Marcia Griffiths' fine cover of Paul McCartney classic. Essential for fans of UK lovers.

A pair of traditional Japanese folk music reissues sang by Chiemi Eri, one of the top female Showa star singers along with Hibari Misora, best known for her exotic Latin Jazz covers of Japanese folk music in the late 50’s.

On A-side “Yakkosan” is based on Edo pops performed in Latin Jazz arrangement uniquely well known in Ska circuit in Japan. Backed with “Hanagasa Odori”, traditional folklore of Yamagata prefecture used for their local festival dances. Originally released in December 1960.

A pair of traditional Japanese folk music reissues sang by Chiemi Eri, one of the top female Showa star singers along with Hibari Misora, best known for her exotic Latin Jazz covers of Japanese folk music in the late 50’s.

Taken from “Chiemi No Minyoshu (Japanese Folk Songbook of Chiemi)”, 10inch LP released in 1958, two of its popular songs are now being reissued on a 7” format. “Otemoyan” is a splendid combination of Japanese folk song with an Afro Cuban rhythm performed by Tokyo Cuban Boys. Coupled with “Kushimoto Bushi”, a folklore from Wakayama prefecture styled in Mambo music.

Superbly arranged, second to none crossover anthem of reggae soul.

Way ahead of its time, deep reggae funk by Keith Hudson with a hint of dub.

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.

Obscure but undoubtedly a historical nyabinghi masterpiece played byy Count Ossie with organ virtuoso Leslie Butler. Backed with a genre defining "ABC Rock Stedy" by The Gaylads.

One of the most remarkable sessions from Sonia Pottinger by matchmaking two of the musical greats to work on an experimental nyabinghi jazz. Backed with a Ken Boothe vocal that surely needs no introduction.

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.

'Love Punanny Bad' rhythm is might be less hard-driven than 'Duck' or 'Punanny'rhythm; however, Steelie & Clive has reconstructed the rhythm perfectly in Raggaamuffin way. This 'Love Me Stylee' is another popular song by Robert Lee.

Redman International Dancehall 1985-1989 press sheet by David Katz

Hugh ‘Redman’ James is one of the greatest Jamaican music producers of the late 1980s. Raised in a musical household in the west Kingston slum of Hannah Town, with his mother a sound system selector, Redman gained his initial schooling in the music business from none other than King Tubby, the legendary sound system owner and dub mixer that was responsible for voicing and mixing some of the greatest reggae of all time. After being immersed in sound system culture during his youth in the 1960s and 70s, Redman began sitting in on sessions at King Tubby’s studio, but migrated to Hartford, Connecticut in 1978 in search of steady employment. Returning to Jamaica a few years later, he established a popular sound system in Kingston and began producing music with King Tubby’s assistance in 1985, working with the Roots Radics during a time of great uncertainty in Jamaican music, as the new dancehall style came to prominence; early work featured Gregory Isaacs, Sugar Minott and Frankie Paul, as well as rising stars such as Little John and Horace Martin. Then, following the computerisation of dancehall, Redman began producing some of the most popular music of the day, crafting durable and complex rhythms with a broad team of players that included Steely and Clevie, augmented by members of the Browne Bunch and other players. Redman helped establish a number of total unknowns in this era, including Carl Meeks, Dave Bailey and Wayne Palmer, and became a serious contender for King Jammy’s crown. But the producer was ultimately frustrated by the dramatic changes to sweep Jamaican music in the early 1990s, and subsequently retreated from the music industry Redman International Dancehall 1985-1989 compiles the best work from his glory days, with half of the twelve vocal tracks coming complete with corresponding dub versions.

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.

Patsy's classic slow ska backed with Webber Sisters previously unreleased rock steady piece pushing forward til their day comes.

Vigorous Patsy vocal and soulful saxophone solo on bouncy ska rhythm. Previously unreleased alternative take on the B-side.

Jo Jo Bennet's killer horn rocksteady with exceptional solo by Leslie Butler. Backed with previously unreleased alternative version.

The Fugitives' thrilling 1967 rocksteady instrumental backed with a previously unreleased cut taken from the master tape.

Peter Tosh was the first reggae artist to realise the limitless possibilities of the melodica (listen to the Wailers' first Tuff Gong release 'Sun Is Shining') and here he adds its haunting power to one of Bunny's best ever rhythms the prophetic 'Amagideon' from 'Black Heart Man'. The melodica phrases and the subtle, restrained mixing on both sides of this single bring out all the brooding introspection and mystery in the track.

Not only reggae fans have been after the reissue of this lovers roots classic. “Unity, Love and Strength” starts with smooth piano into sweet dramatic vocal piece backed by the Wailers band. Horace Andy’s falsetto is the perfect touch to this masterpiece.

Opening the new series - recorded on 22nd March 1986, another cut to King Kong’s Victim that has never seen the light of day until today. Backed with Tubbys digital relick on Yabby You masterpiece.

Recorded on the very same day as People Music (DSR-LT7-01-A), here comes Junior Murvin cut crying for his brothers in the homeland. On flip side a Delroy Smart vocal on the same rhythm.

If you are Tubby freak you may know this dubplate cut. Recorded directly from the mastertape.

Dave Bailey’s ‘Concrete Jungle’ within the Redman’s catalogue is considerably one of the most popular tunes. It’s not only an ordinary digital dancehall track, but also roots flavor added to this speedy edgy rhythm where Dave Bailey showcases his cool & smooth vocal to make this tune a killer!