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.

Historically renown Dave Brubeck’s Take 5 covered in rocksteady style. It later became one of reggae’s standard repertoire.

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.

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.

This is a Rocksteady cut of the Zodiacs' 'Walk On By' released in 1967. They recorded the original Ska cut at Duke Reid's Treasure Isle. Rare Rocksteady classic with beautiful harmonies on a profound rhythm. On the B-side, this previously unreleased material 'House Upon The Hill' features an unknown vocal group called Merritone singers.

The Hippy Boys consists of Aston and Carly Barrett brothers opened up the new era with their original sounds. This double A-sided roots instrumentals 7” was unarguably so ahead of its time

Beautifully shinning golden female Lover's Rock.At this time, the Wailers band didn't play much of those sweet love songs, however this 7” definitely proves Familyman’s versatile musical orientation. A truly tight rhythm section beautifully blends with this rather unknown singer’s superb voice making these nothing but a masterpiece. A heart calming double-sider.

Recorded at the same session as Cobra Style, this is a peace and love instrumental that touches your heartstrings. Perhaps designed by Family Man himself, this is a piece to chill out after being done by the killer, Cobra Style as it was originally recorded on the B-side of the same 12” – a must have for the owner of the latter. Although the instrumentals have traditionally been recorded since the 60’s, due to the cut down on the recording cost, it started to diminish since the end of the 70’s and it was really rare to see them in the 80’s, so that make it an undoubtedly precious and prestige instrumental. Comparing this to Cobra Style, there could be an endless discussion arguing which one is better however since they have such different musical concepts to each other, leave them alone to appreciate the true listening experience.

Invaluable hard Dancehall steppers by Family Man produced in the twilight of the Digital era.The Ragga sound at its peak after the Digital Revolution, Family Man still remains to be the trusted person of influence. His iconic hard steppers style bass line is non exceptional at this era, so deep like in immovability like a mountain. Ashanti Wah recorded this piece a few times after, however none of them comes even as close as this cut. Officially first time to be released as a single.

Out of all those China lead Soul Syndicate vocals this one has to be the tightest although here the rare flute instrumental is the business. At the time Keith Hudson had the original JA funk sounds going on in his rhythms.

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.

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.

'Silhouettes' is one of Dennis Brown's earliest recordings and a good old Reggae hit. The flip side features Augustus Pablo's melodica cut to the A-side. This peaceful piece proves that the early sound of King Tubby is the greatest of all.

Foundation ska from the cradle of Jamaican music…
Federal Recording Studios nurtured the talents of innumerable Jamaican artists in the early sixties… this set showcases seriously sought after rarities and previously un-released tracks from Don Drummond, The Maytals , Lynn Taitt and many more

A masterpiece of Jamaican Jazz recorded in 1960 by the Eric Grant Orchestra, resident band of the Casa Montego Hotel in Montego Bay. Rhythm & Blues, Jazz standards, Cha Cha Cha, Merengue and Calypso all combine in this wonderful amalgamation of sounds. Produced by the first Jamaican studio, Federal Records, and its founder Ken Khouri, it is now re-issued for the first time ever.

Bunny continued to release records throughout the seventies that were never less than excellent and, as the new decade got underway, he came forward with one of his best ever releases: the militant clarion call 'Rise And Shine'. Stretched over two momentous sides of a UK twelve inch release, the record was a huge hit, but has been unavailable ever since. Bunny returned to the song on his superb 'Liberation' album at the close of the decade but the original cut has remained one of the most in-demand records on the 'revival' circuit.

Bunny Wailer, respectfully called “The Blackheart Man”, produced Johnny Scar’s one-off recording ‘United Africa’. The mystic singer wrote this heavy roots song and sang with his unique chant like a voice of the roots reggae icon, Burning Spear. And the song appeared as 12”on the Solomonic Production imprint in 1986.

Known as a synonym for “killer”, this is one of the best singles released on Studio 1 by Don Drummond, including another precious take that’s been previously unreleased. Compare to any other artists, the extreme tension that Don Drummond brings into his sessions were next level. His trombone skills were above genius and it is clear to hear his strong personality and humanity through his music. With his works being released on Studio One and other productions, he had established the “Far Eastern Sound” which still lives today in Jamaica. The fact all the music that was influenced by this sound has been evaluated since therefore it is a proof of how his music is universality. It is interesting that all the unreleased Skatalites tracks from this era have different solo phrases each time, showing how valuable these recordings are for the archive.

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.

A great cover version of a Sam Cook hit with beautiful chorus and a killer instrumental that blended Jamaica’s Caribbean roots and Afro-Cuban essence. Jamaica’s favorite American singer, Sam Cook’s hit was beautifully transformed into a sweet and peaceful vocal Ska when it went through Studio One’s unique filter. The tune was taken straight from the master tape. The flip side features a mixed style of Caribbean-decent music that Soul Brothers could play best at and Jackie Mittoo’s burning keyboard maneuver made this killer instrumental best of the best.

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.

Previously unreleased rare instrumental Ska masterpieces based on Rhythm and Blues classic!

These are the previously unreleased two instrumental cuts of the cheerful cover of Amos Milburn’s Jamaican sound system classic in the 50’s sung by Clive Wilson. Clearly great and with full of vibes, if your are a Ska Man there is no way to avoid these special tunes. *Recommended to pair this with the vocal version by Clive Wilson released on this very same series (DSR-FW7-02)

Killer instrumental ska and one of Baba Brooks' masterworks on A-side backed with crucial ska vocal by Patsy accordingly to the original edition. Both sides taken from the mastertape.

Mid-tempo Ska song by a vocal group called The Monarchs. They only appear on this recording and the rest of information remains unknown. Side-b features previously unreleased version of Sneer Towners' 'You Say Me Say', which appeared on the album "Jamaican Skarama" reissued by Dub Store Records.

Another unreleased rare material only heard on dubplates previously. Jammy’s iconic heavy bassline and melodious instrumentals in minor scale represent his production style from around 87’. Super Black sorrowfully sings man’s pure heart in this lover’s dancehall tune.

Out of all Jammy’s gigantic catalogue, “E20” rhythm could be considered as one of the most destructive ones to date. Jammy found the unreleased track on this rhythm from the vault featuring a familiar face of the 80’s dancehall, King Everal melancholy singing this killer!

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.

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.

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.

This funky reggae classic go way beyond the boundary of reggae music and reaching to every music lover out there. Beginning with the killer drum break, the Aretha Franklin cover is built to move everyone’s body! Backed with slick instrumentals produced by Lloyd Charmers, it’s about time this 7” gets reissued.

Channel One artist The Jays’ big dancehall tune for King Tubby. Although its pop element is clearly heard this one also consists of tougher side. Skillfully arranged in dancehall fashion yet deeply resonates with the spirit of roots reggae.

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

Possibly the first hit from then a newcomer producer Keith Hudson along with the iconic Dennis Alcapone deejay cut this tune will be passed on forever.

The golden hit of the early 70’s deejay craze in combination with Ken Boothe. The El Paso sound system deejay Dennis Alcapone showcasing repelling force and energy towards the others piling into the scene back then. One of the symbolic classics of the early deejay materials.

Some may call it the original sound tune! This deejay cut strongly represent the new era of reggae music during 1969-70 with a string of new producers landing with serious hits. “Dynamic Fashion” would definitely be one of the top three U-Roy early classics.

Sharp and sophisticated reggae soul funk instrumental backed with “Traveling On”.

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.

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.

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.

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.

On Keith & Tex' classic tune 'Tonight,' Augustus Pablo's melodica echoes along the entire track mysteriously, while the fascinating female vocalist Fay quotes breathy lines from the popular German soft porn film Bedroom Mazurka. The flip side features Scotty's DJ version to 'Tonight.'

Junior Marvin is apparently more known for his 70's work but he continued his career while dancehall period and released album 'Apartheid' at Jammys. This heavy weight dancehall song 'Jack Slick' was on the album and released on 12" single vinyl. On side B, 'Dancehall Vibes' by Anthony Johnson on the same rhythm with different arrangements was only released on 12" single vinyl.

A classic Rasta Man song sung by Bunny Wailer, the most devoted Rastafarian out of all the Wailers. This unforgettable Rasta Man Anthem was released just before one of the most important roots reggae album to date, Blackheart Man dropped. Unlike the original release, this single take is backed with a dub cut.

In 1966, Bunny Wailer started singing spiritual lyrics before anyone else, and this masterpiece he sung about returning to Africa was written while he was still recording for Studio One. Although it was originally recorded for Studio One, it has never seen the day of light. Then Lee Perry recorded it again and released in 1971. This particular take was recorded especially for the album in 1976 and released from Island Records UK as a single.