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Johnny & The Attractions - Coming On The Scene / Anything You Want
Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥1580 (US$10.21)
Patsy Millicent Todd - Just Like It Is / I Tell Myself
Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1966/ 1968
¥1580 (US$10.21)
Johnny & The Attractions - Young Wings Can Fly / Young Wings Can Fly (Alternative Take)
Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥1580 (US$10.21)
Glen Adams - I Want To Hold Your Hand / Ann Reid - Remember Me
Bunny Lee / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥2180 (US$14.08)
Glen Brown pleasantly covering the familiar Beatles classic not to mention stunning arrangement by Bunny Lee. Backed with popular female rocksteady vocal
Ken Boothe - Happy Song / Reggae Boys - What You Gonna Do
Bunny Lee / Dub Store Records JPN 1968/ 1969
¥2180 (US$14.08)
Ernest Ranglin - Mr. Ranglin With Soul
¥3680 (US$23.77)
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.
Carlton Manning - We Will Live & Love / The Soul Lads - I Am Yours Forever
Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥1580 (US$10.21)
The debut song from Carlton Manning - elder brother of Lynford and Donald of The Abyssinians and later known for his Carlton and The Shoes releases for Studio One. On the flip side it’s a previously unreleased tune from The Soul Lads - later re-recorded and released on Treasure Isle with another cut which could be why this never saw the light of day.
The Uniques - Gypsy Woman / Never Let Me Go
Bunny Lee / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥2180 (US$14.08)
Rocksteady cover of the undoubtable Impressions’ anthem. Out of many rocksteady tunes this one stands out with its splendid arrange and engineering genius. Backed with The Uniques legendary “Never Let Me Go”.
Glen Adams - Hold Down Miss Winey / Glen Adams - I Remember
Bunny Lee / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥1480 (US$9.56)
Toots & The Maytals - 54-46 Was My Number / Pressure Drop (Off Center)
Beverleys UK 1969
¥2180 (US$14.08)
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.
Minstrells - People Get Ready / Hamlins - Everyone Got To Be There
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥2180 (US$14.08)
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.
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.
Lynn Taitt & The Jets - Rock Steady Greatest Hits
N/A
Refined rock steady from the creator of the genre. Guitarist and arranger, Lynn Taitt, interprets some of the greatest hits of the era including variations of many of the melodies he originated for a number of Jamaica’s foremost artists and producers.
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.
Roy Richards - Summertime / Sound Dimension - Soulful Strut
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1969
¥2180 (US$14.08)
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.
Owen Gray - Give Me A Little Sign / Raver
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥2180 (US$14.08)
A perfect, yet low-keyed, Studio One Rocksteady double A-sided masterpiece!! Recorded in 1967 while Clement Dodd and Soul Vendors were on tour in the UK. The former Jamaican popular singer Owen Gray, who had already been living there then, voiced these unique pieces. It sounds very different from the ones recorded at Brentford Road, although both tunes certainly have the “Coxsone Sound” – A masterpiece that is refined, and maximize the talent of this one-time star. Only ‘The Raver’ was recorded from the original master-tape.
Gaylads - Looking For A Girl / Aren't You The Guy
Links / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥2180 (US$14.08)
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.
The Hippy Boys - Seven Heaven / The Hippy Boys - Seven Heaven (Alternative Take)
Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥1580 (US$10.21)
Johnny & The Attractions - Let's Get Together / Cross My Heart
Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥1580 (US$10.21)
The most sought after Gay Feet rock steady rarity. Johnny & The Attractions draws a clear line between them and rock steady artists back then – diggin’ deep into the sounds. Seems obvious that they were already doing the style later known as roots reggae.
Derrick Morgan, Little Freddie - Just Want To Stay Here / Derrick Morgan, Blues Blenders - It's Alright
Hop / Reggae Fever EU 1966
¥1580 (US$10.21)
Dawn Penn - I'll Let You Go / Diane Lawrence - Hound Dog
Bunny Lee / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥2180 (US$14.08)
Highly sought after double A-sided female rocksteady vocals. Dawn Penn cut of The Uniques – Let Me Go Girl. On flip side is another popular female vocal tune by Dian Lawrence that was also covered by Norma Frazer for Studio One
Ken Parker - A Change Gonna Come / Val Bennett - Jumping With Val
Bunny Lee / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥2180 (US$14.08)
Alva Lewis - Revelation / Lester Sterling - Soul Voyage
Bunny Lee / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥1480 (US$9.56)
Pat Kelly & The Uniques - Little Boy Blue / Glen Adams - I Can't Help It
Bunny Lee / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥2180 (US$14.08)
The Maytones - Loving Reggae / G. G. Rhythm Section - Rough Neck (Musical Beat)
GGs / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥2180 (US$14.08)
Alva Lewis - I'm Indebted / Lynn Taitt, Jets - Some Come Some Go
Hop / Reggae Fever EU 1967/ 1968
¥1980 (US$12.79)
Derrick Morgan, Pauline Morgan - Someone / Derrick Morgan, Blues Blenders - Lagga Head
Hop / Reggae Fever EU 1967
¥1980 (US$12.79)
Joe Higgs, Lynn Taitt, Jets - You Hurt My Soul / Lynn Taitt, Jets - Why Am I Treated So Bad?
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥1980 (US$12.79)
Joe Higgs was a mentor for many young artists and taught them how to sing as well as about the recording industry. Many followed and learned his lessens and passed it on to coming generations. ‘You Hurt My Soul’ is one of his early recordings with his distinctive singing style. Side B is Merritone cut to the classic reggae instrumental ‘Bad Treatment’. The recordings were released in 1968 and reissued from the original master tape.
Roland Alphonso - Stranger For Durango / Sounds Of Silence
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
N/A
'Stranger For Durango is a bright instrumental performed by Roland Alphonso. Ska/Rocksteady lover's delight! The song also features remarkable solo on keyboard. The musician remakes Simon & Garfunkle's 'Sound of Silence' in a graceful Rocksteady style. Those recordings were originally released in 1966 and reissued from the original master tape.
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 - Solomon / Bobby Ellis, Jets - Emperor
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
N/A
Derrick Harriott’s original cut to sound system foundation rhythm ‘Solomon’. Derrick sings comically about Solomon, who was given wisdom amongst of all mankind from God in the Old Testament: “Solomon was the wisest man but he didn't know the secrets of a woman” The hit rhythm has been versioned many times over last four decades. On side B, there is a nice & cool horn instrumental entitled ‘The Emperor’ by Bobby Ellis, its title might imply Derrick Harriott productions had a good taste in music at that time.
Paragons - Talking Love / If I Were You
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
N/A
‘Talking Love’ is a classic hit recording and known as one of the songs that represents Merritone label. Originally released in 1967 and features a Jamaican Soul on the B-side from the master tape.
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.
Derrick Harriott - Keep On Dancing / Bobby Ellis, Desmond Miles Seven - Now We Know (Instrumental)
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥1380 (US$8.91)
Taken from the epic album‘Rock Steady Party’, this is the first time ever released on 7 inch single and is Derrick Harriott’s interpretation of praising Rocksteady dancehall. The B-side, ‘Now We Know’is an original single version of the song and this is the best example of how Crystalites play the rhythm.
Noel Brown - Heartbreak Girl / Man's Temptation
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥1380 (US$8.91)
Later became a vocalist for Chosen Few, Noel Brown's beautiful falsetto floats on this rare Rocksteady tune. It is also an interesting piece that recorded during the transition stage from Rocksteady to Reggae. These are only songs Noel Brown did for Derrick Harriott.
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」
Derrick Morgan - Want More / Roland Alphonso, Beveley's All Stars - Goodnight My Love
Pyramid UK / Beverleys 1968
¥1880 (US$12.14)
Desmond Dekker - Unity / Austin Faithful, Hippies - Ain't That Peculiar
Pyramid UK / Beverleys 1968
¥1880 (US$12.14)
Freddie McKay - Love Is A Treasure / Alton Ellis - I Can't Stand It
Treasure Isle UK 1968
¥2180 (US$14.08)
Alton Ellis - Girl I've Got A Date / Blackman's World
Treasure Isle UK 1968/ 1970
Girl I've Got A Date B: Blackman's World
¥1980 (US$12.79)