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Stephen Cheng - Always Together / Sam Carty - Rich Man, Poor Man
BMN / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥2180 (US$14.09)
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.
Keith & Tex - Stop That Train / Bobby Ellis, Jets - Feeling Peckish
Move & Groove / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
N/A
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.
Soul Vendors - Last Waltz / Hamlins - Sentimental Reason
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥2180 (US$14.09)
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.
Lee Perry - Feel Like Jumping / Roland Alphonso - Christine Keeler
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN
¥2180 (US$14.09)
Cornell Campbell - Jah Jah Me Horn Yah / My Baby Just Care For Me
Bunny Lee / Dub Store Records JPN
¥2180 (US$14.09)
The Paragons - Man Next Door / Left With A Broken Heart
Supertone / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥2180 (US$14.09)
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.
Hopeton Lewis - Cool Collie / This Poor Boy
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
N/A
Originally released in 1966, 'Cool Collie' is sometimes considered as one of the first Rocksteady recordings. With hard hit paformance by the back band, Hepetone Lewis sings to free Ganja which is the one of the essential elements of Jamaican music tradition.B-side, Mr. Rocksteady performs a bitter love song in a minor key.
Lennie Hibbert - Moonlight Party
¥3680 (US$23.78)
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.
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.
DJ Holiday (aka 今里) - Flipping Many Birds.: Selected Tunes From Doctor Bird
Octave Lab JPN 2020
¥2530 (US$16.35)
Richie Spice - Valley Of Jehoshaphat (Red Hot) / Di Dub Dance (Dub Mix)
VP / 5th Element US 2020
¥1680 (US$10.85)
Don Drummond - Last Call / Last Call Take 2
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥2180 (US$14.09)
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.
Soul Brothers - East Man Ska / King Rocky & The Willows - You Were Wrong
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1966
¥1580 (US$10.21)
Peter Tosh & The Wailers - Rasta Shock Them Up / Soul Brothers - Ringo's Ska
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥2080 (US$13.44)
Ronald Downer, Count Ossie, Lennie Hibbert - Ethiopian Kingdom / Ethiopian Kingdom (Alternative Take)
Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥2080 (US$13.44)
The Hippy Boys - Nigeria / Challenge
Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1969
¥2080 (US$13.44)
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
Count Ossie Band - Nyiah Bongo (Alternative Take) / Patsy Millicent Todd & Count Ossie Band - Pata Pata Rocksteady
Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥1580 (US$10.21)
Miriam Makeba’s sensational “Pata Pata” timely covered in rocksteady fashion by Patsy Millicent Todd in 1967. Strictly nyahbinghi yet sounding pop somehow - it’s an unmissable tune for those who know.
Cedric Im Brooks - Blackness Of Darkness / Africa Calling
Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1978
¥2180 (US$14.09)
Eric Monty Morris - Blackman Ska / A Spot In My Heart For You
Kentone / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
N/A
Previously unreleased vocal materials from master tapes! Eric Monty Morris sings sufferers' protest song, "Blackman work so hard, but white man gets the money, the rich shall be richer, the poor shall be poorer, something must be done soon"… At the time, most of the artists including Eric Monty Morris mainly focused on singing about love but not about conscious themes so the recording was very exceptional. B-side features previously unreleased vocal material as well. It seems that both songs were recorded for the album "Jamaican Skarama (reissued by Dub Store Records: LP/CD503)" but did not end up on the album unfortunately.
Llans Thelwell, His Celestials - Mughead Ska / Free For All
BMN / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥1480 (US$9.56)
One of the most wanted Ska titles to date, this is an ultimate killer Ska instrumental for all DJs. An exclusive reissue of the utterly rare and unique title amongst all the Ska instrumentals! Some say the title of this super killer masterpiece was taken from the musician Barry Malcolm’s nickname “Mughead”. Backed with an excellent B-side ‘Free For All’just like the original release. There are no more instructions needed for this great release!
Techniques - You Are My Everything / What Am I To Do
Techniques / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥1980 (US$12.79)
Marvels - Rocksteady / Lloyd Charmers - Travelling On
FRM / Dub Store Records JPN 1972
¥2180 (US$14.09)
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.
Sharon Forrester - Silly Wasn't I / Now Generation - Silly Wasn't I Version
Edge / Dub Store Records JPN 1973
¥2180 (US$14.09)
The Jamaican lovers masterpiece by Sharon Forrester and UK lovers classic.
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
N/A
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.
Dawn Penn - I'll Let You Go / Diane Lawrence - Hound Dog
Bunny Lee / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥2180 (US$14.09)
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
The School Boys (Jacob Miller) - Guilty Of Love (Love Is A Message) / O Tell Me
Bunny Lee / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥2180 (US$14.09)
Pat Kelly & The Uniques - Little Boy Blue / Glen Adams - I Can't Help It
Bunny Lee / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥2180 (US$14.09)
Ken Boothe - Happy Song / Reggae Boys - What You Gonna Do
Bunny Lee / Dub Store Records JPN 1968/ 1969
¥2180 (US$14.09)
The Maytones - Botheration / G. G. Rhythm Section - 2000 Tons Of TNT
GGs / Dub Store Records JPN 1969
¥1980 (US$12.79)
Paragons, Lynn Taitt, Jets - We Were Meant To Be / We Were Meant To Be (Acappella)
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
N/A
One of the earliest works recorded by John Holt. This is a golden Rocksteady piece clearly depicts beautiful atmosphere that Federal Records always has kept in their recording material. The single was originally released in 1966 without this acappella version. Reissued from the original 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.
Chosen Few - People Make The World Go Round / Derrick Harriott - Brown Baby
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1972/ 1973
N/A
One of the best cover versions of a Philadelphia Soul classic, "People Makes The World Go Round" is performed by Chosen Few, who were idolizing The Stylistics so much. The flip side “Brown Baby" is another Funky Reggae vocal sang by the producer Derrick Harriott himself
Hopeton Lewis - Run If You Are Afraid / Sounds And Pressure
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
N/A
A rare previously unreleased Rocksteady by Federal’s star singer, Hopeton Lewis. This killer Rocksteady represents one of the traditional elements of Jamaica, as well as the Rude Boy themed warning which could be heard in the lyrics. These types of unreleased materials could only be dug out at such a profound label, Federal.
Gaylettes - If You Can't Be Good / Mike Thompson - Rocksteady Wedding
Merritone / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥1380 (US$8.92)
Phyllis Dillon - Don't Stay Away / Tommy McCook, Supersonics - Starry Night
Treasure Isle UK 1967
¥2180 (US$14.09)
Toots & The Maytals - 54-46 Was My Number / Pressure Drop (Off Center)
Beverleys UK 1969
¥2180 (US$14.09)
Aces - Can The Poor Survive (Original Stamper) / Charmers, Herman, His City Slickers - Lonely Boy
Studio One 1961
¥850 (US$5.49)
Various - Derrick Harriott Rock Steady 1966-1969 (2LP)
Dub Store Records JPN 1966- 1969
Info: 2枚組、豪華見開きジャケット
¥4320 (US$27.91)
A selection of magical rocksteady music from one of the masters of the genre…One of the forerunners in Jamaican music from its very beginning, Derrick Harriott, along with a stellar cast, showcases the some superb rocksteady.
Various - Merritone Rock Steady 2: This Music Got Soul 1966-1967 (2LP)
Dub Store Records JPN 1966- 1967
¥5380 (US$34.76)
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.
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.
Cool Notes - My Tune (Label Damege) / You Are What You Are
Jama UK (Org) 1977
Info: Original Press
N/A
Cool Notes - Meant To Be / Why Can't We Be Friends
Mass Media Music UK (Org) 1981
Info: Original Press
¥3480 (US$22.48)