings, this could possibly be the only verified track solely sang in Chinese. One that has always been spoken about due to its oddity and should be succeeded eternally.
Soul Brothers - East Man Ska / King Rocky & The Willows - You Were Wrong
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥1580 (US$10.44)
N/A
Guitar genius Ernest Ranglin takes time out from his jazz roots and showcases his fluid skills on a selection of sweet, sensational 1969 style crossover hits… a pivotal year for the international success of Jamaican music.
Peter Tosh & The Wailers - Rasta Shock Them Up / Soul Brothers - Ringo's Ska
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥2080 (US$13.75)
Sister Nancy - Bam Bam / King Tubby - Stalag Version
Techniques / Dub Store Records JPN 1985
¥2180 (US$14.41)
Along with Sleng Teng and Tempo, Stalag is without the doubt the biggest dancehall rhythm of the 80's. Bam Bam especially needs no introduction been sampled countless times on various genres and appearing on films etc.
Willie Lindo - Far And Distant
N/A
Celebrated session guitarist, Willie Lindo, steps from behind the scenes and into the spotlight to deliver some top class original compositions and sublime cover versions.
Monty And The Cyclones - Jazz Walking / Don Drummond & C. McLaughlin - Just Cool
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1960
¥2080 (US$13.75)
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.
Blues Busters - I Won't Let You Go / Love Me Forever
Kentone / BMN / Dub Store Records JPN 1964
¥2180 (US$14.41)
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.
Vena / Dub Store Records JPN 1987
¥1380 (US$9.12)
Legendary dancehall artist, Nitty Gritty's unarguable digital killer for Vena! Glamorous out of key style in the proper 80's manner, along with Delroy Katt and Sanchez this cut is a must have, regardless.
Michael Prophet - Copa Come / Version
Techniques / Dub Store Records JPN 1985
N/A
Prolific and long standing label Techniques had numerous hits over the years. However “The Copa Come” is a hidden classic by Michael Prophet and possibly the most dangerous tune released after 1985. Great crossover contains both roots and dancehall goodness.
Kiddus I, Reggaelation IndependAnce - Flying At Knots / Reggaelation Reggaelation IndependAnce - Flying At Dub
¥1480 (US$9.78)
Spiritual message from Kiddus I, the Original Rockers to each and every roots lovers across the board. Backed by one of Japanes most devout band Reggaelation IndependAnce, Kiddus is back again with a breathtaking remake of “Flying Knots”.
Randy Valentine; Joe Ariwa - Wake The Town; Dub Awakening / Joe Ariwa; Addis Pablo, Karmelody - Zamunda Dub
Ariwa UK 2016
¥2980 (US$19.70)
Blues Busters - Soon You'll Be Gone / I Don't Know
Sunshine / BMN / Dub Store Records JPN 1964
¥2180 (US$14.41)
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.
Vena / Dub Store Records JPN 1987
¥1380 (US$9.12)
Known for his work for Firehouse in the 80's, here comes a long expected reissue of Trevor Levy's lyrically appealing piece. Soulfully singing upon a heavy bouncy rhythm, the structure is simple and that's why it's timeless.
Johnny Osbourne - Niah Man / Alton Ellis - Soul Groover
Techniques / Dub Store Records JPN 1972
¥2180 (US$14.41)
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 - 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.
Ernest Ranglin - Mr. Ranglin With Soul
¥3680 (US$24.32)
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.
Daddy Freddie, Ranking Joe, Colourman; Sam Fi - Step Upo Inna Dis; Dub / Sam Fi, Delta Sonic - Delta Skank; Dub
Tan Dubz UK 2016
N/A
Trammy (Vin Gordon) - Horns Of Paradise / Jemeniah 2 - Walk On The Wild Side
Techniques / Dub Store Records JPN 1972
¥2180 (US$14.41)
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.
Thriller U - Raggamuffin Mi Soup
Vena / Dub Store Records JPN 1987
¥1380 (US$9.12)
One of Vena's classic rhythms, Tonight. “Raggamuffin Mi Soup” is a joyful reissue by Thriller U singing mistily and emotionally inna real dancehall fashion! Alog with Little John and Tony Tuff cuts, this one marks the most popular amongst all the rest.
Restless Mashaits, Dean Fraser, Chico, Nambo, Dwight Pickney - Good Conquer Evil (Alt Soldje Mix) / Restless Mashaits - Godd Dub (Alt Soldje Mix)
Partial UK 1999
¥1180 (US$7.80)
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.
Bushman - Guidance; (Verse 1); (Verse 2) / Jah Temple; (Verse 1); (Verse 2)
Bushman Works UK 2016
¥2180 (US$14.41)
Johnny Osbourne - Inflation / Version
Techniques / Dub Store Records JPN 1981
¥2180 (US$14.41)
80's killer roots by Johnny Osbourne included in his classic album “Warrior” for Techniques. Soulful vocal and strong message is second to none. Backed with a straight version.
Protoje, Sara Lugo - Really Like You / Ras Demo - Watch The Things
Silly Walks / Buyreggae EU 2015
N/A
Peppery (Bongo Chilli) - Skank If Yuh Skanking / Style Riddim
Pure Niceness EU 2016
¥1280 ¥1080 (US$7.14)
Tenor Saw - Who's Gonna Help Me Praise (Jah Guide And Protect Me)
Tenor Saw UK 1984
¥1880 (US$12.43)
Various - Tribute To The Legendary Studio One's Riddim Smile (Picture Sleeve) (7"x 2) (Limited 350)
King Rocky EU 2015
¥2580 ¥2080 (US$13.75)
Kiddus I, Reggaelation IndependAnce - Wake Up / Reggaelation IndependAnce - Wake Up Instrumental
¥1980 (US$13.09)
Legendary rasta artist Kiddus I who mystically appears in the film, Rockers in collaboration with 11 piece Japanese reggae bred fusion band Reggaelation Independence. Disco 12” backed with an epic horn instrumental on the flip.
Leroy Stewart - Oh Dread Locks / Barry Pang - Pslams Of Satta
Buke Star / Onlyroots EU 1977
¥1800 ¥1780 (US$11.77)
Soul Brothers - Freedom Sounds / Freedom Sounds Take 2
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥2180 (US$14.41)
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.
Boris Gardiner - Untitled Instrumental / Lonely Place
Techniques / Dub Store Records JPN 1973
¥1480 (US$9.78)
Marvin Brooks - Old Time Day / Version
Techniques / Dub Store Records JPN 1975
¥2080 (US$13.75)
Killer roots from Marvin Brooks of The Techniques singing devotedly on a tight millitant horn beat. Not to mention a heavy deep dubwise.
Daddy Freddie - Bad Boy A Street
Vena / Dub Store Records JPN 1987
¥1380 (US$9.12)
Same rhythm to “Sanchez & Stinger Man - Hello Josephine”, a dangerous Daddy Freddy cut on one of Vena’s most iconic “Turn On The Heat” rhythm has now been pressed on a 7” for the first time. Freddy’s lyrical machine-gun is right up on “Bad Boy A Street”!
Skatalites - Man In The Street / Dub Specialist - Banana Walk
Soul Jazz Records UK 1965
¥2780 (US$18.38)
Sista Zari - Fuertes Guerreors; Dub / Iwarriyah - Freedom Fighters; Dub
Iwa Records UK 2016
¥1780 (US$11.77)
GT Moore - Ganja Flower; Ganja Flower Dub; Divided City / Divided City Dub; New Day; New Day Dub
Partial UK 2007
¥1880 (US$12.43)
Minstrells - People Get Ready / Hamlins - Everyone Got To Be There
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥2180 (US$14.41)
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.
Blues Busters - There's Always Sunshine / Maytals - Sometimes (Love Is A Special Feeling)
Sunshine / BMN / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥2180 (US$14.41)
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.
Junior Soul - Hustler / Bongo Herman, Les - Home Sweet Home
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1969/ 1971
N/A
The Hustler' is one of Junior Murvin's, who gained international success later in his career, earliest works and is a rare tune that collectors have been after for many years. Made in 1969, this is also one of most popular up-tempo early Reggae tunes and undoubtedly the masterpiece. The flip side is the version to the A-side that featured keyboard and percussion.
Derrick Harriott - Message From A Black Man / Message From A Black Man (Miss Credit)
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1970
¥1980 (US$13.09)
American Civil Rights Movement hit Jamaica in late 60's and this tune is undoubtedly one of the best Funky Reggae tunes produced by Derrick Harriott. It is the best example of how Derrick was influenced by the Black Power Movement. B-side features a great Funky Reggae Soul performed by Chosen Few. From that time, Derrick started establishing a genre called "Reggae Soul."
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
Wayne Smith - E20 / In Thing
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1985
B: Come
¥1280 (US$8.46)
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.
Johnny Osbourne - In The Area (What A La La) / In The Area (What A La La) Version
Jammys / Dub Store Records JPN 1984
¥1280 (US$8.46)
Among rhythms produced in 80's dancehall scene, 'Sleng Teng' by King Jammy and Firehouse produced 'Tempo' are considerably the most respected; however, you can never forget 'Stalag' rhythm by Winston Riley lead Techniques, too. King Jammy reproduced this 'Stalag' rhythm with Sly & Robbie and in result, it created shadier atmosphere in comparison to the original Techniques' version.
This is certainly another anthem of Jammys!