Slightly thicker sleeve to accommodate an inner sleeve

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.

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.

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.

The Jamaican lovers masterpiece by Sharon Forrester and UK lovers classic.

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.

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

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.

Previously unreleased material from Frankie Wilmott recorded straight from the master tape. Known for his 80’s classics such as “Sensimilla” and “Money Gone Down The Drain”, Frankie has been passionately supported from Dancehall fans across the globe. “Why Won’t You Come” features a tight rhythm based around the warm bassline and Frankie’s sensitive vocal excellently resonate throughout the track.

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.

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.

The both-sided killer Ska instrumental masterpiece - all Ska collectors have been searching for! The Skatalites playing the theme of James Bond’s “From Russia With Love” is a true Ska instrumental masterpiece, which needs no introduction. Like the original release, it’s gorgeously backed with “Cleopatra” on the B-side. Taken straight from the original master-tape, this is a dream come true single!

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.

‘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.

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.

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.

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.

Solid roots instrumentals produced by Aston "Family Man" Barrett of the Wailers. "Soul Constitution" sees soulful organ played on tight rhythm section leaning towards funky grooves. Hard to believe it was recorded at Randy's in 1971!

Covering US hits was Derrick Harriott's specialty and this tune is no exception. This is his cover version of Gene Chandler's hit that was popular on the radios at the time in Jamaica. B-side features early Lovers Rock tune by Derrick Harriott.

Clean reissue of Soul Syndicate's early 80's classic "Kings Highway" w/ version. When there were flooded with dancehall vibes Chinna and co always kept it true to their roots. Timeless pieces.

Digital goes romantic. Lover’s Rock meets dancehall in King Jammy’s Studio.

Love and romance ina digital style, King Jammy presents songs of devotion over his fresh, hard-hitting computerized rhythms

Rough signal records is pleased to announce that the featured artist for the next release in theLegendary Series is Mighty Massa.Mighty Massa is a truly legend producer and pioneer in the Japanese Dub/Soundsystem scene.His releases and dubplates were played by Jah Shaka, Aba Shanti I in the late 90s , there aremany massive tune as UK soundsystem classic.Finally, Mighty Massa and Dub Kazman have collaborated on Rough Signal Records.Those signature sounds of both artists are mixed by Mighty Massa to create one of thewickedest tune ever.As the song title , this is a song that connects the legendary generation to the new generation.

Composed by Mighty Massa & Dub Kazman

Dub like it used to be from the High Note and Gay Feet labels

A selection of rocking rhythms from The Revolutionaries masterminded by

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.

The big hit Ska classic everybody loves, sang by one of the top groups of the 60’s!! Along with the Maytals and the Wailers, the Blues Busters were one of the top groups at the time, however commercially they were going more of a mainstream than the others. Since their career goes way back in the late 50’s, they must have been idolized by so many of those who made their debut later in the Ska era. This is an essential mainstream Ska classic by the brilliantly skilled duo in their best form backed by no other than Byron Lee.

This is the quintessence of the Wailers lead by Familyman, playing a killer horn instrumental and the dubwise. Arguably one of the most accomplished reggae instrumentals to date. The Wailers consisting of the Barrett brothers is without a doubt the number one band of the era, showcasing their full confidence which later gets praised by the entire world. The bold and courageous, yet ambitious and highly spirited, everything you need to get out of the Caribbean ghetto to the world is heard in this miraculous recording.

Needless to say one of the top Count Ossie's nyabinghi pieces but also a Jamaican rare groove masterpiece accompanied by Ernest Ranglin and Leslie Butler.

Robert Lee and Bunny General adopted the phrase of a classic song 'Midnight Hour' by Sivertones in their combination song 'Midnight House'. The original press was only available by 12" single vinyl on Unity label.

Robert Lee has proven that he has much ability to bring cool soundsystem tunes with his popular song ‘Come Now’. This time, he did it again with ‘Dreams’to the same rhythm track‘Run Down The World’ by Nitty Gritty.

Little John, who was one of the most remarkable figures at various sound system dances for his talent, delivers sorrowful vocal with his distinctive lyrical flow on this song ‘Come Do It To Me’. Recorded to a surging and whirling digital dancehall rhythm track ‘Screechie Across The Border’.

Vigorous Patsy vocal and soulful saxophone solo on bouncy ska rhythm. Previously unreleased alternative take on the B-side.

The finest instrumental dub that deserves the name, Familyman and the Rebel Arms. A piece never really got released back then.It is Familyman’s specialty to express his infinite creativity on instrumentals. As expected, he easily achieved higher dimension with these two minimalistically structured pieces. Nothing but a Familyman’s sound played by no other than the Wailers band themselves. In addition, he may have played this superb synthesizer himself.Guaranteed you won’t hear this sort of sound anywhere else.

Another unreleased title from one of the popular dancehall artists of the 80’s, Super Black who is also known for his contribution for Jammys. Representing the sounds of Jammys at the time, this refined digital rhythm is built in minor chord with absolute simplicity, creating an excellent chemistry with the melancholic vocal.

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.

Even though time and trends change drastically in the history Jamaican music however Sugar Minott managed to build a firm existance by his natural talent and trustworthy character. When this man sings he can colour anything from roots, dancehall and lovers to his own. “None Stop Rocking” is an excellent song that really showcases his sweet character.

Nitty Gritty output his hit songs like 'Hog In A Minty' and 'Run Down The World' at Jammys and he had chemistry with minor chord digital rhythms. 'Good Morning Teacher' on 'Stalag' rhythm is a superb song showcases his unique vocal style and lyrics.

Chuck Turner has recorded his impressive songs at Jammys such as 'I Need You' and 'Run Around Girl'. 'We Rule The Dancehall' is one of those and this tough steppers rhythm was build by notable Steelie & Clivie. His melancholy voice is something very contrary to his aggressive lyrics but that's something it makes this record attractive.

Tony Tuff, who was one of predominant figures in the 80’s dancehall scene, showcases his low-keyed performance and sings about careless people who cannot wash, cook, iron, clean, he warns them to learn something. This speedy bouncy rhythm, which is very similar to Redman’s classic rhythm “Koloko”, symbolizes astonishing sound works of Redman’s rhythm building.

Sugar Minott always showcased his versatile talent by singing lover’s rock to dancehall songs and attracted a variety of wide audiences. Certainly, he proves this ability on the ‘Tonight’ rhythm, which is regarded as one of the most popular rhythms among the Jammys catalogue. On the flip side, Pad Anthony sings a soundclash anthem to the same rhythm. The song only appeared on a LP album entitled ‘Sound Clash 89’.

Nitty Gritty updates his major hit song 'Run Round The World' to 'Play Around The World'. This dubplate simply praises King Jammys Super Power and he warns sound boys by singing "Jammys is the sound where play around the world,,, don't test Jammy sound”.

Murder in the dancehall tonight! Jammy's leading artists boost up the sound system.

The heart and soul of dancehall - singing about the sound over crucial rhythms, challenging a sound boy to come test Jammy.

Previously unreleased early shuffle and boogie recordings from the ‘Man from Wareika’: Rico Rodriguez



One of the most talented musicians of his generation, trombonist Rico, was a key player and founding father of Jamaican music who went on to establish ska in Britain in the early sixties and then add authenticity to the Two Tone ska revival of the late seventies. Hear him here at the outset of his incredible musical journey…