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Merlyn Brooks - You'll Never Need Somebody / You'll Never Need Somebody PT. 2
Turntable / Dub Store Records JPN 1974
¥2180 (US$13.89)
One of the later productions from the Chung brothers and it’s the ultimate reggae soul sound that they wanted to achieve. Although Antrim and other Chung productions produced reggae, it’s clear that they had US sounds such as soul and funk on their horizon.
Tommy115 All Stars - Rock Steady (Picture Sleeve) / Tommy115 All Stars, Dennis Bovell - Rock Steady Dub
115 Records JN 2015
N/A
I first met Tommy 115 in Japan 2014 during my Japan tour. I was very impressed with her love for Reggae Music .I could tell how much she loves great Reggae music. I'm not surprised that her new single titled "Rocksteady" sounding so great that I could tell that Tommy had learned the Art of good Reggae Music. Her choice of "Rocksteady" title is just the right name. The Recording is very good and the song has a Happy feeling, it puts you in a mood for Spring and Summer, it's a Holiday spirit. Nice song to have on your playlist. The Dub by Dennis Bovell makes you meditate on peace & love! [Jerry Harris (New York's legendary reggae label, Wackies' Music Director, guitarist/singer/producer)]
Chronixx - Here Comes Trouble / Version
Overstand Entertainment / Buyreggae EU 2013
¥1880 (US$11.98)
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
Sandra Cross - African King; African King Dub / Psalm 121; Psalm Of Dub
Ariwa UK 2018
¥2980 (US$18.99)
The Browne Bunch - We've Got A Good Thing Going / Now Generation - We've Got A Good Thing Going Version
Superstar / Dub Store Records JPN 1973
¥2180 (US$13.89)
Superlative reggae soul produced by Mikey Chung for his own Superstar imprint. Having both young Steely and Clevie in the band, when you think of the further development in reggae music, this production was crucial. Compared to Geoffrey's high quality lustrous reggae soul this Jackson 5 cover is slightly different and lean towards the beauty of Jamaican pops sounds.
The Browne Bunch - There's Fun For All / Something Silly
Triangle / Dub Store Records JPN 1973
¥2180 (US$13.89)
Debut song from The Browne Bunch according to Steely. Triangle, Pyramid and Antrim labels consists of Chung Brothers, Steely & Clevie impacted greatly to the popular crowd within lovers rock circuit and beyond.
Glen Adams - Hold Down Miss Winey / Glen Adams - I Remember
Bunny Lee / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥1480 (US$9.43)
Derrick Morgan - Hold You Jack / Lester Sterling & Stranger Cole - Bangarang
Bunny Lee / Dub Store Records JPN 1969
¥2180 (US$13.89)
Pat Kelly & The Uniques - Little Boy Blue / Glen Adams - I Can't Help It
Bunny Lee / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥2180 (US$13.89)
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.
Lennie Hibbert - Moonlight Party
¥3680 (US$23.45)
An indispensable album of Jamaican Jazz from vibraphone virtuoso Lennie Hibbert. As bandmaster at the legendary Alpha Boys School Lennie Hibbert schooled innumerable young artists who would go on to form the musical foundation of the Isle of Springs. Here he takes centre stage on a stirring selection of Carib-roots instrumentals ably assisted by four female vocalists to deliver a tropical sea breeze of marvellous mellow music.
Aston 'Family Man' Barrett & The Wailers Band - Soul Constitution: Instrumentals & Dubs 1971-1982
Dub Store Records JPN 1971- 1982
¥2780 (US$17.71)
Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett is much more than just one of the most renowned reggae bass players of all time. As the bassist of choice for Bob Marley and the Wailers from 1969 up until Marley’s untimely passing, Barrett acted as chief musical arranger and bandleader for the Wailers, greatly altering the course of reggae in the process. He has also been one of the most important Jamaican session musicians, beginning with the Hippie Boys in the late 1960s, and after helping reggae to become better established internationally as a member of Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry’s Upsetters band, he also performed bass duties for a range of noteworthy producers, including Bunny Lee and Keith Hudson, among many others. What is less known, but equally important, is that Family Man produced some of the most challenging and experimental reggae of the 1970s and 80s, issuing unique works in small quantity in Jamaica on a range of short-lived record labels. Soul Constitution collects the best of Family Man’s instrumental and dub output, issued between 1972 and 1982. Aside from a few early tracks recorded at Randy’s studio in the heart of downtown Kingston, much of the work was crafted at the rehearsal room of the original Tuff Gong, based at Marley’s uptown home at 56 Hope Road; some of these works have the very first instances of a drum machine being used in reggae, and all are marked by the supreme musicianship and unorthodox production techniques that has made Family Man’s releases greatly prized by reggae collectors. Several of the tracks are appearing for the first time on long-playing LP and CD format, and most come complete with stripped-down dub counterparts.
Various Artists - Kentone Ska from Federal Records: Skalvouvia 1963-1965
Dub Store Records JPN 1963- 1965
¥2780 (US$17.71)
Founder of Jamaica’s first recording studio, Ken Khouri produced early ska classics
14 first-rate ska pieces including previously unreleased materials from undoubtedly the industry leading Federal Records that consisted the virtuoso Ernest Ranglin and co.
Barrington Levy - Teach The Youth: Barrington Levy & Friends At Joe Gibbs 1980-1985
VP US 1980- 1985
¥2180 (US$13.89)
Yasushi Ide - Brian's Organ (Yosuke Tominaga Remix) / (Album Version)
Grand Gallery JPN 2016
¥1620 (US$10.32)
Monty Alexander, Cyclones - Summertime / Dog It
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1962
¥2080 (US$13.25)
An exotic cover of the standard - by young Monty Alexander for Studio One. Its heavy and exotic arrangement by Monty’s own the Cyclones could well be the version of the famous “Summertime” that Jamaica has been proud of, and also out of million others to date this stands out as one of the most distinguished covers of all. From a number of Coxsone’s own labels, this is one of the rarest and includes nice shuffle-instrumental on the other side like the original press. A very rare piece that the collectors have been searching for.
Soul Brothers - James Bond Girl / Summertair Girls - My Heart Cries Out
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥2180 (US$13.89)
Another classic killer ska from the short-lived Soul Brothers. As of the original on the other side comes a sweet female lovers vocal from a night before the Rocksteady era. Succeeding the authentic ska from the legendary Skatalites then evolving it to the sound of Rocksteady, a fluid session band of Studio One, the Soul Brothers bring another classic instrumental ska tune. Like you can almost smell the perfume of Rocksteady era at its best, here comes a cool and cute lovers tune from Kingston on the other side. When the Soul Brothers were active after the Skatalites, they have certainly lost the thrill of solo performances, though this might have been the Skatalites were just too great.. Recorded from the master tape itself, this take contains slightly different solo compare to the original single.
Minstrells - People Get Ready / Hamlins - Everyone Got To Be There
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥2180 (US$13.89)
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.
Skatalites - Freedom Sounds / Freedom Sounds (Early Take)
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1964
¥2180 (US$13.89)
‘Freedom Sounds’ is the glorious introduction to the iconic Ska LP “Ska Authentic from Studio One”, and also known as the opening theme for the band’s live performances. What’s more exciting is the early take unearthed for the very first time! Although it nearly got released with the 64-65’ masterpiece ‘From Russia With Love’, then eventually got cancelled due to the release of “Ska Authentic” LP. Compare to the ordinary recording that we’re familiar with, the unreleased take comes rougher but that is also brilliant and it will sound miraculously to all the Ska fans. There have been occasions that the band played this version at number of gigs, though it depends on who was leading the performance.
Roy Richards - Summertime / Sound Dimension - Soulful Strut
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1969
¥2180 (US$13.89)
A harmonica instrumental version of the all time favorite, Summertime and instrumental cover version of the Soul classic. Both are great interpretations of instrumental covers that are ranked definitely as two of the greatest Rocksteady tunes. Taken straight from its master tape, Summertime is a masterpiece that condensed the splendor of the blinded harmonica maestro and famed vocalist, Roy Richards. Originally released in 1968 by Young Holt Unlimited and scored a big hit, this great cover of the Soul classic, which sounds easily fitting the pattern of Sir Coxsone’s taste who was the huge fan of US hits, was played loosely and effortlessly by then newly formed Sound Dimension.
Soul Vendors - Last Waltz / Hamlins - Sentimental Reason
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥2180 (US$13.89)
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.
Lloyd Deslandes - Unity (Live Fe Come See) / Unity Dub
Big Sax Records / Reggae Fever EU 1977
¥1680 (US$10.71)
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$10.07)
Jennifer Lara - Woman Of The Ghetto / Jackie Mittoo, Sound Dimension - Side Walk Doctor Version
Dub Store Records JPN / Studio One 2004
¥2180 (US$13.89)
Johnny Clarke - Golden Snake / Little Clive - African Bread
Atom / Dub Store Records JPN 1974
¥1480 (US$9.43)
Very rare rocksteady rhythm pulled by Keith Hudson to record this bold vocal by Johnny Clarke in 1974. On B-side a deejay cut by Randy’s Clive Chin.
Keith Hudson - Satan Side / Earl Flute, Horace Andy - Peter & Judas
Mafia / Dub Store Records JPN 1972
¥1480 (US$9.43)
Versions, dubwise, horn riffs and what not – all of those creative elements made this great tune and it was only Keith Hudson who had an ability to make it all possible. Even if you’re no an ordinary reggae listener you should try this. Apart from Hudson, at this time in Jamaica there was a number of eccentric producers like Lee Perry, Pablo, Niney and co who used their studio like an instrument to create their own sounds.
Alva Lewis - Revelation / Lester Sterling - Soul Voyage
Bunny Lee / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥1480 (US$9.43)
Derrick Morgan - Don't Touch My Baby / Derrick Morgan, Blues Blenders - Darling You Are Mine
Hop / Reggae Fever EU 1966
¥1480 (US$9.43)
Kim Masters; Roland Alphonso; Now Mix - If I Follow My Heart; If I Follow My Heart; If I Follow My Heart / Kim Masters; Dub Mix; Kim, Roland Alphonso - I Shall Sing; I Shall Sing; I Shall Sing
Studio One US (Org) 2004
If I Follow My Heart B: Answer Info: Original Press
N/A
Tarrus Riley - Gimme Likkle One Drop / Chronixx - Ain't No Giving In
Chimney Records / Buyreggae EU 2013
¥1880 (US$11.98)
Protoje, Chronixx - Who Knows / Dub Mix
Overstand Entertainment / Buyreggae EU 2014
¥2080 (US$13.25)
Tarrus Riley - Cold Girl / Jesse Royal - Modern Day Judas
Overstand Entertainment / Buyreggae EU 2013
¥1880 (US$11.98)
Rayvon - Games We Play (Sound Track Rhythm) / Kris Kelli - Step Up
Big Yard 2007
¥570 ¥199 (US$1.27)
Various - Merritone Rock Steady 2: This Music Got Soul 1966-1967 (2LP)
Dub Store Records JPN 1966- 1967
¥5380 (US$34.28)
American rhythm & blues fervour, boosted by a multitude of sound systems playing 78rpm records on increasingly larger sets, gripped Jamaica from the late forties onwards but, towards the end of the decade, the American audience began to move towards a somewhat softer sound. The driving rhythm & blues discs became increasingly hard to find and the more progressive Jamaican sound system operators, realising that they now needed to make their own music, turned to Kingston’s jazz and big band musicians to record one off custom cut discs. These were not initially intended for commercial release but designed solely for sound system play on acetate or ‘dub plates’ as they would later be termed. These ‘specials’ soon began to eclipse the popularity of American rhythm & blues and the demand for their locally produced music proved so great that the sound system operators began to release their music commercially on vinyl and became record producers. Clement ‘Coxsone’ Dodd, Duke Reid ‘The Trojan’ and Prince Buster, who operated his Voice Of The People Sound System, were among the first to establish themselves in this new role and the nascent Jamaican recording industry now went into overdrive.
In 1954 Ken Khouri had numbered among the first far sighted entrepreneurs to produce mento records with local musicians (mento is Jamaica’s original indigenous music) before progressing to opening Jamaica’s first record manufacturing plant. Three years later he moved his operation to Foreshore Road (later renamed Marcus Garvey Drive) where, with the assistance of the inestimable Graeme Goodall, he updated and upgraded his recording studio. The importance of this enterprising move was critical to the development of Jamaican music and its influence both profound and far reaching.