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Minstrells - People Get Ready / Hamlins - Everyone Got To Be There
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥2180 (US$14.10)
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.
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.
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.
Derrick Harriott - Reach Out I'll Be There / Bobby Ellis, Crystalites - Illya Kuryakin
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
N/A
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.
King Tubby & Riley All Stars - Concrete Jungle Dub
N/A
1976 rare dub album consists of robust Techniques rhythms dismantled and reconstructed by King Tubby to its perfection
Long-expected reissue of one of the most sought after dub albums.
¥3680 (US$23.80)
Miraculously rare and seriously obscure killer dubs… one of the very few hard core seventies dub albums mixed by Errol Brown.
A selection of solid dubs originally recorded by BB Seaton at Duke Reid’s legendary Treasure Isle studio and mixed in-house by the Duke’s nephew Errol Brown. A radical departure for all concerned this bold dub album was never officially released although a few clandestine copies reputedly did the New York rounds at the time
Inner Circle, Chronixx, Jacob Miller - Tenament Yard Remix (News Carryin' Dread) (Picture Sleeve) / Jacob Miller, Inner Circle - Tenament Yard
Dubshot UK 2015/ 1976
¥2080 (US$13.45)
Herman Hersang & His City Slickers - Hersang Hop / Don Drummond, Tommy McCook, Roland Alphonso - Calypso Jazz (Iron Bar) (Alternative Take)
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1961
¥1580 (US$10.22)
Early ska instrumental with vibing call and response from the organ and guitar. Backed by the finest Jamaican jazz played by the likes of Don Drummon, Tomy McCook and Roland Alphonso.
Ken Boothe - Old Fashioned Way / Earl Bailey - Moon Rock
Inbidimts / Dub Store Records JPN 1970
¥2180 (US$14.10)
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.
Pat Kelly & The Uniques - Little Boy Blue / Glen Adams - I Can't Help It
Bunny Lee / Dub Store Records JPN 1968
¥2180 (US$14.10)
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.
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.
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$27.94)
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 1: Shanty Town Curfew 1966-1967 (2LP)
Dub Store Records JPN 1966- 1967
¥5380 (US$34.79)
Ken Khouri’s Federal Records gave Jamaica its musical identity The Federal Record Manufacturing facility was the first pressing plant in Jamaica... their studio gave birth to mento, ska, rock steady and reggae of the highest calibre. This album features an astonishing selection of well known classics and rarities transferred straight from their master tape
Various - Merritone Rock Steady 2: This Music Got Soul 1966-1967 (2LP)
Dub Store Records JPN 1966- 1967
¥5380 (US$34.79)
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.
Dennis Bovell - Dub Dem Silly Vol. 1 (Dub to Janet Kay 'Silly Games')
Arawak UK 1980
¥4400 (US$28.46)
Awa Fall; Mystical Powa - Run Dem; Dub Dem / Guru Pope - Pirates Theme; Pirates Dub
Tribe 84 UK 2020
N/A
Leslie Butler - Reggae Rhapsody; Version / Willie Lindo - Mystic Mood; Version
Federal / Dub Store Records JPN 1973
N/A
Classic ‘Rhapsody in Blue’, the original version of ‘Reggae Rhapsody’, was written by notable American composer and solo pianist George Gershwin in 1924. Nearly 50 years after, in 1973, Eumir Deodato edited the song and released it on CTI Records, which label was favored by Black music fans at that time. Leslie Butler recorded his keyboard version shortly after the release of Eumir Deodato version. This is another rare recording to be reissued for the very first time from the Federal catalogue. Side B features a Reggae fusion instrumental ‘Mystic Mood’ by Willie Lindo. The song became a hit and earned a position in his LP titled ‘Far and Distant’.
Marina P, Tippa Irie, Dennis Alcapone - Beat Goes Ska / Mungos Hi Fi - Ivory Coast
Scotch Bonnet UK 2020
N/A
J Boog - Let's Do It Again / Major Riddim Instrumental
Don Corleon / Buyreggae EU 2011
¥2080 (US$13.45)
Don Drummond - Last Call / Last Call Take 2
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥2180 (US$14.10)
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.
Don Drummond - Don D Special / Fidel
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥2080 (US$13.45)
The miraculous take of 'Fidel' which never came out back then! This is one of the most killer yet wonderfully tasteful masterpiece out of all the Don Drummond recordings. You wouldn’t call them fans if they didn’t know about ‘Fidel’, however this particular version has only been released on CD in the 90’s when Sir Coxsone compiled the “In Memory Of Don Drummond”. The monumental piece with the well deserved name, ‘Don D Special’ on the flip.
Lee Perry - Feel Like Jumping / Roland Alphonso - Christine Keeler
Studio One / Dub Store Records JPN
¥2180 (US$14.10)
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$10.22)
Lennie Hibbert, Count Ossie & Lynn Taitt - Pure Soul / Patsy Millicent Todd - A Man Is A Two Face
Gay Feet / Dub Store Records JPN 1967
¥1580 (US$10.22)
Master of the Jamaican jazz, Lennie Hibbert, on one to one session with the nyabinghi great Count Ossie. Considering the standard of its time those Gay Feet sessions are somewhat miraculous. Backed by Jamaican soul anthem by Patsy, this record is far from the bloodstream of the time and will surely rated more and more as time goes by.
Jah Works Sound System (Oga) - Oga Works Radio Mix Volume 17: Your Eyes Only Vol.4
Jah Works JPN 2021
¥1518 (US$9.82)
Bob Marley, Wailers - One Cup Of Coffee / Tommy McCook, Supersonics - Snow Boy
Beverleys UK 1962
¥2380 (US$15.39)
Maytals, Skatalites - My Daily Food / One Look
Kentone / Dub Store Records JPN 1965
¥1980 (US$12.81)
A prominent singer backed by none other than the Skatalites, it is a symbolic Ska beat representing Kentone which will make everyone a smile. Although the Maytals have recorded Ska tunes for Studio One, Prince Buster and many more, they might have taken a further step when recording for the Jamaican music industry’s godfather, Ken Kouri by singing it well tight and fiery. Even for the Federal side, it must have been quite special to hire the Skatalites for this project. One minute and half might be a little too short for an A side, though this one will make you want to slip it in your DJ box every time.
Blues Busters - Soon You'll Be Gone / I Don't Know
Sunshine / BMN / Dub Store Records JPN 1964
¥2180 (US$14.10)
Another smash hit Ska masterpiece by the Blues Busters, the superstar duo who had been dominating the Jamaican pop music industry since the 50’s!! Covering the American hits as their specialty, the popular group had left a number of Jamaican souls, although only a few ska hits. Out of those few, this is undoubtedly another one of the most considerable tunes they had left. An excellent singing melody sparkles on top of the Byron Lee’s iconic softly touched bass line.
Nitty Gritty - Turn Them Back / Turn Them Back Dub
Prince Jammys Dub / Dub Store Records JPN 1986
¥1980 (US$12.81)
You might have seen Jammy playing this devastating sound killer in sessions lately, although before that this Nitty Gritty on Jammy’s ‘Tempo’ has only been heard on dubplates. No one knows why it never came out – is it because it was a counteraction to Tubby? Or tune that was the lethal weapon of Jammy? There is nothing we can do but imagine those pictures when listening to the intense energy and impact of this tune.
Clarendonians - Bound In Chains / Stud All Stars - Chains Version
Stud / Reggae Fever EU 1972
¥1480 (US$9.57)
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.
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.
Dennis Brown - Lips Of Wine / Crystalites - Stranger In Town
Move & Groove / Dub Store Records JPN 1970
¥1380 (US$8.92)
Being known as Crown Prince of Reggae, this is Dennis Brown's commemorated first single and it was written and composed by Dennis himself. This is, of course, before he started recording at Studio One and is one of his best heartwarming songs. Crystalites' killer keyboard instrumental is featured on B-side and has been admired to listeners who have great appreciation for 1969-70’s up-tempo instrumentals.
I Roy - Tougher Than Tough / Chosen Few - Do Your Thing
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1972
N/A
Another cover version of an Isaac Hayes’ classic. I Roy is blasting an heavy-weight toasting over the Chosen Few's vocals on the A-side "Tougher Than Tough". A straight cover version by Chosen Few appears on the B-side.
Pan American Astronaut Orchestra - Tour Of Jamaica / Under My Skin
Pan America Recordings JPN 2012
¥1296 (US$8.38)
Jackie Opel - I Love Jamaica / Roland Alphonso - El Pussy Cat
Pyramid UK / Beverleys 1962/
¥1880 (US$12.16)
Charles Sheffield - It's Your Voodoo Working / Prince Conley - I'm Going Home
Outta Sight UK 1961
¥1280 (US$8.28)
Count Ossie & The Mystic Revelation Of Rastafari - Grounation (3LP)
Info: 3枚組、豪華見開きジャケット、ライナーノーツ付
¥6980 (US$45.14)
An unimpeachable classic considered to be the pinnacle of Rastafarian inspired music. Master drummer Count Ossie’s band, including the incomparable tenor saxophonist Cedric ‘I’m’ Brooks, recreate a Rasta grounation, or gathering, playing and chanting a sublime supplication, including Bible readings, in praise of Emperor Haile Selassie I
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.