V/A Rub-A`-Dub Soldiers (Makasound) cd 16.98

V/A Rumble In The Jungle (Soul Jazz) cd 21.00
When we first got wind of this comp, for some reason, we just assumed it was gonna be another amazing Soul Jazz reggae comp, it didn't even occur to us that it would be a collection of killer classic jungle jams from the early nineties. But we threw it on, and were just knocked on our asses, transported back to '93/'94 when we first discovered jungle, particularly, ragga-dancehall-jungle or whatever you wanted to call it, a killer blend of traditional Jamaican dancehall, and this new breed of sped up hip hop that had grown out of the rave scene in the UK.
The history and genealogy is complex, but there's been plenty written about it, the liner notes here are particularly informative, tracing the development of ragga-jungle from the early Reggae sound systems, through the rave scene, UK hardcore hip hop, and beyond. Ragga jungle was a flash in the pan, existing for 3 or 4 years before most of the folks making it moved on to two-step, garage, drum and bass and on an on. But for our money, this was it. This was THE music we had been waiting for. We have loved dancehall forever, the harder and faster the better, so here was the toasting and melody of dancehall, draped over chopped up stuttering and pounding hip hop beats, all sped up into a rhythmic frenzy.
If there's one track that sums it up for us, it's DJ Zinc's "Super Sharp Shooter", with its interminable vocal and squelchy synth intro, the loping creeping reggae groove, the buzzing melody, the simple shuffling drum beat, the slowed down Method Man sample, and that's all before the track actually even drops, and when it does... Whoooowheee. We remember hearing this for the first time in one of the few clubs in SF that played jungle back in the day, and it nearly knocked us out of our seats. We ended up buying a DJ mix tape from one of the DJs spinning, and thankfully it had "Super Sharp Shooter" on it, and from that point on, we listened to it over and over every day, in the car, cranked as loud as it would go, bass pumping (as much as the bass could be said to pump in a crappy old van). So fucking heavy and hooky and funky. When the track finally kicks in, it's massive, relentless serpentine pass line, ultra complex drums, funky and groovy but so tangled and dense, every once in a while the bass line locks on a single not and just hooooooooolds steady until it drops, hard, and we're off on another junglistic jam. As far as we're concerned this would be worth it just for this track, but thankfully, the rest of the disc is just as kick ass.
Lots of familiar reggae and dancehall names, Ninjaman, Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Cutty Ranks, and for those in the know, the rest of the names read like an early nineties jungle all star lineup: Ragga Twins, Poison Chang, Ragga Twins, DJ Zinc, Shy FX... but even if you don't know any of these names, the music speaks for itself. Check out "Original Nuttah" by UK Apachi & Shy FX, beginning with some super hooky sing songy reggae vocals before the track launches into a maddeningly dense rapid fire snare workout underpinning a raw and tongue twisting flow. Furious and intense and so goddamn good. Then there's tracks like Ragga Twins' "Illegal Gunshot", with its playful and circusy melodic loop, but juxtaposed with some seriously aggro toasting, some Bomb Squad like production, and some outrageously funky drumming.
Pretty much every track on here is a killer, never has a record so much made even us non-dancers want to head for the dancefloor and go fucking nuts. The cool thing about this stuff, is even if you're dancefloor phobic, is that these tracks are so dense and multi layered, full of convoluted rhythms and mad drumming and rapid fire rhymes and wild toasting and strange melodies and killer grooves, that they're almost as fun to listen to as they are to dance to. Almost.
Like all Soul Jazz stuff, gorgeously packaged and extensively researched. Tons of liner notes, track notes, photos, all wrapped up in a full color slipcase.
MPEG Stream: DJ ZINC "Super Sharp Shooter"
MPEG Stream: RAGGA TWINS "Illegal Gunshot"
MPEG Stream: ASHER SENATOR "One Bible"
MPEG Stream: POISON CHANG "Press The Trigger"

V/A Rumble In The Jungle (Soul Jazz) 2lp 24.00
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
When we first got wind of this comp, for some reason, we just assumed it was gonna be another amazing Soul Jazz reggae comp, it didn't even occur to us that it would be a collection of killer classic jungle jams from the early nineties. But we threw it on, and were just knocked on our asses, transported back to '93/'94 when we first discovered jungle, particularly, ragga-dancehall-jungle or whatever you wanted to call it, a killer blend of traditional Jamaican dancehall, and this new breed of sped up hip hop that had grown out of the rave scene in the UK.
The history and genealogy is complex, but there's been plenty written about it, the liner notes here are particularly informative, tracing the development of ragga-jungle from the early Reggae sound systems, through the rave scene, UK hardcore hip hop, and beyond. Ragga jungle was a flash in the pan, existing for 3 or 4 years before most of the folks making it moved on to two-step, garage, drum and bass and on an on. But for our money, this was it. This was THE music we had been waiting for. We have loved dancehall forever, the harder and faster the better, so here was the toasting and melody of dancehall, draped over chopped up stuttering and pounding hip hop beats, all sped up into a rhythmic frenzy.
If there's one track that sums it up for us, it's DJ Zinc's "Super Sharp Shooter", with its interminable vocal and squelchy synth intro, the loping creeping reggae groove, the buzzing melody, the simple shuffling drum beat, the slowed down Method Man sample, and that's all before the track actually even drops, and when it does... Whoooowheee. We remember hearing this for the first time in one of the few clubs in SF that played jungle back in the day, and it nearly knocked us out of our seats. We ended up buying a DJ mix tape from one of the DJs spinning, and thankfully it had "Super Sharp Shooter" on it, and from that point on, we listened to it over and over every day, in the car, cranked as loud as it would go, bass pumping (as much as the bass could be said to pump in a crappy old van). So fucking heavy and hooky and funky. When the track finally kicks in, it's massive, relentless serpentine pass line, ultra complex drums, funky and groovy but so tangled and dense, every once in a while the bass line locks on a single not and just hooooooooolds steady until it drops, hard, and we're off on another junglistic jam. As far as we're concerned this would be worth it just for this track, but thankfully, the rest of the disc is just as kick ass.
Lots of familiar reggae and dancehall names, Ninjaman, Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Cutty Ranks, and for those in the know, the rest of the names read like an early nineties jungle all star lineup: Ragga Twins, Poison Chang, Ragga Twins, DJ Zinc, Shy FX... but even if you don't know any of these names, the music speaks for itself. Check out "Original Nuttah" by UK Apachi & Shy FX, beginning with some super hooky sing songy reggae vocals before the track launches into a maddeningly dense rapid fire snare workout underpinning a raw and tongue twisting flow. Furious and intense and so goddamn good. Then there's tracks like Ragga Twins' "Illegal Gunshot", with its playful and circusy melodic loop, but juxtaposed with some seriously aggro toasting, some Bomb Squad like production, and some outrageously funky drumming.
Pretty much every track on here is a killer, never has a record so much made even us non-dancers want to head for the dancefloor and go fucking nuts. The cool thing about this stuff, is even if you're dancefloor phobic, is that these tracks are so dense and multi layered, full of convoluted rhythms and mad drumming and rapid fire rhymes and wild toasting and strange melodies and killer grooves, that they're almost as fun to listen to as they are to dance to. Almost.
Like all Soul Jazz stuff, gorgeously packaged and extensively researched. Tons of liner notes, track notes, photos...
MPEG Stream: DJ ZINC "Super Sharp Shooter"
MPEG Stream: RAGGA TWINS "Illegal Gunshot"
MPEG Stream: ASHER SENATOR "One Bible"
MPEG Stream: POISON CHANG "Press The Trigger"

V/A Saddam Birthday Party / Jailbreak (Greeensleeves) cd 16.98
Another dancehall collection featuring tracks by singers using the "Saddam Birthday Party" and "Jailbreak" rhythms. All the greats are here: Capleton, Merciless, Elephant Man, Sizzla, Lexxus, Mr Vegas, Frisco Kid, Danny English and more. You just gotta be prepared for hearing the same two rhythm tracks over and over. A sullen and grey looking Saddam Hussein behind bars is depicted on the cover.
RealAudio clip: MERCILESS "Saddam Birthday Party"
RealAudio clip: SIZZLA "Cop Killa"

V/A Saddam Birthday Party / Jailbreak (Greeensleeves) 2lp 14.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
Another dancehall collection featuring tracks by singers using the "Saddam Birthday Party" and "Jailbreak" rhythms. All the greats are here: Capleton, Merciless, Elephant Man, Sizzla, Lexxus, Mr Vegas, Frisco Kid, Danny English and more. You just gotta be prepared for hearing the same two rhythm tracks over and over. A sullen and grey looking Saddam Hussein behind bars is depicted on the cover.

V/A Safe Travel with Phil Pratt & Friends (Pressure Sounds) cd 17.98
Rock steady -- the Jamaican musical form that bridged ska and reggae, and somehow seems cooler than either, at least to some of us here -- flourished circa '66-68, and here's a collection of 23 rare tracks from that era, both vocal and instrumental, from such famous artists as Horace Andy (his first ever recording), Ken Boothe, Tommy McCook, and many more. Comps on Pressure Sounds are a pretty solid bet and this is a nice one with extensive liner notes and all. So if you are in a rock steady mood (relaxed, or in need of relaxation!) Safe Travel is a great compilation of Phil Pratt productions for the Calton and Jon Tom labels, featuring mellow, mellific vocals and laidback bass grooves.
MPEG Stream: PHIL PRATT "Safe Travel"
MPEG Stream: MILTON BOOTHE "I Used To Be A Fool"

V/A Scratchy Sounds: Ska, Dub, Roots & Reggae Nuggets (Trojan) 2cd 21.00

V/A Select Cuts From Blood & Fire (Select Cuts) cd 16.98
Another new collection of classic dub tracks - all of these from the Blood & Fire back catalog - remixed by electronica artists. There are tracks by Smith & Mighty, The Orb, Avatars of Dub, Stereo MC's, Groove Corporation, The Erb and more.

V/A Select Cuts From Blood & Fire (Select Cuts) 2lp 18.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
Another new collection of classic dub tracks - all of these from the Blood & Fire back catalog - remixed by electronica artists. There are tracks by Smith & Mighty, The Orb, Avatars of Dub, Stereo MC's, Groove Corporation, The Erb and more.

V/A Select Cuts From Blood & Fire, Chapter Two (Select Cuts) cd 16.98
Following on the heels of their successful first volume of remixes from the Blood & Fire catalog, Select Cuts has released yet another disc of more of the same. Classic tracks by Scientist, Yabby You, I Roy, King Tubby, Linval Thompson and more are remixed by Apollo 440, Leftfield, Zion Train, Kid Loco, Black Star Liner, Jah Wobble and then some. While some tracks, like Max Romeo's "Valley of Jehosaphat" get the philly blunt treatment (courtesy of Segs Jennings along with Chemical Bros. programmer Steve Dub and George Holt), while other tracks get a the proto-house treatment like I Roy's "Look A Boom", remixed by Massive Attack bassist Winston Blissett. You might see this comp as having something for everyone, or you might see it as not having enough for anyone (one of those "glass half full" situations), but it's most certainly a sure bet that if you enjoyed the first one you'll not be disappointed in this one.
RealAudio clip: DAN DONOVAN "Scientist "Step It Up""
RealAudio clip: SEGS JENNINGS, STEVE DUB & GEORGE HOLT "Max Romeo "Valley of Jehosaphat""
RealAudio clip: WINSTON BLISSETT & JOHN TONKS "I Roy "Look A Boom""
RealAudio clip: KID LOCO "Morwell Unlimited Meets King Tubby "Morpheus Special""

V/A Select Cuts From Blood & Fire, Chapter Two (Select Cuts) 2lp 18.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
Following on the heels of their successful first volume of remixes from the Blood & Fire catalog, Select Cuts has released yet another disc of more of the same. Classic tracks by Scientist, Yabby You, I Roy, King Tubby, Linval Thompson and more are remixed by Apollo 440, Leftfield, Zion Train, Kid Loco, Black Star Liner, Jah Wobble and then some. While some tracks, like Max Romeo's "Valley of Jehosaphat" get the philly blunt treatment (courtesy of Segs Jennings along with Chemical Bros. programmer Steve Dub and George Holt), while other tracks get a the proto-house treatment like I Roy's "Look A Boom", remixed by Massive Attack bassist Winston Blissett. You might see this comp as having something for everyone, or you might see it as not having enough for anyone (one of those "glass half full" situations), but it's most certainly a sure bet that if you enjoyed the first one you'll not be disappointed in this one.

V/A Select Cuts From Blood & Fire: Chapter Three (Select Cuts) cd 16.98
The third and final installment of the popular Select Cuts series of Blood & Fire remixes in which contemporary "leftfield" DJs and Producers pay homage to Jamaican music by remixing classic tracks from the island. This collection features remixes of Big Youth (Waterhouse Rock, Political Confusion & Chucky No Lucky), Horace Andy (Do You Love My Music, Ital Vital), Impact All Stars (Dubwise Situation), Gregory Isaacs (Get Ready) and more by the usual suspects: Black Star Liner, Smith & Mighty, Groove Corporation, as well as Pressure Drop, Walkner.Mostl, Dan Donovan / Don Letts Dub Cartel, Dreadzone, Henry & Louis, Different Drummer Soundsystem, Small Axe, Kaleidoscope and even a bonus "Blood & Fire Megamix" by Fila Brazillia. This one's definitely made for the euro dancefloor what with all those beautiful rhythmmic gaps now filled in like so much wood putty in much of these remixes by the endless chattering 32nd notes or pounding breakbeat rhythms. Those who enjoyed the last two volumes will appreciate this one as well.
RealAudio clip: BLACK STAR LINER "Horace Andy - Do You Love My Music"
RealAudio clip: FILA BRAZILLIA "Blood & Fire Megamix"

V/A Select Cuts From Blood & Fire: Chapter Three (Select Cuts) 2lp 18.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
The third and final installment of the popular Select Cuts series of Blood & Fire remixes in which contemporary "leftfield" DJs and Producers pay homage to Jamaican music by remixing classic tracks from the island. This collection features remixes of Big Youth (Waterhouse Rock, Political Confusion & Chucky No Lucky), Horace Andy (Do You Love My Music, Ital Vital), Impact All Stars (Dubwise Situation), Gregory Isaacs (Get Ready) and more by the usual suspects: Black Star Liner, Smith & Mighty, Groove Corporation, as well as Pressure Drop, Walkner.Mostl, Dan Donovan / Don Letts Dub Cartel, Dreadzone, Henry & Louis, Different Drummer Soundsystem, Small Axe, Kaleidoscope and even a bonus "Blood & Fire Megamix" by Fila Brazillia. This one's definitely made for the euro dancefloor what with all those beautiful rhythmmic gaps now filled in like so much wood putty in much of these remixes by the endless chattering 32nd notes or pounding breakbeat rhythms. Those who enjoyed the last two volumes will appreciate this one as well.

V/A Serious Times (XL) cd 14.98

V/A Shockout (Tigerbeat6) cd 14.98
Alright all you hard ragga nuts, pick this fucker up! Damn, seems like it's been a while since we've got some real crazy shit in here that we could get really excited about and adamantly recommend to customers with complete confidence. Many of the tracks here have already appeared as 12"s and 7"s on Tigerbeat6's Shockout imprint. But those of us lacking turntables or too lazy to lift those heavy slabs for a mere 3 minutes of pleasure have been left out of the game... until now. Looking for some DJ Rupture? Looking for The Bug? Looking for something to replace those worn copies of DJ Scud's Murder Sound or yearning for a return of Panacea circa Low Profile Darkness? You'll find your fix embedded here in the digital pits of this here humble aluminum disc. Brutal two-step cut ups with gut churning bass, brain rattling hardcore ragga jungle and levelled off with some of the most phlegm inducing, distorted and gruff toasting you'll ever hear. Along with some of the heaviest singles in the Shockout series thus far by the likes of The Bug, Ove-Naxx, Soundmurderer & SK-1, Timeblind, Kid606, and Eight Frozen Modules, there are exclusive tracks from DJ Rupture, Com A. and Guislain Poirier (nice to hear some French in the mix for once). Plus this Shockout comp also includes the original "Killer" single by Rootsman and He-Man that The Bug remixed, which sounds like a madman trying to burp his way through a vocal dub. Verbally slobbering over this collection wouldn't be complete without mentioning the exceptionally great track sequencing. The comp kicks off with Strategy's mellow "Dunes Dub", a springy dub track with a Fela Kuti-esque keyboard line, and slowly works its way up in ferocity through the the next several tracks. Strategy bookends the collection in fact, with the A-side to their Shockout 12" "Going Street Dub" finishing things off. In flow, Shockout reminds us of DJ Rupture's now classic Minesweeper Suite. Everyone who loves those Ward 21 albums, DJ Rupture, The Bug's new ragga incarnation or the Kid (as in 606) should pluck this sucker up post haste. Highly fucking recommended!
MPEG Stream: ROOTSMAN / HE-MAN "Killer"
MPEG Stream: THE BUG VS. ROOTSMAN / MEXICAN "WWW - Kid606 Remix"
MPEG Stream: OVE-NAXX / WAYNE LONESOME "Come Back Wicked - A Fear Of Sengiri Mix"

V/A Skinhead Revolt (Earmark) lp 17.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.

V/A Soul Power: Funky Kingston 2 (Trojan) cd 14.98

V/A Sound System Rockers: Kingston Town 1969-1975 (Kingston Sounds) cd 16.98
Nice collection of sound system exclusive tracks belonging to King Tubby, taken off of sessions recorded by Bunny Lee. Starting in the late sixties, Bunny "Striker" Lee and King Tubby would develop a special symbiotic relationship where Bunny would bring all his sessions to King Tubby to be mixed and cut to disc, and in return King Tubby would get to keep a copy of the tapes himself to mix special dub plates and other versions for use on his incredibly popular "King Tubby's Home Town Hi-Fi" sound system. These are some of the most popular sound system tracks of the day, including The Abyssinians' "Satta Massa Gana" voiced by crooner Ken Boothe, Jackie Edwards' "In The Mood", Johnny Clarke's "Ride on Girl" and Horace Andy's "Guiding Star".
MPEG Stream: KEN BOOTHE "Satta Massa Gana"
MPEG Stream: JOHNNY CLARKE "Ride On Girl"

V/A Sound System Rockers: Kingston Town 1969-1975 (Kingston Sounds) lp 14.98
Nice collection of sound system exclusive tracks belonging to King Tubby, taken off of sessions recorded by Bunny Lee. Starting in the late sixties, Bunny "Striker" Lee and King Tubby would develop a special symbiotic relationship where Bunny would bring all his sessions to King Tubby to be mixed and cut to disc, and in return King Tubby would get to keep a copy of the tapes himself to mix special dub plates and other versions for use on his incredibly popular "King Tubby's Home Town Hi-Fi" sound system. These are some of the most popular sound system tracks of the day, including The Abyssinians' "Satta Massa Gana" voiced by crooner Ken Boothe, Jackie Edwards' "In The Mood", Johnny Clarke's "Ride on Girl" and Horace Andy's "Guiding Star".

V/A Studio 1 Sales Conference Vol. 1 1979 (Studio 1) lp 12.98

V/A Studio One Classics (Soul Jazz) cd 21.00
Pretty much all of Soul Jazz's Studio One reggae comps have been great, so how darn good d'you think one entitled "Studio One Classics" is gonna be? Yeah, that's right...classics. An inevitable, admittedly incomplete sampling of the best of Studio One's output over the years (since the '60s), from ska to rocksteady to dancehall to dub. This disc is intended as something in the way of a tribute to Studio One's legendary producer Clement "Sir Coxsone" Dodd, who passed away last May at the age of 72. He had a hand in recording each of the 18 tracks found here, which include cuts by the likes of The Skatalites, Horace Andy, The Wailers, Alton Ellis, Burning Spear, Dennis Brown, Sugar Minott, Prince Jazzbo, Sound Dimension, Johnny Osbourne, and others. With that array of talent, a stellar compilation is more-or-less assured, eh? ...But what's that? Think you don't like reggae? C'mon at least give this one a shot. There's definitely gonna be something on here that you'll dig, or well...ok you don't like reggae, but we tried!
MPEG Stream: THE SKATALITES "El Pussy Ska"
MPEG Stream: SUGAR MINOTT "Oh Mr DC"

V/A Studio One Classics (Soul Jazz) lp 24.00
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
Pretty much all of Soul Jazz's Studio One reggae comps have been great, so how darn good d'you think one entitled "Studio One Classics" is gonna be? Yeah, that's right...classics. An inevitable, admittedly incomplete sampling of the best of Studio One's output over the years (since the '60s), from ska to rocksteady to dancehall to dub. This disc is intended as something in the way of a tribute to Studio One's legendary producer Clement "Sir Coxsone" Dodd, who passed away last May at the age of 72. He had a hand in recording each of the 18 tracks found here, which include cuts by the likes of The Skatalites, Horace Andy, The Wailers, Alton Ellis, Burning Spear, Dennis Brown, Sugar Minott, Prince Jazzbo, Sound Dimension, Johnny Osbourne, and others. With that array of talent, a stellar compilation is more-or-less assured, eh? ...But what's that? Think you don't like reggae? C'mon at least give this one a shot. There's definitely gonna be something on here that you'll dig, or well...ok you don't like reggae, but we tried!
MPEG Stream: THE SKATALITES "El Pussy Ska"
MPEG Stream: SUGAR MINOTT "Oh Mr DC"

V/A Studio One Disco Mix (Soul Jazz ) cd 21.00
Similar to the extended dance mixes that were ever so popular in the US, the disco mixes coming out of Jamaica were remixes, often combining a dub and vocal version, designed for dance clubs to keep a song playing longer. Part of the inspiration from Dodd's stable at Studio One was to counteract the then rampent versioning of Studio One rhythms by the other recording studios. Given that these tracks were being cut to 12" discs, they could run anywhere from 5 to over ten minutes in length. A few years back the label Heartbeat released one such collection of disco mixes from Studio One called Nice Up The Dance (no, not to be confused with the album by the same name released by Soul Jazz a couple years later) and it immediately became a favorite here. So we were pretty excited to learn that Soul Jazz was going to do their own collection. The only shortcoming with the Soul Jazz comp is that many of the tracks here are hardly "extended" mixes. Over half of the tracks on this collection are between 2 and 3 minutes in length. It's a fine collection nonetheless, filled with updated classics spanning some ten plus years of Studio One's output. While some tracks are merely remixes of the original tunes, many feature newer vocalists (at the time) reversioning the Studio One classics, as well as some vocalists updating their own tracks, like Alton Ellis' own 1980 revoicing of a tune he cut in 1960.
MPEG Stream: JUDAH ESKANDER TAFARI "Rastafari Tell You"
MPEG Stream: WINSTON FRANCIS, JACKIE MITTOO & BRENTFORD ROCKERS "Going To Zion"

V/A Studio One Disco Mix (Soul Jazz ) 2lp 24.00
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
Similar to the extended dance mixes that were ever so popular in the US, the disco mixes coming out of Jamaica were remixes, often combining a dub and vocal version, designed for dance clubs to keep a song playing longer. Part of the inspiration from Dodd's stable at Studio One was to counteract the then rampent versioning of Studio One rhythms by the other recording studios. Given that these tracks were being cut to 12" discs, they could run anywhere from 5 to over ten minutes in length. A few years back the label Heartbeat released one such collection of disco mixes from Studio One called Nice Up The Dance (no, not to be confused with the album by the same name released by Soul Jazz a couple years later) and it immediately became a favorite here. So we were pretty excited to learn that Soul Jazz was going to do their own collection. The only shortcoming with the Soul Jazz comp is that many of the tracks here are hardly "extended" mixes. Over half of the tracks on this collection are between 2 and 3 minutes in length. It's a fine collection nonetheless, filled with updated classics spanning some ten plus years of Studio One's output. While some tracks are merely remixes of the original tunes, many feature newer vocalists (at the time) reversioning the Studio One classics, as well as some vocalists updating their own tracks, like Alton Ellis' own 1980 revoicing of a tune he cut in 1960.
MPEG Stream: JUDAH ESKANDER TAFARI "Rastafari Tell You"
MPEG Stream: WINSTON FRANCIS, JACKIE MITTOO & BRENTFORD ROCKERS "Going To Zion"

V/A Studio One DJ's (Soul Jazz) cd 21.00
Soul Jazz does it again. This time the label tackles the classic DJ cuts produced by Coxsone Dodd at Studio One from the beginning of the 60's through the early 80's. Unlike the common DJ of repute who was content to merely play records, Jamaican DJ's have always been of a mind to persistently interject their own thoughts, off the cuff remarks, vocal sound effects over what they played. Such was the heavy competition between Sound Systems in Jamaica, that merely having the freshest cuts would win an audience. A charismatic master of ceremonies was crucial drawing crowds. Out of this developed the Jamaican DJ: U Roy, I Roy, Big Youth, Dennis Alcapone, Count Machuki, Prince Jazzbo et al. Coxsone Dodd, having already been the owner of one of the biggest sound systems in Jamaica by the end of the 50's, continued in the capacity of producer to become the institution he is today with vaults of the most popularly versioned rhythms in Jamaica. 'Studio One DJ's' takes a look at not only some of the most successful DJ's to work with Coxsone, but also some great obscure one's that you may never have heard. You won't find either U or I Roy on this collection, but that shouldn't dissuade you (we can set you up with great discs of either) as their's no shortage of awesome tracks on here from the sparse interjections of Count Machuki to the non-stop-almost-out-of-breath toasting and cocka-doodle-dooing of Dennis Alcapone, to the ever so gruff and foreboding chanting of Prince Far I, there's an impressive variety of artistry represented here.
Wow! And we also just discovered that there's a short video on Studio One included on the CD that you can watch on your computer. Brief interviews with Coxsone and Norma, plus footage of notable DJ's Lone Ranger and a pissed off looking King Stitt. Looks like it's a sneak peak of a full length documentary that Sould Jazz will be releasing on DVD and video in the near future. We're all waiting on the pins and the needles for its release!
RealAudio clip: PRINCE FRANCIS "Rock Fort Shock"
RealAudio clip: JIM BROWN "Seen Him"

V/A Studio One DJ's (Soul Jazz) 2lp 24.00
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
Soul Jazz does it again. This time the label tackles the classic DJ cuts produced by Coxsone Dodd at Studio One from the beginning of the 60's through the early 80's. Unlike the common DJ of repute who was content to merely play records, Jamaican DJ's have always been of a mind to persistently interject their own thoughts, off the cuff remarks, vocal sound effects over what they played. Such was the heavy competition between Sound Systems in Jamaica, that merely having the freshest cuts would win an audience. A charismatic master of ceremonies was crucial to drawing crowds. Out of this developed the Jamaican DJ: U Roy, I Roy, Big Youth, Dennis Alcapone, Count Machuki, Prince Jazzbo et al. Coxsone Dodd, having already been the owner of one of the biggest sound systems in Jamaica by the end of the 50's, continued in the capacity of producer to become the institution he is today with vaults of the most popularly versioned rhythms in Jamaica. 'Studio One DJ's' takes a look at not only some of the most successful DJ's to work with Coxsone, but also some great obscure one's that you may never have heard. You won't find either U or I Roy on this collection, but that shouldn't dissuade you (we can set you up with great discs of either) as their's no shortage of awesome tracks on here from the sparse interjections of Count Machuki to the non-stop-almost-out-of-breath toasting and cocka-doodle-dooing of Dennis Alcapone, to the ever so gruff and foreboding chanting of Prince Far I, there's an impressive variety of artistry represented here.

V/A Studio One DJs Volume 2 (Soul Jazz) cd 21.00
Most of us have come to know the DJ as a behind the scenes mover and shaker, not so much the star attraction, but more of a journeyman, playing the records, not playing ON the records, but the DJ in the heyday of reggae and dub culture was very much right in front of the action. The main attraction in most cases. Often adding their own voice loud and proud over the top of whatever sounds happened to be spinning. Screaming, singing, rapping, goofing, adding much of the DJ's individual personality to the dubbed out grooves. Soul Jazz has once again used its master key to the Studio One vaults for this, the second collection of Studio One DJ's. Digging deeper into the dancehalls of Jamaica in the 70's and coming out with a bunch of gems. If you're a fan of all things Soul Jazz, Trojan, Dancehall and the like, this is absolutely essential.
MPEG Stream: PRINCE JAZZBO "Pepper Rock"
MPEG Stream: SOUL VENDORS "Whipping The Prince"
MPEG Stream: BIG JOE "Get Out Baldhead"

V/A Studio One DJs Volume 2 (Soul Jazz) 2lp 24.00
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
Most of us have come to know the DJ as a behind the scenes mover and shaker, not so much the star attraction, but more of a journeyman, playing the records, not playing ON the records, but the DJ in the heyday of reggae and dub culture was very much right in front of the action. The main attraction in most cases. Often adding their own voice loud and proud over the top of whatever sounds happened to be spinning. Screaming, singing, rapping, goofing, adding much of the DJ's individual personality to the dubbed out grooves. Soul Jazz has once again used its master key to the Studio One vaults for this, the second collection of Studio One DJ's. Digging deeper into the dancehalls of Jamaica in the 70's and coming out with a bunch of gems. If you're a fan of all things Soul Jazz, Trojan, Dancehall and the like, this is absolutely essential.
MPEG Stream: PRINCE JAZZBO "Pepper Rock"
MPEG Stream: SOUL VENDORS "Whipping The Prince"
MPEG Stream: BIG JOE "Get Out Baldhead"

V/A Studio One Dub (Soul Jazz) cd 21.00
It's with bittersweet feelings and a sorrowful heart that we find ourselves writing about the newest of Soul Jazz's tributes to Jamaica's finest cultural treasure. Sadly, Clement Sir Coxsone Dodd passed away on Tuesday, May 4th. It was only four days previous that Brentford Road, the street where Dodd's studio has been located for the last 41 years, was renamed Studio One Boulevard and a celebration was held in his honor. Farewell Coxsone, your legacy will continue to grow for generations to come. Suitable it is that a collection of dub from Studio One should grace us at this time, not solely as how a collection of music stripped of voices could be seen as a symbolic moment of silence, but because of all the creative musical innovations to come out of Jamaica, dub has had the most profound effect on modern music today and the real artists behind dub aren't the musicians, but the engineers -- in this case Coxsone Dodd and Studio One's house engineer at the time Sylvan Morris. The 17 tracks on this collection span the gamut of the artistry of dub: from the sparse to the full blown, balls out effects laden masterpiece. Case in point is Dodd's "Chase Them Version" in which the master tape is somehow manhandled to sound as if it is being eaten by the machine. We've heard all sorts of cases of master tapes being sped up, slowed down and played backwards, but this was a first for us... unless you count Faxed Head (strange how far dub's influence stretches). As for rhythms, of course Studio One's got the pick of the litter and most of the dubs here are ultra rare cuts originally released as silk-screened limited editions. Along with a kick ass cover, Soul Jazz has included a booklet with interviews of both Sylvan Morris and Coxsone Dodd. Highly recommended!
MPEG Stream: "Bionic Dub"
MPEG Stream: "Taurus Dub 2"

V/A Studio One Dub (Soul Jazz) 2lp 24.00
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
It's with bittersweet feelings and a sorrowful heart that we find ourselves writing about the newest of Soul Jazz's tributes to Jamaica's finest cultural treasure. Sadly, Clement Sir Coxsone Dodd passed away on Tuesday, May 4th. It was only four days previous that Brentford Road, the street where Dodd's studio has been located for the last 41 years, was renamed Studio One Boulevard and a celebration was held in his honor. Farewell Coxsone, your legacy will continue to grow for generations to come. Suitable it is that a collection of dub from Studio One should grace us at this time, not solely as how a collection of music stripped of voices could be seen as a symbolic moment of silence, but because of all the creative musical innovations to come out of Jamaica, dub has had the most profound effect on modern music today and the real artists behind dub aren't the musicians, but the engineers -- in this case Coxsone Dodd and Studio One's house engineer at the time Sylvan Morris. The 17 tracks on this collection span the gamut of the artistry of dub: from the sparse to the full blown, balls out effects laden masterpiece. Case in point is Dodd's "Chase Them Version" in which the master tape is somehow manhandled to sound as if it is being eaten by the machine. We've heard all sorts of cases of master tapes being sped up, slowed down and played backwards, but this was a first for us... unless you count Faxed Head (strange how far dub's influence stretches). As for rhythms, of course Studio One's got the pick of the litter and most of the dubs here are ultra rare cuts originally released as silk-screened limited editions. Along with a kick ass cover, Soul Jazz has included a booklet with interviews of both Sylvan Morris and Coxsone Dodd. Highly recommended!
MPEG Stream: "Bionic Dub"
MPEG Stream: "Taurus Dub 2"

V/A Studio One Dub 2 (Soul Jazz) cd 21.00
Pessimistic as it sounds, there's not much in life you can really depend on. Luckily Soul Jazz and its series of Studio One releases have never let us down and we think it's pretty safe to say that they never will. How could they as they get to dip in the richest of vaults mining the sounds of Studio One in Jamaica. This time out it's the second in the series of dub's best offerings from the '60s and '70s. With Studio One's house band Sound Dimension, Marcia Griffiths, Soul Vendors, The Gladiators and more you know you can't go wrong. Thank you Soul Jazz and your always such right-on selections from the stellar vaults of Studio One. We could say more, but why bother, this music speaks for itself, just listen to the sound samples...
MPEG Stream: MARCIA GRIFFITHS "Feel Like Jumping Pt.2"
MPEG Stream: ST. CT & THE GLADIATORS BAND "Soul Locks"
MPEG Stream: SOUNDSTORM "Dub Rock"

V/A Studio One Dub 2 (Soul Jazz) 2lp 24.00
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
Pessimistic as it sounds, there's not much in life you can really depend on. Luckily Soul Jazz and its series of Studio One releases have never let us down and we think it's pretty safe to say that they never will. How could they as they get to dip in the richest of vaults mining the sounds of Studio One in Jamaica. This time out it's the second in the series of dub's best offerings from the '60s and '70s. With Studio One's house band Sound Dimension, Marcia Griffiths, Soul Vendors, The Gladiators and more you know you can't go wrong. Thank you Soul Jazz and your always such right-on selections from the stellar vaults of Studio One. We could say more, but why bother, this music speaks for itself, just listen to the sound samples...
MPEG Stream: MARCIA GRIFFITHS "Feel Like Jumping Pt.2"
MPEG Stream: ST. CT & THE GLADIATORS BAND "Soul Locks"
MPEG Stream: SOUNDSTORM "Dub Rock"

V/A Studio One Funk (Soul Jazz) cd 21.00
Volume ten, if anyone's keeping count, in Soul Jazz's homage to Coxon Dodd and his Studio One recording studio / label / school / cultural institution. We already heard Studio One Soul, and we know how much Jamaican music was influenced initially from sounds up north in the states. Dodd himself used to make regular forays up to the US to pick up the newest, hottest singles to play on his sound system early in his career. So why not put together a collection tracing funk through Jamaica's most influential music stable? Studio One Funk is a little different from its Soul counterpart in that there's much more original material here, less covers, than the previous collection. Studio One Funk does have its share of cool versions of American funk tunes including a great instrumental reworking of the theme from "Shaft" by our beloved Cedric Im Brooks, Alton Ellis doing "It's A Shame", Booker T. & The MGs' "Melting Pot" is given a twist by the Underground Vegetables (no doubt just a creative moniker for whatever the studio group happened to be that day) and "Funky Broadway" done here by Delroy Wilson. Lloyd Wilson's "Reggae Feet", while not technically a cover, is about as close a James Brown impersonation you can expect from Jamaica!
MPEG Stream: ALTON ELLIS "African Descendants"
MPEG Stream: UNDERGROUND VEGETABLES "Melting Pot"

V/A Studio One Funk (Soul Jazz) 2lp 24.00
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
Volume ten, if anyone's keeping count, in Soul Jazz's homage to Coxon Dodd and his Studio One recording studio / label / school / cultural institution. We already heard Studio One Soul, and we know how much Jamaican music was influenced initially from sounds up north in the states. Dodd himself used to make regular forays up to the US to pick up the newest, hottest singles to play on his sound system early in his career. So why not put together a collection tracing funk through Jamaica's most influential music stable? Studio One Funk is a little different from its Soul counterpart in that there's much more original material here, less covers, than the previous collection. Studio One Funk does have its share of cool versions of American funk tunes including a great instrumental reworking of the theme from "Shaft" by our beloved Cedric Im Brooks, Alton Ellis doing "It's A Shame", Booker T. & The MGs' "Melting Pot" is given a twist by the Underground Vegetables (no doubt just a creative moniker for whatever the studio group happened to be that day) and "Funky Broadway" done here by Delroy Wilson. Lloyd Wilson's "Reggae Feet", while not technically a cover, is about as close a James Brown impersonation you can expect from Jamaica!
MPEG Stream: ALTON ELLIS "African Descendants"
MPEG Stream: UNDERGROUND VEGETABLES "Melting Pot"

V/A Studio One Groups (Soul Jazz) cd 21.00
We can never ever get enough of the sweet sweet side of Studio One. Groups is another collection from their deep vaults, this time focusing on the harmony filled groups that helped make the label famous, like The Heptones, Bob Marley & The Wailers, The Maytals as well as some of their lesser known but equally great groups like The Ethiopians and Royals and The Bassies. these groups were integral to the evolution of Jamaican music and reggae in all its forms (roots, ska, dub, rocksteady). Studio One's Clement Dodd launched so many groups/singers careers, as everyone from Bob Marley to Lee Perry to Prince Buster worked at Studio One at one time or another. Marley, in fact had the job of listening to all the new American 45's that came their way to suggest songs that he thought should be covered. These songs show the close connection that Studio One had to American doo-wop and soul for sure. Not a loser in the bunch, really nice!
MPEG Stream: ROYALS "Pick Up The Pieces"
MPEG Stream: THE ETHIOPIANS "Owe Me No Pay Me"
MPEG Stream: THE BASSIES "Things a Come Up to Bump"

V/A Studio One Groups (Soul Jazz) 2lp 24.00
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
We can never ever get enough of the sweet sweet side of Studio One. Groups is another collection from their deep vaults, this time focusing on the harmony filled groups that helped make the label famous, like The Heptones, Bob Marley & The Wailers, The Maytals as well as some of their lesser known but equally great groups like The Ethiopians and Royals and The Bassies. these groups were integral to the evolution of Jamaican music and reggae in all its forms (roots, ska, dub, rocksteady). Studio One's Clement Dodd launched so many groups/singers careers, as everyone from Bob Marley to Lee Perry to Prince Buster worked at Studio One at one time or another. Marley, in fact had the job of listening to all the new American 45's that came their way to suggest songs that he thought should be covered. These songs show the close connection that Studio One had to American doo-wop and soul for sure. Not a loser in the bunch, really nice!
MPEG Stream: ROYALS "Pick Up The Pieces"
MPEG Stream: THE ETHIOPIANS "Owe Me No Pay Me"
MPEG Stream: THE BASSIES "Things a Come Up to Bump"

V/A Studio One Kings (Soul Jazz) cd 21.00
Another in an amazing string of great Studio One collections compiled by the seemingly infallible Soul Jazz label. The title of this one says it all. These are the heavy hitters in Studio One's rich history. Harkening back to the classic 60's and 70's Jamaican sound, a glorious golden musical era, which included rocksteady, ska, roots, and lovers rock. Classic and rare tracks are collected from the likes of Alton Ellis, Ken Booth, John Holt, Delroy Wilson, and an amazing 10 minute Dylan cover by Freddie McGregor, and of course so much more. Much like its female counterpart, The Women of Studio One, which came out a couple years ago and STILL stands as one of our favorite collections, Studio One Kings has that same impeccable lineup, working as an album as much as a collection, perfect from start to finish and not at all just a bunch of random good songs. A wonderful combination of breezy confidence and deep deep passion. With spring in full bloom and summer within arms reach we can't think of a better ways to soak in the sun then with the kings of Studio One.
MPEG Stream: BURNING SPEAR "Them A Come"
MPEG Stream: KEN BOOTHE "Be Yourself"
MPEG Stream: ALTON ELLIS "The Well Run Dry"

V/A Studio One Kings (Soul Jazz) 2lp 24.00
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
Another in an amazing string of great Studio One collections compiled by the seemingly infallible Soul Jazz label. The title of this one says it all. These are the heavy hitters in Studio One's rich history. Harkening back to the classic 60's and 70's Jamaican sound, a glorious golden musical era, which included rocksteady, ska, roots, and lovers rock. Classic and rare tracks are collected from the likes of Alton Ellis, Ken Booth, John Holt, Delroy Wilson, and an amazing 10 minute Dylan cover by Freddie McGregor, and of course so much more. Much like its female counterpart, The Women of Studio One, which came out a couple years ago and STILL stands as one of our favorite collections, Studio One Kings has that same impeccable lineup, working as an album as much as a collection, perfect from start to finish and not at all just a bunch of random good songs. A wonderful combination of breezy confidence and deep deep passion. With spring in full bloom and summer within arms reach we can't think of a better ways to soak in the sun then with the kings of Studio One.
MPEG Stream: BURNING SPEAR "Them A Come"
MPEG Stream: KEN BOOTHE "Be Yourself"
MPEG Stream: ALTON ELLIS "The Well Run Dry"

V/A Studio One Lovers (Soul Jazz) cd 21.00

V/A Studio One Lovers (Soul Jazz) 2lp 24.00
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.

V/A Studio One Musik City (Soul Jazz) cd boxset 60.00
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
Okay everybody, open up those stockings! Here's one helluva great stuffer or if you love, but have yet to dive into, the music from Jamaica's finest years (from Jamaica's finest studio) it's also a great gift for one's self. Purchased as a slipcased box set, each disc comes to only $12 each. While numerous talent has come and gone through this small island, no other figure has had such a long lasting and spectacular career as Coxsone Dodd and his Studio One recording facility/label. In fact more stars have passed through his doors than any other in Jamaica. People used to crowd the front lawn of the tiny recording studio everyday for a chance to audition for Mr Dodd. The five discs in the collection are broken up by theme: Rockers, Soul, DJ's, Roots & Scorcher.
The first, Rockers, is an all around best of, an excellent collection covering rocksteady on up to dancehall. Studio One Soul, as the title implies, consists entirely of soul tracks cut by Studio One. The covers of classic soul songs, recorded in the 60's and 70's, are quite a bit different than the American originals.
Studio One Roots is possibly the best in the series. As we wrote of it when we listed it back in November of 2001: "Not only are there some great tracks on here, but there are plenty of rare cuts as well. And although Dodd may not have been known as much for his roots reggae productions, he certainly has a few in his vault that can stand alongside the best. From the very beginning of this album with the Cyclones & Count Ossie's ball busting instrumental "Meditation" you know you've got a great comp in your hands. Featuring a barking and growling Hammond B3 backed by pounding nyabhinghi drumming and deep bass, it's a shame the cut is only three minutes long. There are plenty of great tracks on here -- both instrumental and vocal -- including crooner Alton Ellis' haunting and bizarre "Blackish White" in which an impassioned Ellis tests the range of his tenor, and Lennie Hibbert's jazz influenced "More Creation" with its dreamy vibraphone solo."
Studio One DJ's is another great collection. Yet again, let's excerpt from our review of May, 2002: "Unlike the common DJ of repute who was content to merely play records, Jamaican DJ's have always been of a mind to persistently interject their own thoughts, off the cuff remarks, vocal sound effects over what they played. Such was the heavy competition between Sound Systems in Jamaica, that merely having the freshest cuts would win an audience. A charismatic master of ceremonies was crucial drawing crowds. Out of this developed the Jamaican DJ: U Roy, I Roy, Big Youth, Dennis Alcapone, Count Machuki, Prince Jazzbo et al. Coxsone Dodd, having already been the owner of one of the biggest sound systems in Jamaica by the end of the 50's, continued in the capacity of producer to become the institution he is today with vaults of the most popularly versioned rhythms in Jamaica. Studio One DJ's takes a look at not only some of the most successful DJ's to work with Coxsone, but also some great obscure one's that you may never have heard. You won't find either U or I Roy on this collection, but that shouldn't dissuade you (we can set you up with great discs of either) as their's no shortage of awesome tracks on here from the sparse interjections of Count Machuki to the non-stop-almost-out-of-breath toasting and cocka-doodle-dooing of Dennis Alcapone, to the ever so gruff and foreboding chanting of Prince Far I, there's an impressive variety of artistry represented here."
Last, but not least, there's the Studio One Scorcher collection of instrumentals which we listed in October of 2002: "Usually, when one thinks of the concept of the instrumental in conjunction with the island of Jamaica, it's dub and the mounds of reverb + delay that accompany it that come to mind. But even before and after King Tubby reigned supreme with his custom modified mixing board and effects, the instrumental for instrumental's sake was already huge on the island including reworkings of classics with solos in place of vocals and entirely new rhythm tracks that -- for lack of any vocal that fit it -- became instrumentals. That the previous four Studio One collections celebrating the career of Coxsone Dodd have been so damn great shouldn't be too surprising considering Dodd's huge contribution to the wealth of music on the island. But taking into account that even the rarest of tracks on these collections are still heads above many of his competitor's greatest productions is a sign that the man had ears nothing short of 24 karat status. So it is with this fifth volume of tracks culled from Studio One's glorious past; from ska to rock-steady and on through reggae. Among the greats here are the Skatalites' rare and treasured "Coconut Rock" from the mid 60's, an amazing disco remix (one of Dodd's earliest) of "Cleopatra" dubbed "Shockers Rock" by Tommy McCook & the Skatalites that extends to almost 8 minutes and stuffed to the gills with organ solos, a laid back and soulfull version of "Walls of Jericho" courtesy of keyboardist Jackie Mittoo & guitarist Ernest Ranglin, a truly bizarre twangy southern soul "Bugaloo" by Jackie Mittoo's Soul Brothers, and a couple of heavy buru drumming backed cuts "Money Generator" and "Black Up" featuring the mellow jazz saxophone of Karl Bryan and his Afrokats with Count Ossie. There's really not a dud on the album, and even if you might be familiar with some of the rhythm tracks, you'll be impressed by these workings of them."
Five great collections at one great price!
RealAudio clip: PENN, DAWN "No, No, No"
RealAudio clip: SENIOR SOUL "Is It Because I'm Black"
RealAudio clip: CYCLONES WITH COUNT OSSIE "Meditation"
RealAudio clip: PRINCE FRANCIS "Rock Fort Shock"
RealAudio clip: SOUL BROTHERS "Bugaloo"

V/A Studio One Rockers (Soul Jazz) cd 21.00
From Soul Jazz, the label that brought us the 100% through 400% Dynamite comps and the Jackie Mittoo "Keyboard King At Studio One" comes this collection of tracks culled from the Studio One archives. Started by Coxsone Dodd in the mid 1950's, Studio One is the single most important record label in Jamaica. From the Skatalites to Bob Marley to Burning Spear -- just about anyone who's anyone in the Jamaican music biz in the day worked with Coxsone Dodd and Studio One. The tracks on this compilation, like Soul Jazz's successful "Dynamite" series, are an excellent mix of classic and obscure cuts from the archives -- ska, rocksteady, reggae and dancehall are all represented here. Most notably exceptional track is Dawn Penn's haunting and devastatingly sad "No, No, No".
RealAudio clip: PENN, DAWN "No, No, No"
RealAudio clip: HIBBERT, LENNIE "Village Soul"
RealAudio clip: MICHIGAN & SMILEY "Eye Of Danger"

V/A Studio One Rockers (Soul Jazz) 2lp 24.00
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
From Soul Jazz, the label that brought us the 100% through 400% Dynamite comps and the Jackie Mittoo "Keyboard King At Studio One" comes this collection of tracks culled from the Studio One archives. Started by Coxsone Dodd in the mid 1950's, Studio One is the single most important record label in Jamaica. From the Skatalites to Bob Marley to Burning Spear -- just about anyone who's anyone in the Jamaican music biz in the day worked with Coxsone Dodd and Studio One. The tracks on this compilation, like Soul Jazz's successful "Dynamite" series, are an excellent mix of classic and obscure cuts from the archives -- ska, rocksteady, reggae and dancehall are all represented here. Most notably exceptional is Dawn Penn's haunting and devestatingly sad "No, No, No".

V/A Studio One Roots (Soul Jazz) cd 21.00
On the heels of their unsuccessful "500% Dynamite" compilation, comes the third installment of Soul Jazz's "Studio One" series of themed anthologies culled from Coxsone Dodd's highly influential studio. As a collection "Studio One Roots" is perhaps the best thing that Soul Jazz has released in a long time. Not only are there some great tracks on here, but there are plenty of rare cuts as well. And although Dodd may not have been known as much for his roots reggae productions, he certainly has a few in his vault that can stand alongside the best. From the very beginning of this album with the Cyclones & Count Ossie's ball busting instrumental "Meditation" you know you've got a great comp in your hands. Featuring a barking and growling Hammond B3 backed by pounding niyabinghi drumming and deep bass, it's a shame the cut is only three minutes long. There are plenty of great tracks on here -- both instrumental and vocal -- including crooner Alton Ellis' haunting and bizarre "Blackish White" in which an impassioned Ellis tests the range of his tenor, and Lennie Hibbert's jazz influenced "More Creation" with its dreamy vibraphone solo. I guess we can view this collection as an apology for "500% Dynamite" and once again anticipate more fine collections from Soul Jazz. Highly recommended!
RealAudio clip: CYCLONES WITH COUNT OSSIE "Meditation"
RealAudio clip: MCGREGOR, FREDDIE "Africa Here I Come"
RealAudio clip: HIBBERT, LENNIE "More Creation"
RealAudio clip: SIMMS, ZOOT "African Challenge"

V/A Studio One Roots (Soul Jazz) 2lp 24.00
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
On the heels of their unsuccessful "500% Dynamite" compilation, comes the third installment of Soul Jazz's "Studio One" series of themed anthologies culled from Coxsone Dodd's highly influential studio. As a collection "Studio One Roots" is perhaps the best thing that Soul Jazz has released in a long time. Not only are there some great tracks on here, but there are plenty of rare cuts as well. And although Dodd may not have been known as much for his roots reggae productions, he certainly has a few in his vault that can stand alongside the best. From the very beginning of this album with the Cyclones & Count Ossie's ball busting instrumental "Meditation" you know you've got a great comp in your hands. Featuring a barking and growling Hammond B3 backed by pounding niyabinghi drumming and deep bass, it's a shame the cut is only three minutes long. There are plenty of great tracks on here -- both instrumental and vocal -- including crooner Alton Ellis' haunting and bizarre "Blackish White" in which an impassioned Ellis tests the range of his tenor, and Lennie Hibbert's jazz influenced "More Creation" with its dreamy vibraphone solo. I guess we can view this collection as an apology for "500% Dynamite" and once again anticipate more fine collections from Soul Jazz. Highly recommended!

V/A Studio One Roots 2 (Soul Jazz) cd 21.00
Fanciers of vintage reggae and dub can't go too wrong with a Studio One comp. The late Coxsone Dodd's label recorded the best of 'em, so it hasn't been hard for Soul Jazz to come up with some pretty excellent comps of stuff culled from the Studio One vaults. And the original Studio One Roots collection they put out was itself indeed pretty fine. So Roots 2 seems like it would have to be good, and it is! The 19 tracks (seven of them previously unreleased!) include cuts from such artists as Cedric Brooks, Tommy McCook, Joe Higgs & Ken Boothe, Zion All Stars, Zoot Sims, Willie Williams, Jackie Bernard, Prince Francis, Devon Russell, Winston Matthews, Joseph Hill, The Saints, Larry Marshall, The Gladiators, Al Campbell, and several others. Lots of soulful, laidback, positive rasta vibes here! The most downtempo and moodiest are our faves, especially the reggae-jazz instrumentals from Brooks and McCook. But there's some gorgeous vocal tracks on here as well, such Winston Matthew's take on Bob Marley's "Sun Is Shining".
MPEG Stream: JOE HIGGS & KEN BOOTHE "Message Of Old"
MPEG Stream: THE SAINTS "Sleeping Trees"

V/A Studio One Roots 2 (Soul Jazz) 2lp 24.00
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
Fanciers of vintage reggae and dub can't go too wrong with a Studio One comp. The late Coxsone Dodd's label recorded the best of 'em, so it hasn't been hard for Soul Jazz to come up with some pretty excellent comps of stuff culled from the Studio One vaults. And the original Studio One Roots collection they put out was itself indeed pretty fine. So Roots 2 seems like it would have to be good, and it is! The 19 tracks (seven of them previously unreleased!) include cuts from such artists as Cedric Brooks, Tommy McCook, Joe Higgs & Ken Boothe, Zion All Stars, Zoot Sims, Willie Williams, Jackie Bernard, Prince Francis, Devon Russell, Winston Matthews, Joseph Hill, The Saints, Larry Marshall, The Gladiators, Al Campbell, and several others. Lots of soulful, laidback, positive rasta vibes here! The most downtempo and moodiest are our faves, especially the reggae-jazz instrumentals from Brooks and McCook. But there's some gorgeous vocal tracks on here as well, such Winston Matthew's take on Bob Marley's "Sun Is Shining".
MPEG Stream: JOE HIGGS & KEN BOOTHE "Message Of Old"
MPEG Stream: THE SAINTS "Sleeping Trees"

V/A Studio One Roots Vol. 3 (Soul Jazz) cd 21.00
There are not many things in this world you can count on, so it's so damn comforting to know that every time Soul Jazz puts together a compilation from the vaults of Studio One the results are going to be golden! Volume 3 in the Studio One Roots series has been blazing us with its warmth. Wow, did they know how to capture raw and soul melting melodies inside Clement Dodd's studio. What's also so telling about this and all of the Studio One compilations is how strong quality control was inside Dodd's studio. There just doesn't seem to be any duds or lackluster performances. Anyone with an affinity for roots reggae will find much to love on this collection but we also really think people who have never thought of themselves as big reggae-heads should check this out as it really is the cream of the crop, and what often gets overlooked in this heyday of Studio One recordings is how great the songwriting is. The duel influence of American doo-wop and soul with the African tradition of Burru rhythms made for a sound oozing with conviction and sensuality. Another stellar collection from the goldmine of Studio One.
MPEG Stream: JENNIFER LARA "A Change Is Gonna Come"
MPEG Stream: WINSTON FLAMES "In A Armagideon"
MPEG Stream: THE DYNAMITE FOUR "Let's Make Love"

V/A Studio One Roots Vol. 3 (Soul Jazz) 2lp 24.00
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
There are not many things in this world you can count on, so it's so damn comforting to know that every time Soul Jazz puts together a compilation from the vaults of Studio One the results are going to be golden! Volume 3 in the Studio One Roots series has been blazing us with its warmth. Wow, did they know how to capture raw and soul melting melodies inside Clement Dodd's studio. What's also so telling about this and all of the Studio One compilations is how strong quality control was inside Dodd's studio. There just doesn't seem to be any duds or lackluster performances. Anyone with an affinity for roots reggae will find much to love on this collection but we also really think people who have never thought of themselves as big reggae-heads should check this out as it really is the cream of the crop, and what often gets overlooked in this heyday of Studio One recordings is how great the songwriting is. The duel influence of American doo-wop and soul with the African tradition of Burru rhythms made for a sound oozing with conviction and sensuality. Another stellar collection from the goldmine of Studio One.
MPEG Stream: JENNIFER LARA "A Change Is Gonna Come"
MPEG Stream: WINSTON FLAMES "In A Armagideon"
MPEG Stream: THE DYNAMITE FOUR "Let's Make Love"

V/A Studio One Rub-A-Dub (Soul Jazz) cd 21.00
Every time we get a new Soul Jazz collection from the Studio One vaults we keep thinking ok this one is finally gonna be a dud, but that never seems to happen! This time out it's classic '70s era Studio-One with a grip of rare tracks from the likes of Willie Williams, Cornell Campbell, The Ethiopian, Horace Andy, Jennifer Lara, and a whole lot more. Liner notes by music historian Chris Salewicz do a really nice job giving the music a context in the political and musical climate of Jamaica during the '70s. Yet more rock solid proof documenting just how rich and deep those Studio One vaults really are.
MPEG Stream: LEN ALLEN JUNIOR "White Belly Rat"
MPEG Stream: WILLIE WILLIAMS "Keep On Moving"
MPEG Stream: JUDAH ESKENDER TAFARI "Danger In Your Eyes"