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Various Artists - Dancing Down Orange Street
¥2880 (US$18.26)
A seriously sought after classic album of rocksteady and uptempo reggae hits
from 1969
The Afrotones - Something New In My Heart / The Conquerors - Come To The Dance
Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥1580 (US$10.02)
A pair of soulful rock steady classics from two of the finest choir groups that Gay Feet label had introduced, The Afrotones & The Conquerors.
The Fugitives - Musical Pressure / Musical Pressure (Alternative Take)
Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥1580 (US$10.02)
The Fugitives' thrilling 1967 rocksteady instrumental backed with a previously unreleased cut taken from the master tape.
Joe Bennett & The Fugitives - Living Soul / Living Soul (Alternative Take)
Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥1580 (US$10.02)
Jo Jo Bennet's killer horn rocksteady with exceptional solo by Leslie Butler. Backed with previously unreleased alternative version.
Soul Vendors - Last Waltz / Hamlins - Sentimental Reason
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥2180 (US$13.82)
The Soul Vendors’ horn inst cover of a mellow Latin tune, backed with the authentic Studio One Rocksteady masterpiece. This gorgeous horn inst Rocksteady features a superb arrangement from King Cannon a.k.a. Carl ‘Cannonball’ Bryan and Roland Alphonso. Like the originals on the other side here comes the one that Island was certainly familiar with back then, the Nat King Cole’s excellent vocal cover from the Hamlins.
The Afrotones - If I'm In A Corner / Lynn Taitt & The Jets - The Hip Hug
Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥1580 (US$10.02)
Moving rocksteady vocal from Delroy Williams, George Allison, Ricky Grant a.k.a The Afrotones backed with killer funky instrumental from the maestro.
The Gaylads - It's Hard To Confess / The Gaylads - I Need Your Loving
Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥2080 (US$13.19)
The Hippy Boys - Seven Heaven / The Hippy Boys - Seven Heaven (Alternative Take)
Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥1580 (US$10.02)
The Harmonizers - My Queen / The Valentines - Blam Blam Fever (Gunfever)
Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥2180 (US$13.82)
Alton Ellis - La La Means I Love You / Melodians - Passion Love
Treasure Isle UK 1968/ 1970
La La Means I Love You/Precious
N/A
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.
Various Artists - Dancing Down Orange Street
¥2376 (US$15.06)
A seriously sought after classic album of rocksteady and uptempo reggae hits
from 1969
Hortense Ellis - Groovy Kind Of Love / The Three Tops - A Man Of Chances
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥2180 (US$13.82)
Stranger Cole & The Seraphines - We Shall Overcome / We Shall Overcome (Alternative Take)
Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥1580 (US$10.02)
Released as The Seraphines prior to the formation of Stranger & Gladdy, fabulous chorus gem backed with previously unreleased cut on flip.
Patsy Millicent Todd - It's So Hard Without You / Patsy Millicent Todd, Lennie Hibbert, Lynn Taitt & The Jets - Little Flea
Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥1580 (US$10.02)
Delano Stewart - Rocking Sensation / The Gaysters - One Look
Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥2180 (US$13.82)
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.
Various - Merritone Rock Steady 3: Bang Bang Rock Steady 1966-1968 (2LP)
Dub Store Records JPN 1966- 1967
N/A
Superior rock steady from the vaults of Federal Records
The third edition in this universally acclaimed series including giant of the genre, Hopeton Lewis, and a scintillating selection of hit records and previously unreleased material.
Roland Alphonso - ABC Rocksteady
N/A
Rare and seriously sought after instrumental album of Gay Feet rocksteady hits from 1968.
Eleven elegant instrumental tracks, and one female vocal, showcasing the tenor sax artistry of master musician Roland Alphonso, ably assisted by Aubrey Adams on organ and the inestimable Lynn Taitt on guitar, interpreting a selection of Mrs Pottinger’s most memorable hits of the era.
Soul Brothers - Freedom Sounds / Freedom Sounds Take 2
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥2180 (US$13.82)
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.
Minstrells - People Get Ready / Hamlins - Everyone Got To Be There
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥2180 (US$13.82)
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.
Gaylads - Looking For A Girl / Aren't You The Guy
Links / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥2180 (US$13.82)
For all collectors here is a great reissue of rare rocksteady from The Gaylads. Wonderful chorus works by the group that are thought to be some of the greatest works the Gaylads after Studio One era.
Johnny, Attractions - Call Of The Drums / Leslie Butler, Count Ossie - Call Of The Drums Rhythm 2
Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥2080 (US$13.19)
Marvellous binghi rock steady masterpiece by Count Ossie led Johnny & The Attractions. An unreleased alternative instrumentalal cut on flip.
Harmonizers - Go Back Home / Go Back Home (Alternative Take)
Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥1580 (US$10.02)
Roots rock steady from The Harmonizers recorded around 1967 proclaiming to go back to Africa. Backed with previously unreleased alternative cut.
Valentines - Stop The Violence (Peace Treaty) / Stop The Violence (Peace Treaty) (Alternative Take)
Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥1580 (US$10.02)
Gaylads - Over The Rainbow's End / Leslie Butler - Revival
Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥2180 (US$13.82)
Conquerors - Sweet Little Angel / Treat Me Right
Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥1580 (US$10.02)
Joe Higgs - Don't Come To My House No More / Conquerors - Listen To Me Baby
Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥1580 (US$10.02)
The Valentines - All In One / Leslie Butler - Top Cat
Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥1580 (US$10.02)
Also known as The Silvertones, lead by momorable piano riff The Valentine's uptempo chorus rocksteady and keyboard genius Leslie Butler's extra funky instrumental on flip. Both sides taken from the mastertape.
Techniques - Where Were You / Just One Smile
Techniques / Dub Store Records JPN 1969
¥1980 (US$12.55)
Techniques - I Feel Alive Again / Heart Of A Man
Techniques / Dub Store Records JPN 1969
¥1980 (US$12.55)
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.
Gaylettes, Lynn Taitt, Jets - Silent River Runs Deep / I Like Your World
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
N/A
Judy Mowatt used to form a group called the Gaylettes in her early career although she is known for touring all over the world as a member of I Threes and the Wailers. 'Silent River Runs Deep' is the most known song and a hit for the group. 'I Like Your World' was also originally released on the A-side of another record released on Merritone label. Those recordings of this double A-sided single are certainly great enduring female Rocksteady songs of all time.
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.
Minstrels, Lynn Taitt, Jets - Hey There Lonely Girls / Hey There Lonely Girls (Acappella)
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
N/A
A very rare and beautiful Rocksteady tune that collectors are after for many years. The Minstrels released mere amount of records but all of them were top-notch recordings. This 1967 released powerful ‘Hey There Lonely Girl’ is crucial for every Rocksteady fans. Acappella version of the song is included on the B-side.
Hopeton Lewis - Rock A Shacka / I Don't Want Trouble
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥1380 (US$8.75)
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.
Hopeton Lewis - Don't Cry / A De Pon Dem
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
N/A
Hopeton Lewis’ vocal matches perfectly with alto sax, which you hear backing ‘Don’t Cry’. In addition to this minor-coded love song, the flipside features another rough and tough Rocksteady hit.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Henry Buckley - With A Girl Like You / Lynn Taitt, Jets - Last Waltz
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
N/A
Just like Hopeton Lewis, Henry Buckley also was one of the star singers of the Federal Records and this is his relaxed yet consistent, nice Rocksteady piece from 1967. The other side is a cut taken from the monumental Rocksteady album 「Rocksteady Greatest Hits」
Hopeton Lewis - Happy Christmas / Lester Sterling, Lyn Taitt, Jets - Lester Sterling Special
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1967/ 1966
¥1380 (US$8.75)
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.
Phyllis Dillon - Rock Steady / Tommy McCook - Soul Rock
Treasure Isle UK 1968/ 1970
¥1680 (US$10.65)
Roy Cousins & The Royals - We Are In The Mood / Techniques - My Girl
Treasure Isle UK 1968
B: My Girl
¥1980 (US$12.55)
Phyllis Dillon - Don't Stay Away / Tommy McCook, Supersonics - Starry Night
Treasure Isle UK 1967
¥2180 (US$13.82)
Desmond Dekker - Unity / Austin Faithful, Hippies - Ain't That Peculiar
Pyramid UK / Beverleys 1968
¥1880 (US$11.92)
Roland Alphonso - Stream Of Life / Austin Faithful - I'm In A Rocking Mood
Pyramid UK / Beverleys 1968
¥2080 (US$13.19)
Toots & The Maytals - Bim Today Bam Tomorrow / Beverley's All Stars - Double Action
Beverleys UK 1968
¥1880 (US$11.92)