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You can't keep a good band down. With ceaseless, unwavering fan support, The Aggrolites reconvened in late 2015 to lay down three songs, "Aggro Reggae Party," "Help Man" and "Western Taipan," which reminded them that, hey, they're still pretty damn good at this. They never gave up, thankfully! That one-off recording session was the spark that eventually created this album, certainly their best to date. REGGAE NOW! is the Aggrolites' sixth full-length, and first with Pirates Press Records. Written and recorded throughout 2018, the album finds these architects of "Dirty Reggae" reestablishing their signature sound, re-recording those three songs from 2015 as well as adding on 11 more originals that snap, crackle and pop just as much as your favorite Aggro songs from back in the day. The Aggro Army is excited to get back in the groove. "We're passionate about reggae, we're passionate about our band, and I don't think we?re ever gonna stop," Singer Jesse Wagner notes. "Everybody clicks right now. That's why we're calling it REGGAE NOW! because this is us NOW." Label: Pirates Press Records – PPR237-1 Barcode: 810017644858 -
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This collection of early recordings were later re-worked and re-recorded for the basis of the 'Return Of The Ugly' album and is a piece of Bad Manners' history. These recordings were first issued as a limited edition vinyl album on Buster Bloodvessel's Blue Beat Records in 1988 and later re-released on French label Squale Records. White vinyl. Label: Audio Platter Barcode: 803341524200 -
RE-ISSUE OF BRITISH TWO-TONE AND SKA BAND BAD MANNERS' COMPILATION ALBUM FROM 1996 - ON STUNNING WHITE VINYL! The “This Is Ska” compilation album features some the best of Bad Manners recordings made in the late 1980s for the new Blue Beat Records, including the band's first two singles for the label 'Skaville UK' and 'Sally Brown' and of course - title track 'This Is Ska' the hit single from Longsy D and Bad Manners. The album, originally released on Dojo Records in 1996, also features tracks from the band's best-selling “Greatest Hits Live” album also available on Audioplatter (PLATE038LP). The original “This Is Ska” CD became a bestseller and introduced many people to the “new” Bad Manners and highlighted how good these new recordings were! Label: Audio Platter Barcode: 803341524248
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Classic Wailers recordings done with Lee Perry early '70s. Tuff roots rhythms with early stripped-down versions to later well-known tracks such as "Sun Is Shining," "African Herbsman," "Keep On Moving" and many more. Label: Radiation Roots
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In 1969, Marley teamed up with producer Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry who introduced him to the Barrett brothers – Aston (Family Man) on bass and Carlton (drums) – who would become a vital component of the Wailers’ 70s success. Songs released on Perry’s Upsetter label would feature the three singers, the Barretts plus guitarist Alva Lewis and keyboard-player Glen Adams. Johnny Nash was one of the first Jamaicans to win consistent recognition outside the Caribbean, and Bob joined him on an overseas tour in 1970. The following year saw four Marley-penned songs appear on a best-selling album by Nash which brought him to the attention of Island Records. They not only provided promotional clout for ‘Catch A Fire’ (1973) but used session musicians to ‘sweeten’ the sound and make Marley’s reggae more palatable to a white audience. The eventual departure of Livingston and Tosh left the singer the undisputed centre of attention, a giant boost came when Eric Clapton’s 1974 version of ‘I Shot The Sheriff’ topped the US chart, raising Marley’s profile in that country. The long-awaited British chart breakthrough came with the single ‘No Woman No Cry’, from ‘Live At The Lyceum’ (1975), and all seemed set fair for further success. But the singer’s off-stage progress was far from serene. He had survived an attempt on his life in 1976, escaping with minor injuries to his arm and chest when a gunman opened fire on Marley, his wife, Rita, and his manager. Musically, the upward curve continued with albums like ‘Exodus’ (his first UK Top 10 chart album in 1977) and ‘Kaya’ (1978), which were massive international sellers as well as creative highpoints. Tracklist: A1 Bob Marley– Sun Is Shining 2:09 A2 Bob Marley, Peter Tosh– Stop That Train 2:17 A3 Bob Marley– Don't Rock My Boat 4:26 A4 Bob Marley– Kaya 2:28 A5 Bob Marley– Lively Up Yourself 2:50 A6 Bob Marley– Soul Rebel 3:42 B1 Bob Marley– Natural Mystic 5:41 B2 Bob Marley– Soul Shakedown 3:05 B3 Bob Marley– Trenchtown Rock 2:50 B4 Bob Marley– Fussing And Fighting 2:25 B5 Bob Marley, Lee Perry, Curtis Mayfield– Keep On Moving 3:03 B6 Bob Marley– Memphis 2:54 (Not Now Music – NOTLP296)
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Liam and Mark from Booze & Glory are fanatical about Jamaican music. The idea of turning some Booze & Glory songs into ska or reggae tunes came a long time ago for this songwriting duo, but they simply never had the time. After the raging success of volume one, it seemed inevitable that there would be a follow up reggae sessions album coming out of this European punk rock powerhouse. While the first volume took a bunch of their early classics and spun them on their head, this one flips some of their more recent hits into sure-fire reggae classics! (Pirate Press Records)
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Liam and Mark from Booze & Glory are fanatical about Jamaican music. The idea of turning some Booze & Glory songs into ska or reggae tunes came a long time ago for this songwriting duo, but they simply never had the time. After the raging success of volume one, it seemed inevitable that there would be a follow up reggae sessions album coming out of this European punk rock powerhouse. While the first volume took a bunch of their early classics and spun them on their head, this one flips some of their more recent hits into sure-fire reggae classics! (Pirate Press Records)
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London ska revival. Reissue from the band's only album with the cover artwork from the 1989 Unicorn Records edition. Label: Mad Butcher
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Radiation Roots present a reissue of Derrick Morgan's People Decision, originally released in 1977. One of the very first artists to begin recording in Jamaica, Derrick Morgan is a beloved ska icon and a pioneer of the "skinhead reggae" style. Blessed with a rich, deep tenor, which with he belts out his clever and often humorous lyrics, Morgan became known on the Kingston music scene through Vere Johns's regular talent contests, and enjoyed a lengthy run of hits during the 1960s for producers such as Simeon Smith, Duke Reid, and Clement "Sir Coxsone" Dodd (among others), cultivating a popular vinyl feud with Prince Buster after being brought into Leslie Kong's camp by the young Jimmy Cliff. Morgan moved to England during the late 1960s to capitalize on the skinhead reggae craze, but was back in Jamaica from the early 1970s, and since Bunny Lee was his brother-in-law, the two have always maintained a close working relationship. People Decision, voiced at King Tubby's studio for Lee and released by Third World in 1977, sees Morgan in politicized roots reggae mode on songs like "Let's Build A Better Jamaica", the symbolic racetrack drama "Racing At Ballistic Park", and the title track, which all boosted the socialist policies of the ruling People's National Party; "Natty Dread Forward Out Of Babylon" updates the "Tougher Than Tough" saga, and there's a slew of rude tunes, including "My Dickie", "Rough Grinder", and "Ride Manny Fanny". (Radiation Roots Records)
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Radiation Roots presents a reissue of Dillinger's Marijuana In My Brain, originally issued in 1977. In the early 1970s, top-ranking toaster Lester Bullock got his start on the El Paso sound system in the mean streets of western Kingston. Initially known as Young Capone, since he was a protégé of the better-established Dennis Alcapone, he was renamed Dillinger by Lee 'Scratch' Perry, the first producer to record a significant number of tracks with the youth. "Dub Organiser" and "Tighten Up Skank" were somewhat popular when released in 1973 and there were individual tracks cut for Phil Pratt, Augustus Pablo, Prince Tony Robinson, and Joe Gibbs, as well as Studio One, who issued his debut LP, Ready Natty Dreadie, in 1975. By then, Dillinger was recording a series of singles for hit-making producer Bunny 'Striker' Lee, particularly on Johnnie Clarke's rhythms, though recordings for Channel One and the CB 200 album were what catapulted him into overseas consciousness in 1976, once the outstanding single, "Cocaine In My Brain," reached the European pop charts. Marijuana In My Brain dates from 1977 and placed the toaster over some of the Striker's hottest rhythms, previously utilized for Clarke scorchers like "Satta" and "Poor Marcus" (along with the odd Ronnie Davis track); Clarke's reading of "Going To A Ball" is here transformed into an ode to the Bouncing Ball, then one of the most popular clubs for black Londoners, and his "African Roots" anthem gets the Dillinger treatment too. Of course, the title track was the biggest hit of the bunch, an ode to the 'wisdom weed' driven by cosmic space synth overdubs. (Radiation Roots)
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Vinyl reissue of the historic first demo tape by Dr. Calypso. (Bcore – BC.368LP, DAILY RECORDS – DAY.19VS)
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Having relocated from Boston to Amsterdam and established themselves firmly on the European live scene, Jaya The Cat began to make roads into the UK, hooked up with Bomber Music and got ready to release their fourth and greatest album yet - The New International Sound Of Hedonism. The album entered the breaker chart in Germany on it's release and to date has sold over 10,000 physical units in Europe. (Ring Of Fire Records – ROFR 009)
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In tandem with their first release of original material in over half a decade, Killing Joke deliver a compilation of dub remixes of some of their most famous tracks. The band have been heavily influenced by dub throughout their whole career, so the offerings on ‘In Dub Rewind (Vol One)’ - including deconstructions of ‘Requiem’, ‘Pandemonium’ and ‘Love Like Blood’ - feel like natural extensions of the group's ideas. Edition of 1000. Record 1 yellow translucent while record 2 is green translucent. The yellow vinyl is a bit more transparent than the green one. Gatefold cover. (Cadiz Entertainment – CADIZLP209)
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An iconic Killing Joke mainstay since its initial release in 1979, Turn To Red is exclusively available as a black Vinyl 12" that includes a re-mastered version of the original track, a 6 minute 31 second version (In Dub), an 8 minute version (In Dub Extended), re-mixed and produced by Youth, plus a re-mastered version of Almost Red. (Cadiz Music – CADIZ12187 )
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1969 proved a crucial year in the development of Jamaican music. Reggae had just superseded Rock Steady in becoming the island s national sound, with the new exciting style swiftly embraced by a fast developing British working class youth movement noted for their smart, functional clothing and cropped hair Skinheads. So it was in such an environment that leading independent Doctor Bird Records released Laurel Aitkens long awaited second album in 1967, Laurel Aitken Says Fire, a collection comprised of his most popular singles from the preceding months along with previously unreleased material. Unsurprisingly, the LP became an immediate best-seller, its success only hindered by the record company’s sudden and unexpected demise soon after. LIMITED EDITION OF 500 COPIES (Black Butcher Classics)
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Ska with Laurel tells the story of Ska legend, Laurel Aitken. A major force within Ska music, Laurel was a hugely influential figure in the development of new Jamaican musical styles in the 1950s and 60s. He played a key role in bringing these genres to popularity in England. Laurel Aitken lived in the heart of Leicester for 35 years and made a huge contribution to the cultural life of the city, inspiring and helping hundreds of young musicians. Dubbed by Gaz Mayall as ‘The Godfather of Ska’, Laurel moved to England from Jamaica in the early 1960s, releasing records on the ‘Blue Beat’ label. Proving popular with the Mods and Skinheads in the 1960s and 70s, Laurel’s music also influenced the Two Tone sound of the early 1980s, in particular with bands such as The Specials and Bad Manners. The exhibition, which will include audiovisual material, stage clothes, photographs, posters and press cuttings, celebrates the life and work of Laurel Aitken, a pioneer of Ska music and one of the first musicians to popularise Jamaican music in the UK. (Black Butcher Classics)
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Remastered and expanded edition of this hyper-rare early '70s release from the 'Godfather Of Ska'. By 1970, Laurel Aitken was well and truly established as the Father of British Reggae, having dominated the country's Jamaican music scene since his arrival at the start of the '60s. But having enjoyed success with every UK-based West Indian record company of note over the previous eleven years, he was no longer content with simply domestic triumphs and set his sights on conquering foreign territories. So it was he took the unusual step of licensing his next album to companies in Europe and North America, while leaving his legions of British fans scrambling for the few copies available on import. Originally out on the Belgian label 'Hebra' 42 years ago and never reissued ever since, this is one of the unmissable 70's ska classics finally back on vinyl, with the addition of 4 bonus tracks! (Radiation Records)
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Sophomore solo album from Manu Chao, the former leader of French Alt rockers Mano Negra. Though Mano Negra experienced some success while together, Manu Chao's solo career has earned him an international audience of music lovers and critics. Originally released in 2001, Chao extends his musical reach and adds a heavier Caribbean flavor than his debut album, Clandestino. 17 tracks including 'Merry Blues', 'Eldorado 1997', 'Me Gustas Tu' and more. Because (Because Music/Radio Bemba/2013)
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2018 repress. Originally released in 1998. Gatefold double LP with a CD copy of the album. "The first solo album released by the former frontman of Mano Negra, Clandestino is an enchanting trip through Latin-flavored worldbeat rock, reliant on a potpourri of musical styles from traditional Latin and salsa to dub to rock 'n' roll to French pop to experimental rock to techno... Just about every track has odd sampled bits from what sound like pirate radio-station broadcasts (a possible link to the title). There are so many great ideas on this record that it's difficult to digest in one listen, but multiple plays reveal the great depth of Manu Chao's artistry." (Because Music/Radio Bemba)
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Long overdue reissue of the 1990 debut album from the Ska band. Maroon Town were and still are regarded by many as one of the finest Ska acts in the UK which lead to the album being produced by Specials drummer John "Brad" Bradbury. 32 years have now passed since London ska band Maroon Town delivered their debut album, High & Dry. As this timely reissue proves, the set has undoubtedly aged well. Many of the lyrical themes remain startlingly relevant (see 'Thatcher's Children', a commentary on poverty under a Conservative government; 'Women Say No', which tackles male violence against women; and 'Pound To The Dollar', where they take aim at the gap between the rich and poor), while the band's blend of jaunty ska grooves, sung and rapped vocals still sounds fresh all these years. Highlights are plentiful, with confirmed dancefloor smashers 'Welcome' and 'Possee' being amongst our current favourites. (Black Butcher)
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Since their formation in 1983, the BossToneS have been credited as one of the forefathers of ska punk and the creators of its subgenre, ska-core. With a career spanning over 30-years Boston's best dressed band has built and continued to build a devoted following with their unique brass-infused brand of punk rock. Here with their 11th studio album , When God Was Great , their first for Hellcat Records, produced by Tim Armstrong (of Rancid) and Ted Hutt (of Flogging Molly), and featuring guest artists from the many punk and ska bands that they have influenced. The Mighty Mighty BossToneS are vocalist Dicky Barrett, bassist Joe Gittleman, saxophonists Tim "Johnny Vegas" Burton and Leon Silva, Bosstone Ben Carr, drummer Joe Sirois, guitarists Nate Albert and Lawrence Katz, keyboardist John Goetchius, and trombonist Chris Rhodes. Issued in a Gatefoldcover including printed inner sleeves. (Hellcat Records/Big Rig)
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The second Mr. Review album originally released in 1994 for the first time on vinyl. (Mad Butcher Records)
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Legendary two tone from The Netherlands. Compilation of rare tracks,singles & outtakes! Tracks A1-A4 taken from first demo Tracks A5-A6 taken from first 7 (different recordings) Tracks B1-B2 Taken from the The street where I'm living 7 Tracks B3-B4 taken from the Ships that pass in the night 7 Tracks B5-B6 rare live recordings (Mad Butcher Records)
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Legendary two tone from The Netherlands. Their fourth album from 2010. First official repress of Mr. Review’s 25 years anniversary album originally released as ultra-rare picture LP in 2010. Contains two bonus tracks and includes inlay. (Mad Butcher Records)
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Radiation Roots present a reissue of Pavement's self-titled album, originally released in 1969. Pavement's sole long-player is the stuff of legend, a record so rare that in-the-know vinyl connoisseurs have questioned its very existence. As one of the many vinyl anomalies of the day, Pavement's obscure story is very much about a particular place and time, in this case, the fringes of the multi-cultural London music scene that existed at the tail end of the swinging sixties. According to the liner notes of the original LP, Pavement was formed in 1968 after "Dexter Pat and John had left their original group," and "Tony and George left theirs to unite with them." Then, "an express letter to Beirut brought Mick, who was playing there at the time." We are told that these musicians were "digging the solid soul sounds" and "the exciting rhythms of the Caribbean, ska and reggae," and after two months of steady rehearsals, the band "launched themselves into the rat race of popular music" in November 1968. They supposedly had so much success as a warm-up act after playing up and down the country in support of various unnamed groups that they were "soon being booked as top of the bill," hence the need for this. Pavement's self-titled debut album was the first LP released by Crystal, the subsidiary of President Records that was established in 1968 by Jack Price, a songwriter and harmonica player that had just replaced Siggy Jackson as label manager at Melodisc Records. Price had his finger in a number of different pies: in addition to promoting Melodisc's ska and reggae catalogue, he was soon to produce the ground-breaking various artists album Rock Steady Hits Of 69 for Fontana with London-based reggae performers, which helped bring Caribbean rhythms into non-specialist music shops for the very first time, and enjoyed the publishing on The Cats' massive "Swan Lake" 45, a hugely successful pop-reggae adaptation. Jack also ran a recording studio of his own, reputedly the first London facility with eight-track recording equipment. The original liner notes suggested that we should "rest assured that there will be more singles and albums to come from this refreshing group" and that "this news will please a lot of people." Of course, things didn't quite work out that way. This reissue reminds that reggae, soul and other foreign forms were spicing up the London music scene as the 1960s drew to a close. (Radiation Roots)
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Founded in 1981 in Britain's second city Birmingham, the band Sceptre were part of a thriving local music scene, a scene that for the most part revolved around live shows in the region's community centres, university campuses, pubs and nightclubs. Neglected by major labels, many bands went unrecorded and of those that did get documented most managed to release just one or two singles. Fortunately, Sceptre recorded and released an entire album, 1984's “Essence of Redemption Ina Dif'rent Styley”. Poorly pressed, in very small numbers and with limited distribution, the album didn't sell well and barely made an impact on its release. However, whatever its problems the music itself was first class and over the last three decades, has acquired numerous fans and an ever growing reputation as a classic of the British reggae genre. Whilst still remaining underground and unknown to the vast majority of reggae fans, demand amongst those in the know has been such that used copies have fetched as much as £180. Musically this is one of the strongest UK albums there is, with not a single weak track and many stand outs. Six of the ten songs are roots, varying between a classic roots sound based on a 1970s Jamaican blue print on “Essence of Redemption”, “Nuclear Disaster”, “Soul Searching” and “Pestilence and Bombing” to a more contemporary UK feel on “Right Time Coming,” whilst “Get Up And Go” incorporates a funk feel into the mix. Three of the tunes, “Play the Music”, “Me on My Own” and “Goodbye” are Lovers Rock with Jean McLean taking over lead vocal duties from the men, whilst Jean's sister Beverley aka Rankin Bev demonstrates her MC skills on the dancehall orientated “Ina Dif'rent Styley”. The album is brim full of great tracks and not only showcases the band's versatility, but also what talented songwriters and musicians they were. The fact that it didn't enjoy greater success and get heard by the reggae audience at large is a travesty we can finally put right. (Radiation Roots)
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With this 1982 album, Scientist delivers one of his most progressive mixes, deconstructing the originals down to their skeletal base and adding just the right amount of mixing board-generated Echoplex and reverb with his patented minimal sound. A landscape resplendent with steely piano, depth-charge drums, and futuristic dub effects; a mind-warping yet eminently enjoyable way to check into dub central.
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The scum of toytown is back! 20 years after their fantastic debut album "Strike", the band from Stevenage (UK) is back together and recorded a brand new full lenght LP in 2014. On here they feature a set of previously unrecorded older material alongside with new songs that sound just as they picked it up again where they left off in 1995. A festival of tuneful but subversive punk-MUSIC (yes, in capitals) merging the drive and rage of anarcho punk with reggae parts and hints of pop and dub groves. Transporting a personal yet punk political message across the listener. Sometimes full on powerful riffage, sometimes furious, sometimes melancolic and melodic, all at the same time, wrapped up in a top notch DIY production. SCUM OF TOYTOWN were a obscure phenomena of the 1990ies, rootet in the North London punk scene of the late 1970ies and 1980ies. They crawled out of the void and managed in their short existence to make a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to catch them either live or on record before they sunk into oblivion for unknown reason. They appeared on festivals and squats in central Europe and making everyone (seriously) move and dance along to their unique style of innovative sounding punkrock. Music that makes you toss a brick with a smile on your face. They left us with their only legacy a 7“ and a genius LP.... ... we're more than happy to have them back with their new album. They haven't lost it, not a single bit! Label: Ruin Nation Records
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Hailing from Britain’s formerly industrial heartland of North Yorkshire, The Burial was a forward-facing ska-punk/Oi band with a strong Left orientation, channelling 2Tone, Northern Soul, punk, and folk influences. Rhythm guitarist Eric ‘Barney’ Barnes made sure the world knew these skinheads were antifascist and the use of a full horn section made their sole LP, A Day On The Town, stand out. Unlike the Redskins, who soon moved to the student circuit, The Burial remained embedded in the working class communities from whence they came; this fine, often overlooked LP will be devoured by all fans of ska-punk and Oi!. *** SKA PUNK 80'S FORGOTTEN MASTERPIECE BACK ON THE MAP: BURIAL 'A DAY ON THE TOWN' *** LIMITED CLEAR VINYL! 500 COPIES ONLY! (Radiation Records)
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Before Dan Kleinʼs unfortunate passing, The Frightnrs agreed to keep a promise he asked of them - continue making music together. Part of that promise has been made manifest here... Daptone Records is proud to present ALWAYS - the raw, soulful new long player from The Frightnrs. The road to Always began with a period of intense songwriting back when The Frightnrs and producer Victor Axelrod (Ticklah) were working on the group's debut, rocksteady masterpiece, Nothing More to Say. In addition to the scorchers heard therein, Axelrod and The Frightnrs agreed many of the recordings were too sweet to tamper with in order to fit the rocksteady mold. Some were created at their headquarters in Queens with Dan on the mic, some were elaborations on older ideas, others were brand new creations made at the finish line. Thanks to the vocal stems they had captured in this golden period, Dan Kleinʼs other-worldly voice lived on, giving The Frightnrs all the raw material they needed for an entire albumʼs worth of new, original music. So with that, The Frightnrs and Axelrod returned to the studio and painstakingly conceptualized, tracked, re-tracked and mixed them into a complete album with their beloved friend singing lead. The fruits of this arduous process lay bare the undying love and respect between musical brothers. The last song written for this album, "Why Does it Feel Like a Curse", married two song concepts with one of Dan's original vocal performances - creating a beautiful, flawless composition that not only serves as a highlight reel of their editing skills and songwriting prowess, but also as a kind of metaphor for The Frightnrs journey. The perfect ending for ALWAYS. (Daptone Records)
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The Frightnrs escort Daptone Records into the world of long-playing reggae with both the sweetest and the roughest record of the decade. Crafted under the meticulous eye of black-belt reggae mastermind/producer Victor Axelrod (AKA Ticklah), Nothing More to Say is a rocksteady masterpiece the likes of which has not reared it’s head since the golden era of Studio One. However, you’ll find no imitation here - none of the faux-jamaican cliches of lesser reggae bands. Like all things Daptone, this record is above all soulful and honest. With the exception of two soul covers (both from the Daptone catalog: Bob & Gene’s "Gotta Find a Way” and Saun and Starr’s “Gonna Make Time”,) the record is populated by original compositions of the highest order. They are simply great songs, and though their treatment here is masterful, each one of them has the melodic and lyrical substance to hold it’s own in any genre. “Till Then” invokes the coquettish hyper-rhymes of top-form Smokey Robinson, while “Hey Brother” sounds like it fell off the desk of Gamble and Huff, and “Purple” defies any comparison at all. From the first cracking snares of “All My Tears” through the final pulsing echoes of “Dispute,” the murderous rhythms of Rich Terrana (drums,) and brothers Preet and Chuck Patel (bass and piano, respectively) can be heard chunking mercilessly towards oblivion as Dan Klein pours his endearing poetry over over the top like some other-worldy falsetto potion. The combination is a sound birthday-suit raw, mesmerizing, infectious, and above all, lovely. This record will long be treasured by lovers of reggae, lovers of soul and lovers of love. "From the start, both the band’s sound and presentation stood out from common Caribbean interpretations by other young American bands...favoring instead earnest ballads with a deep soul groove." Jim Farber, The New York Times Label: Daptone Records Barcode: 823134004214
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Original album released 1983. Now re-released on 180 gram red vinyl and inner bag with comprehensive sleeve notes. Musicians - The Roots Radics: Bass: Errol ‘Flabba’ Holt and Robert ‘Robbie’ Shakespeare Drums: Lincoln Valentine ‘Style’ Scott Lead Guitar: Eric ‘Bingy Bunny’ Lamont Rhythm Guitar: Eric ‘Bingy Bunny’ Lamont Piano: Wycliffe ‘Steely’ Johnson and Winston ‘Brubeck’ Wright. (Burning Sound Records)
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RSD 2019. The official re-release of the 1985 Heptones album on 180-gram vinyl. Includes bonus 12" single with one Heptones song and one Dennis Brown song. LPx2 - Double LP on black vinyl, includes bonus 12". (Burning Sound Records)
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Toots Hibbert and his Maytals recording at Studio One with Clement “Sir Coxsone” Dodd at the helm and the legendary Skatalites backing, what more could you possibly want? Never Grow Old is the first full length from the Maytals and Toots’ songwriting chops were fully formed right out of the gate, with most of the tunes being co-writes with Dodd. Bob was the king for a number of reasons but Toots may very well be The best male vocalist ever from the island of Jamaica. Real authentic ska from the source. (Slop'n'Mash Records)
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First full length of this outstanding Punk'n'Soul band from Paris. 11 multifaceted songs, musically between classic french Streetpunk and Redskin-like Soul, plus higly political lyrics in french and english language. Comes with beautiful illustrated 16 page fanzine booklet including all lyrics. Released in collaboration with Dure Réalité, Kanal Hysterik, Discos Machete, Rudy's Back, Rumagna Sgroza and Rusty Knife.
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Legendary The Specials playing Trojan classics. Following the success of their 2000 release of fifteen new recordings titled “Skinhead Girl”, The Specials lastest LP, “Conquering Ruler“, is another post-era ska/reggae beat sensation that includes fifteen new renditions from some of yesteryear’s best. Now on vinyl for the first time ever. (Mad Butcher Records)
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The Specials who enjoyed a triumphant 2019 with the release of the critically acclaimed Encore, their first ever number 1 album, coming 40 years after they exploded onto the music scene and launched the 2 Tone movement, make a very timely return with the release of their brand new album Protest Songs – 1924 -2012. Released through their new label Island Records, the album features twelve singular takes on specially chosen protest songs across an almost 100-year span and shows The Specials still care, are still protesting and are still pissed off! The Specials emerged in the late 1970s as the multiracial flagship of the 2 Tone movement, and sang of racism, unemployment and injustice making a very clear political statement every time they stepped on stage. It’s fitting, then, that in 2021, at a time when the world is riven with social, racial and political unrest, that the Specials have made this album of Protest Songs and are once again reflecting the society we live in and taking a stand against all forms of injustice. A typically unpredictable collection of unique takes from folk to post-punk, righteous uplift to biting satire, and from Kingston to Alabama, the album is a powerful reminder that there are no fixed rules to what makes a protest song. All that’s required is the combination of something that needs to be said with music that needs to be heard. “People have been using music as a vehicle for protest since time immemorial,” says bass-player Horace Panter. “Injustice is timeless.” 180 grams heavyweight black vinyl. Includes 12 page booklet with lyrics, credits and download card. (Island Records – 3840701)
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Legendary The Specials playing 15 Trojan classics. Originally released in 2000 now on vinyl for the first time. Great stuff. (Black Butcher Classics)
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Sale!Out of stock
SoCal mod/ska icons - widely credited as America's first ska band - present this fantastic collection of career highlights packaged in a limited edition colored vinyl. Features The Untouchables' signature hit "Free Yourself" as well as other favorites like "Wild Child," "Whiplash" and "What's Gone Wrong!" The Untouchables formed in 1981 as part of the embryonic L.A. mod revival, after being inspired by the ska revival/punk rock band The Boxboys. Since some couldn't play instruments, they either hastily learned, or became vocalists. In early 1984, they were signed to Stiff Records. Concerts with The B-52's, Black Uhuru, Bow Wow Wow, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fishbone, No Doubt and X all over California gave the group a disparate following of whites, blacks, mods, punks, surfers and rockabilly fans. (Cleopatra Records)
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Vinyl reissue collection of classic 90's ska gems from the band that started the American third wave of ska. Includes the MTV "120 Minutes" hits "2 Tone Army" and "I Wasn't Going To Call You Anyway" alongside 14 more fan favorites. Includes guest spots by Laurel Aitken, Lester Sterling of The Skatalites, King Django, and The Ventures' guitarist Jerry McGee. (Megalith Records – MEV 008, Jump Up! Records – JUMP099LP)
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The compilation you hold in your hands features the best of U Brown’s 1983 release Jam It Tonight, cut at Channel One with the Roots Radics, coupled with enthralling earlier singles laid at Channel with the Revolutionaries. The high points are many in this thoroughly agreeable set that showcases the best of peak-period U Brown; beginning with the devotional ‘Jah Is My Father Still’ and ‘Walk With Jah Love’ from Jam It Tonight, the title track speaks of reggae music’s unstoppable nature and ‘Reggae Gone International’ is a celebratory take of the ‘Pick A Dub’ rhythm, here totally reconfigured, Maxfield Avenue style. ‘Rub A Dub All The Time’ (aka ‘Tu Sheng Peng’) is a killer take of the Dennis Brown song of the same name, while ‘Blow Mr Hornsman Blow’ is an awesome re-working of the ‘Take Five’ rhythm, and ‘Come Along’ a beautiful deejay counterpart to Sugar Minott’s ‘Steal Away Girl’. U Brown has since gone on to enjoy all kinds of musical adventures in the UK, USA, and Europe, where he settled in the 1990s; listen to the artistry on No Stoppin’ This Music and marvel at his enduring talents. TRACKLIST SIDE A 1 Jah Is My Father 2 Walk With Jah Love 3 No Stopping This Music 4 Have To Get You 5 Reggae Gone International 6 President Inna Resident 7 Rub A Dub All The Time SIDE B 8 Blow Mr Hornsman Blow 9 Dis Yah Sound Of The Gorgon 10 Gimme Good Lovin' 11 No Ristocrat 12 Come Along 13 Rock A Bye Baby 14 Jah Is The Conqueror Label: Radiation Roots Barcode: 8055515233940
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This is the latest new installment of Soul Jazz Records’ on-going collection of Rastafarian music at Studio One, featuring classic material from legendary roots and culture artists The Gladiators, Horace Andy, Freddie McGregor, Sugar Minott and the Wailing Souls, alongside a superb selection of rarities from Sir Coxsone’s musical empire made up of one-off and practically unknown Rastafarian artists who recorded on a myriad of Studio One off-shoot labels in the 1970s – The Manchesters, Mellodies, The Nightingales and others. In this new collection, we see that once again the prescient Clement Dodd was a man who saw the wider picture. In the 1960s it was Sir Coxsone who identified the creative potential of The Wailers, Toots and the Maytals, Heptones, Burning Spear and many, many others. In the 1970s Studio One released an untouchable selection of the finest as styles moved from reggae to deejay to dub and, in the latter half, the emergence of dancehall. But what is also clear is that throughout this era Studio One released an incredible amount of roots music, and not just the most commercially obvious. For alongside the career-building catalogues of Burning Spear, The Wailing Souls, The Gladiators and so on, one needs to be an ardent Studio One collector to know some of the truly raw Rastafarian music featured here. Groups such as The Manchesters or The Nightingales feel as if they were recorded straight out of the churchical chants of the mansions. Black Man’s Pride explains the links between the ideology of Clement Dodd at Studio One and the Rastafarian faith, which was the creation of Afro-Jamaicans and concerned above all else with a black consciousness and empowerment, a rediscovering of the personal and racial identity of black people. The movement began in the 1930s and, in tandem with this black consciousness, called for a rejection of the British imperial culture that dominated Jamaica, while creating an identity based on a re-appropriation of an African heritage. The Rastafari movement was like a pivot, bringing together and balancing many vectors of ideologies. Marcus Garvey’s Back to Africa movement, trades union discourse, anti-colonialism and nation independence, maroon self-definition and independence, the spirit of African rebellion in the Caribbean. For Clement Dodd, a black man and producer growing up in Kingston in this era, Rastafari was simply a part of his everyday world – from witnessing Count Ossie’s grounations to the faith of many Jamaican artists at Studio One – from the Skatalites onwards. Featured here alongside these classic and rare tracks from Studio One are new and extensive sleeve notes with track-by-track notes by Rob Chapman, author of the acclaimed Downbeat Special and Never Grow Old Studio One books. The album is released as double heavyweight gatefold vinyl (+ free download code), CD with slipcase and booklet, and digital album. (Soul Jazz Records)
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Black Mans Pride 2 extends the legacy of Studio Ones ground-breaking path in roots reggae which began at the end of the 1960s and continued throughout the 1970s. The album tells the story of how the rise of Studio One Records and the Rastafari movement were interconnected, through the adoption of the Rastafari faith by key reggae artists everyone from the Skatalites and Wailers in the 1960s, major singers such as Alton Ellis and Horace Andy at the end of the decade, through to major roots artists such as The Gladiators in the 1970s and how Clement Dodd consistently recorded this heavyweight roots music throughout Studio Ones history. This is the second installment of deep roots Rastafarian reggae at Studio One and features classic music from some of the most important figures in reggae music Alton Ellis, The Heptones, Jackie Mittoo, The Gladiators alongside a host of rarities and little-known recordings, such as a truly rare Mystic Revelation of Rastafari seven-inch single, Willie Williams first ever recording Calling and Horace Andys righteous (and equally rare) masterpiece Illiteracy. The sleeve-notes to this album also discuss the links between Rastafari and Studio One in time and place, noting how both the religion and Clement Dodds musical empire had their roots in the intense period of pre-independence Jamaica in Kingston, expanded in the 1960s following the visit of Haile Selassie in 1966, and how roots music then came to dominate reggae music in the early 1970s. Also discussed is how the outsider stance of both reggae music and the Rastafari movement relate back many hundreds of years to the original rebel stance of the Maroons, escaped slaves who set up self-sufficient enclaves in the hills of the Jamaican countryside. LPx2 - Heavyweight Gatefold Double LP. Includes Download Code. (Soul Jazz Records/2002)
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Rastafarianism came to prominence in the late 1960’s/ 1970’s and had a huge influence on the musical culture in Jamaica. The sentiments of the songs reflected the struggles of life, as reggae music always did but now with an added spiritual/conscious element to the lyrics. By the mid 1970’s most, if not all the top flight singers were following the doctrine and growing their har to dreadlocks. (Kigston Sounds Records)
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The journey of Latin American artists from the 60’s and 70’s with a Jamaican style has a new stop: Latinameriska's fourth volume. And even though it may sound like a cliché we have to say this is the best installment of the series without a doubt. Here's why? Because you'll get to learn about unknown bands (from out of the Jamaican scene like "Los Creyentes de BC" or studio ones like "The Stars"), get almost impossible to find tunes ("Rosario" or "Los Costeños") or listen to covers as good as the original (hurray for "Los Robbin’s”!!!), or with sounds that enrich the cover (those amazing Calypso touches of René Santos or the cumbia flavour of Carmen Rivero). We have realized the richness of "Latin Jamaica" has no limits, and from north to south and east to west our treasure chest keeps growing with gems of all kind. This precious stones are all different and all highly valuable: from Jamaican Beat to Early Reggae or Calypso, with covers that range not only from Jamaican scene classics to Jazz and Soul. With such good raw materials and our culinary expertise it was impossible not to cook a delicatessen to be consumed with the ears. And once again we have a ghost track at the end: from Panamá this time, and giving an Antillean flavor to another Jamaican classic. Enjoy this new installment and be calm, it won't be the last one!!! Tracklist Side A 1. 'Doble Barril' - Rosario (Mexico) 2. 'Susana, Cuídate Del Diablo' - The Stars (Argentina) 3. 'El Enterrador' - Los Robbin's (Honduras) 4. 'Malinda' - Hugo Blanco, Su Arpa Viajera Y Su Conjunto 5. 'Sabor A Miel' - Julián Ber't (Mexico) 6. 'Jamaica Ska' - Carmen Rivero Y Su Conjunto (Mexico) 7. 'Mi Mujer Me Domina' - René Santos Y Sus Estrellas (Panama) Side B 1. ’Liquidator' - Roberto Delgado And His Orchestra (Argentina) 2. 'No, No, Nola' - Ely Combo (Mexico) 3. 'Como Me Gustas' - Las Cuatro Monedas (Venezuela) 4. 'Zoila' - Los Costeсos (Honduras) 5. 'No Insistas Más' - Los Yorsy's (Mexico) 6. 'Un Poco De Amor, Un Poco De Paz' - Los Creyentes De B.C. (Mexico) 7. 'O Mundo É Um Conflito' - As Exorcistas (Brasil) (Gran Quilombo Discos)
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Soul Jazz Records’ new 18th anniversary one-off limited-edition heavyweight special-edition red and cyan coloured vinyl pressing (+ download code) exclusively for Record Store Day 2024 of their long out of print classic release Studio One Rude Boy. This album is fully remastered for RSD 24. From the early days of Bob Marley and The Wailers (whose striking sharp-suited Rude Boy style appears on the front cover) through to the classic 1970s Jamaican films ‘The Harder They Come’ and ‘Rockers’, Rude Boys have been synonymous with Jamaican Reggae culture. This Jamaican Rude Boy anti-establishment attitude and stylish attire was later adopted by bands such as The Clash (in the film Rude Boy) as well as The Specials, Madness, Selector and others in the Two-Tone era that swept across the UK at the end of the 1970s. The album features classic tracks from Studio One featuring Jamaica’s finest singers and groups such as The Wailers, John Holt, the Wailing Souls and Dennis Brown alongside super-rare hard-to-find tracks from artists such as Mr Foundation, Dudley Sibley and Jim Brown. Driving Ska and Rocksteady rhythms, classic singers, killer horn lines, great Rude Boy themed-songs, all recorded under Clement ‘Sir Coxsone’ Dodd’s supervision at the legendary Studio One. With musical backing comes from the legendary in-house bands – The Skatalites, The Sound Dimension, Soul Vendors and Soul Defenders – this is rightly one of the most in-demand Studio One releases that Soul Jazz Records have ever released. “An excellent example of when Soul Jazz choose the right tunes to put together on one LP.” Wire Tracklist: 1. Jackie Opel – You're Too Bad 2. Johnny Osbourne – Murderer 3. John Holt – Hooligan 4. Keith McCarthy – Everybody Rude Now 5. Owen Gray – Ballistic Affair 6. Roy Richards – Get Smart 7. Dillinger – Stop The War 8. Jim Brown – Love In The Dance 9. Desmond Baker And The Clarendonians – Rude Boy Gone A Jail 10. The Wailers – Good Good Rudie 11. Dennis Brown – Make It Easy On Yourself 12. Wailing Souls – Don't Fight It 13. Dub Specialist – Peace Theme 14. Mr Foundation – See Them A Come 15. Dudley Sibley – Run Boy Run 16. Dennis Brown – Johnny Too Bad 17. Bob Andy – Crime Don't Pay 18. Soul Brothers – Mr Kiss A Bang Bang Label: Soul Jazz Barcode: 5026328701486
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Soul Jazz Records’ new 20th anniversary one-off limited-edition heavyweight special-edition coloured vinyl pressing + download code exclusively for Record Store Day 2023 of Soul Jazz Records’ classic Studio One Ska. A blistering collection of non-stop Ska classic tunes from Clement ‘Sir Coxsone’ Dodd’s legendary Studio One Records, Jamaica's foundation label of reggae music. Featuring classic cuts from the originators of Ska alongside a heavy dose of superb rarities from the might vaults of 13 Brentford Road - pure fire! Studio One Records and the seminal in-house band The Skatalites created and defined Ska in the process making Jamaican music famous throughout the world. This compilation features classic vocal and instrumental tracks from The Skatalites, Bob Marley and The Wailers, Delroy Wilson alongside super-rare tracks from the likes of Ken Boothe, The Maytals, Jackie Mittoo, Tommy McCook and many more. Clement ‘Sir Coxsone’ Dodd’s musical empire was founded on Ska, the first explosive and most exciting music to come out of the newly independent Jamaica, which soon spread across the world. This album is a celebration of the music of Studio One Records’ seminal Ska releases and features a who’s who of the most important artists and musicians in the history of reggae. Studio One is often described as both the University of Reggae and the Motown of Jamaica. Reviews “Ripping Ska compilation. The sound is tremendous as well thanks to Studio One recording techniques - already superior at the birth of Reggae - and Soul Jazz mastering. It's a superior Studio One Ska compilation what's not to like?” The Face “Every side collected here is a classic” All Music “Utterly brilliant collection of Ska music. Essential stuff’ Q Tracklist: 1. Jackie Mittoo – El Bang Bang 2. Ken Boothe & Stranger Cole – Arte Bella 3. The Wailers – (I'm Gonna) Put It On 4. The Skatalites – Addis Ababa 5. Roland Alphonso – President Kennedy 6. Joe Higgs – (I'm The) Song My Enemies Sing 7. The Skatalites – Beardsman Ska 8. Delroy Wilson – I Want Justice 9. Tommy McCook's Orchestra – Sampson 10. The Ethiopians – I'm Gonna Take Over Now 11. Tommy Mccook – Freedom Sounds 12. The Maytals – Marching On 13. The Skatalites – Exodus 14. Rolando Alphonso – Look Away Ska 15. Don Drummond – Don Cosmic 16. Rolando Alphonso – Scambalena 17. Andy & Joey – You're Wondering Now Label: Soul Jazz Barcode: 5026328300856
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Brand new selection of rare and classic releases made at Studio One by reggae's leading women! Featuring legendary artists such as Marcia Griffiths, Rita Marley and Hortense Ellis (with a guest appearance by her brother Alton), alongside a host of rarities from lesser known names such as Nina Soul, Nana Mclean, Denise Darlington, Myrna Hague and also Doreen Schaeffer - vocalist and founding member of The Skatalites! Featured here are some notable cover versions - from Tyrone Davis’ soul classic 'Can I Change My Mind' to the Byrds' 60s psychedelic anthemic 'Turn Turn Turn' in a rub-a-dub style!. Doreen Schaeffer versions Alton Ellis’s seminal 'I’m Still in Love with You', Nina Soul versions the slack rocksteady anthem 'Barb Wire'. Many of these tracks are almost impossible to find and many have never been issued ever since their initial release. The music on the album is - of course - 100% killer and features backing from all of the seminal groups at 13 Brentford Road including The Skatalites, Sound Dimension, Soul Brothers and the Brentford All Stars, and ranges from ska, rocksteady, roots, lovers and more from the 60s, 70s and 80s. All produced by Clement ‘Sir Coxsone’ Dodd at Studio One Records, the number one sound in reggae music. The album is released on Soul Jazz Records as a double-vinyl with gatefold sleeve, download code, the CD comes in slipcase and both come with extensive sleevenotes. Tracklist A1 Hortense Ellis– Can I Change My Mind A2 Marcia Griffiths– Melody Life A3 Myrna Hague– New World A4 Marcia Griffiths– Shimmering Star B1 Nora Dean– Heartaches B2 Jay Tees– Buck Town Corner B3 Jennifer Lara– Turn, Turn, Turn B4 Doreen* & Alton*– I'm Still In Love B5 Doreen Schaeffer*– Sugar Sugar C1 Denise Darlington– Feel So Good C2 Angela Prince– My Man Is Gone C3 Nana McLean– Till I Kissed You C4 Nina Soul– Barb Wire D1 Jackie* And Doreen*– Welcome You Back Home D2 Nina Soul– Sleeping Trees D3 Rita Marley– Friends And Lovers D4 Hortense Ellis– Secretly D5 Marcia Griffiths– You're No Good (Soul Jazz Records)
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Soul Jazz Records are proud to present this new collection of music from the great Fashion Records, one of the most important and iconic independent labels to come out of the UK, and which ran from 1980 for nearly 20 years. In that time Fashion released hundreds of records that successfully reflected, and indeed set, the changing styles and perspectives of reggae music in the UK – from UK dancehall and lovers rock in the 1980s through to the mighty rise of jungle in the second half of the 1990s. While nearly all other UK reggae labels focused on releasing Jamaican music – from the early days of Island and Trojan in the 1960s, through Island and Virgin in the 1970s, and Greensleeves that came up in the 1980s – Fashion’s focus was firmly on music produced in the UK. This unique British perspective shaped both lyrical content and musical fashion. And like all the great music labels – from Studio One to Blue Note – Fashion was able to create a significant roster of its own artists. Amazingly for a small independent label, a number of Fashion artists achieved mainstream UK chart and crossover success – including Laurel & Hardy, Smiley Culture and General Levy. But although this success was welcomed, crossing over into the mainstream was never the main focus for the label owners Chris Lane and John McGillivray (who also runs the successful Dub Vendor record shop) whose starting point was always primarily focused on producing quality music first. In the early 1980s, Fashion Records captured the rise of the emerging British dancehall scene in its ascendency. The large roster of first generation British-born artists and MCs on the label – including General Levy, Papa Face, Smiley Culture, Bionic Rhona, Asher Senator, Laurel & Hardy, Top Cat and many more – often gave a unique and sometimes humorous British lyrical perspective to Fashion releases, discussing everyday subjects, from police harassment to road safety! Throughout much of the 1980s and into the 1990s Fashion continued to release an almost relentless array of UK dancehall releases as well as continuing with lovers rock, and the occasional dub releases. Then, in the mid-90s, with the dancehall and reggae releases still coming on strong, Fashion released a superb series of early jungle tracks linking Jamaican and British MCs and dancehall artists with young jungle mixers, re-mixers and producers. By this time dancehall artists General Levy and Cutty Ranks had become the staple vocal samples of literally hundreds of white label jungle records and Fashion took advantage of this, often getting young producers to work in exchange for sample clearances – don’t get mad, get even! This album is a subjective and scatter-gun ride through some of the many unique and heavyweight tracks to come out of the Fashion stable that we love – some classics, some lesser-known, all 100% killer! The album is released on heavyweight triple vinyl (+ download code). The album comes with extensive sleevenotes featuring interviews with Fashion founders Chris Lane and John MacGillvary, as well as exclusive photography and original artwork and flyers. (Soul Jazz Records)
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Soul Jazz Records are releasing this new 10th anniversary 2017 edition of their classic album ‘Dancehall – The Rise of Jamaican Dancehall Culture’. This long-out-of-print collection is now available as a triple-vinyl edition and double CD pack. The album is a lightning-flash collection of all-time classic and definitive dancehall classics as well as a stellar selection of more obscure tracks. Featuring Yellowman, Tenor Saw, Sister Nancy, Ini Kamoze, Chaka Demus & Pliers, Michigan & Smiley, Super Cat, Cutty Ranks, Eek-A-Mouse, Gregory Isaacs and more, this album features non-stop floor-filling party tune rockers throughout! Dancehall is released to coincide with the new 2017 edition of the stunning 400+ photos deluxe coffee table book ‘Dancehall – The Rise of Jamaican Dancehall Culture’, featuring Beth Lesser’s amazing Dancehall photography (also newly published by Soul Jazz Records). This book has become the definitive cultural reference book for Jamaican dancehall and features hundreds of killer photographs, extensive text and interviews with many of the artists. ‘A vibrant anthology of all that mattered: the sound systems, studios, producers, singers and deejays.’ The Guardian (Soul Jazz Records)
