Led by the dynamic Frederick ‘Toots’ Hibbert, the Maytals are rightly regarded as one of the greatest singing trios in the history of Jamaican music. During an incredible recording career that spanned six decades, the group scored hit after hit on the island’s music charts, with their inimitable, unique blend of fervent gospel and downhome country seemingly impervious to changes in styles and fashion.

The best of their work, however, is widely regarded to be their rock steady and early reggae recordings for Leslie Kong’s revered Beverley’s Records during the late Sixties and early Seventies; a period that spawned groundbreaking work such as ’54 46’, ‘Monkey Man’ and ‘Do the Reggay’, to name but a few.

The Essential Artist Collection brings together the very best of their output from this period, including the above tracks, along with numerous other classics, such as ‘Sweet And Dandy’, ‘Pressure Drop’ and ‘Night And Day’.

Available as a 28 track double vinyl LP and a comprehensive 2CD compilation, both collections superbly demonstrate just why the unforgettable music of the Maytals will continued to be loved and revered for many years to come.

TRACK LISTING

LP1 SIDE 1
54-46 Was My Number
Night And Day
One Eye Enos
Bim Today – Bam Tomorrow
She’s My Scorcher
Peeping Tom (2nd Version)
Struggle
LP1 SIDE 2
Monkey Man
Never You Change
Don’t Trouble Trouble
School Days
Johnny Cool Man
Reborn
Pressure Drop

LP2 SIDE 1
Sweet And Dandy
Walk With Love
Water Melon
African Doctor (aka Doctor Lester)
It Must Be True Love
Scare Him
We Shall Overcome
LP2 SIDE 2
Do The Reggay
It’s You (Reggae Version)
Just Tell Me
Alidina
Monkey Girl
Oh Yea
Pressure Drop

Track List CD:
CD 1
54-46 Was My Number
Night And Day
One Eye Enos
Bim Today - Bam Tomorrow
She’s My Scorcher
Peeping Tom
Struggle
Bla Bla Bla
Hold On
Feel So Good
Gold And Silver
Pee Pee Cluck Cluck
Gonna Need Somebody
Give Peace A Chance
Got To Feel It
Do The Boogaloo
Funky Funky
Loving Spirit
Monkey Man
Never You Change
Don't Trouble Trouble
Schooldays
Johnny Cool Man
Reborn
Pressure Drop

CD 2
Sweet And Dandy
Walk With Love
Water Melon
African Doctor (AKA Doctor Lester)
It Must Be True Love
Scare Him
We Shall Overcome
Sun, Moon And Star
I Feel Alright
Revival Reggae
Know Me Good
I Alone (Toots Solo)
Koo Koo
Desmond Dekker Came First
A Time To Love
Israel
Nine O’Clock
Monkey Man (alternate Version)
Do The Reggay
It's You (Reggae Version)
Just Tell Me
Alidina
Monkey Girl
Oh Yea
54-46 That's My Number

During the early 1960’s, the sound of ska exploded upon Jamaica’s musical landscape, with the driving dynamic sound championed by arguably the greatest ensemble of musicians ever to have performed and recorded on the island.

Fronted by legendary saxophonist Tommy McCook, the Skatalites also comprised a veritable who’s who of Kingston-based performers, their number including trombonist Don Drummond, tenor saxman Roland Alphonso, drumming supremo Lloyd Knibb and keyboard prodigy Jackie Mittoo.

Following their creation in the summer of ’64, this powerhouse instrumental combo dominated the island’s music industry for 18 glorious months, the very best of their work produced by famed Treasure Isle Records boss, Arthur ‘Duke’ Reid.

The best of their output for the celebrated producer is showcased on the ‘Essential Artist Collection’, which sees issue on both as a 2LP vinyl set and a double CD collection, both of which provide the best introduction yet to the music of the incredible, multi-talented and hugely influential Skatalites.

TRACK LISTING

LP1 SIDE 1
(Music Is) My Occupation (Ring Of Fire) - Don Drummond, Tommy McCook & The Skatalites
Alley Cat Ska – Tommy McCook & The Baba Brooks Band
Cool Smoke – Don Drummond & The Skatalites
Garden Of Love – Don Drummond & The Skatalites
Twelve Minutes To Go – Tommy McCook
Girls Town Ska – The Baba Brooks Band
Vitamin A – The Baba Brooks Band
LP1 SIDE 2
Latin Goes Ska – Lester Sterling & The Skatalites
Alipang – Roland Alphonso, Don Drummond & The Skatalites
Lucky Seven – Don Drummond & The Tommy McCook Band
Musical Store Room – Frank Anderson & Roland Alphonso
Musical Communion – The Baba Brooks Orchestra
Sandy Gully – Roland Alphonso & The Skatalites
Doctor Dekker – Don Drummond & The Baba Brooks Band

LP2 SIDE 1
Nuclear Weapon – Roland Alphonso & The Baba Brooks Band
Corner Stone – Roland Alphonso & The Skatalites
Knockout Punch (aka Cotton Tree) – Baba Brooks & Don Drummond
Don De Lion – Don Drummond & The Skatalites
Rocket Ship – Tommy McCook & The Skatalites
Feeling Fine – Roland Alphonso & The Skatalites
Mesopotamia – Don Drummond & The Skatalites
LP2 SIDE 2
Eastern Standard Time – Don Drummond & The Skatalites
Thoroughfare (Treasure Isle) – Don Drummond & The Skatalites
Silver Dollar – Don Drummond & Roland Alphonso
Street Corner – The Skatalites
University Goes Ska – Don Drummond
Good News – The Skatalites
J.F.K’S Memory – Don Drummond & Tommy McCook

CD 1
Music Is) My Occupation (Ring Of Fire) Don Drummond, Tommy McCook & The Skatalites
Alley Cat Ska – Tommy McCook & The Baba Brooks Band
Cool Smoke – Don Drummond & The Skatalites
Garden Of Love - Don Drummond & The Skatalites
Twelve Minutes To Go – Tommy McCook
Girls Town Ska – The Baba Brooks Band
Stampede – Don Drummond, Baba Brooks & The Skatalites
Vitamin A – The Baba Brooks Band
Teenage Ska – The Baba Brooks Band
Melody Jamboree – Don Drummond & Baba Brooks
Boat Ride – Baba Brooks & The Skatalites
Around The World – Don Drummond & The Skatalites
Watermelon Man – The Baba Brooks Orchestra
River Bank, Pt.1 (Bank To Bank) – Baba Brooks & His Band
Guns Fever – Baba Brooks & His Band
Ska Virginia (Virginia Ska) – The Baba Brooks Band
Duck Soup – Cuttings With Baba Brooks & His Band
Donkey City, Pt.1 – The Baba Brooks Band
Latin Goes Ska – Lester Sterling & The Skatalites
Alipang – Roland Alphonso, Don Drummond & The Skatalites
Lucky Seven – Don Drummond & The Tommy McCook Band
Musical Store Room – Frank Anderson & Roland Alphonso
Musical Communion – The Baba Brooks Orchestra
Sandy Gully – Roland Alphonso & The Skatalites
Doctor Dekker – Don Drummond & The Baba Brooks Band

CD 2
Nuclear Weapon – Roland Alphonso & The Baba Brooks Band
Corner Stone (A Trip To Mars) – Roland Alphonso & The Skatalites
Knockout Punch (Cotton Tree) – Baba Brooks & Don Drummond
Don De Lion – Don Drummond & The Skatalites
Rocket Ship – Tommy McCook & The Skatalites
Feeling Fine – Roland Alphonso & The Skatalites
Mesopotamia – Don Drummond & The Skatalites
Donkey City, Pt.2 – The Baba Brooks Band
Independence Ska (El Pussycat) – Lyn Taitt & The Baba Brooks Band
The Rude Boy – Roland Alphonso & Duke Reid’s Group
Jelly Bean – The Baba Brooks Band
Skalarama (The Magnificent Seven Theme) – Lyn Taitt & The Comets
River Bank, Pt.2 – Baba Brooks & His Band
Country Town – Baba Brooks
One Eyed Giant – Baba Brooks & His Band
Twilight Zone (Instrumental) – The Baba Brooks Band
Catch A Fire – Baba Brooks & His Band
Spider – Don Drummond
Eastern Standard Time – Don Drummond & The Skatalites
Thoroughfare (Treasure Isle) – Don Drummond & The Skatalites
Silver Dollar – Don Drummond, Roland Alphonso & The Skatalites
Street Corner – The Skatalites
University Goes Ska – Don Drummond
J.F.K.’s Memory – Don Drummond & Tommy McCook
Good News – The Skatalites

Arguably the greatest Jamaican record producer of all time, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry was instrumental in transforming the island’s national sound throughout the Sixties and Seventies, with his unique approach to music making pushing the music beyond previously perceived boundaries.

To mark the first anniversary of his passing, the very best of his work is showcased across a number of products, all of which effectively demonstrate why Perry was widely venerated figure for so long..

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Where to begin? If you need educating on one of the most important, revolutionary and innovative artists ever to have walked the Earth, then this is a great place to start. Credited as the forefather of dub - Perry's influence stretches far wider than Jamaica with much of dance music's techniques and technologies emerging and evolving from this maverick sound sorcerer.

TRACK LISTING

Box Set Track List
LP1, Side 1
1. People Funny Boy - Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry
2. Tighten Up - The Inspirations
3. Return Of Django - The Upsetters
4. Shocks Of Mighty – Dave Barker & The Upsetters
5. Place Called Africa Aka A Place Called Africa - Junior Byles
6. All Africans Aka Don’t Cross The Nation (7” Mix) – Little Roy
7. Beat Down Babylon - Junior Byles
LP1, Side 2
1. Words Of My Mouth - The Gatherers
2. Hot Tip - Prince Django
3. Jungle Lion (7” Mix) – Lee Perry & The Upsetters
4. Curly Locks - Junior Byles
5. Hurt So Good (7” Mix) - Susan Cadogan
6. Bushweed Corntrash –Bunny & Ricky
LP2, Side 1
1. Three Blind Mice – Max Romeo
2. Three Times Three - King Tubby & The Upsetters
3. Sufferers Time – The Heptones
4. Sufferers Heights – Junior Dread
5. Roast Fish And Corn Bread (Jamaican Mix) – Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry
6. Sipple Out Deh Aka War In A Babylon (Jamaican Mix) – Max Romeo
LP2, Side 2
1. One Step Forward (12" Mix) – Max Romeo & Prince Jazzbo
2. Rise And Shine —Watty & Tony
3. Police And Thieves (12” Mix) – Junior Murvin & Jah Lion
LP3, Side 1
1. Ethiopia Land – Peter & Paul Lewis
2. Chase The Devil / Disco Devil – Max Romeo & Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry With The Full Experience
3. City Too Hot (7” Mix)- Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry
4. Vibrate Onn (12” Mix) – Augustus Pablo
LP3, Side 2. Side 2
1. Rainy Night In Portland (12" Mx) - Watty Burnett
2. Garden Of Life – Leroy Sibbles
3. Sons Of Slaves (12” Mix) – Junior Delgado
LP4, Side 1
1. Roots Train (7” Mix) - Junior Murvin
2. History (7” Mix) - Carlton Jackson
3. Neckodememus Aka Nicodemus (7” Mix) – The Congos
4. Soul Fire (Jamaican Mix) – Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry
LP4, Side 2
1. One Drop – Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry
2. I Am A Madman (LP Mix) – Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry
3. Exodus (12” Mix) – Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry
4. Jamaican E.T. (7” Mix) – Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry
CD1. THE EARLY YEARS, 1968 - 1973
1. None Such Busted Me Bet (aka Sufferation – The Mellotones
2. A Place In The Sun – David Isaacs
3. Stanger On The Shore— Val Bennett & The Upsetters
4. Dollar In The Teeth - The Upsetters
5. Check Him Out – The Bleechers
6. Live Injection – The Upsetters
7. Prisoner Of Love – Dave Barker & The Upsetters
8. Clint Eastwood (7” Mix) – The Upsetters
9. Babyloose Burning Aka Babylon’s Burning – Maxie, Niney & Scratch
10. Give Me Power – The Stingers
11. This World - Milton Henry As King Medious
12. Lick The Pipe Peter Part 4 - Jah T
13. French Connection - Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry & The Upsetters
14. Da Da - Junior Byles
15. Rasta Bandwagon - Max Romeo
16. Blackman Time - Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry
17. Bucky Skank – Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry & The Upsetters
18. Cow Thief Skank – Charlie Ace & Lee Perry
19. Black IPA Aka Green Island - Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry & The Upsetters
20. Dub Organizer – Dillinger & The Upsetters
21. News Flash - Leo Graham
22. Better Days – Carlton & The Shoes
23. Sick And Tired – Neville Grant
24. Rasta No Pickpocket
25. Black Candle - Leo Graham
CD2. BLACK ARK ADVENTURES PART 1 (1974 - 1976)
1. Doctor Demand – Leo Graham & Prince Jazzbo
2. Stay Dread – Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry
3. Herb Vendor – Leroy ’Horsemouth’ Wallace
4. Lady Lady – Cynty & The Monkees
5. Enter The Dragon (7” Mix) – Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry & The Upsetters
6. Public Jestering – Judge Winchester
7. Cane River Rock – Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry & The Upsetters
8. Do It Baby (aka Nice And Easy) (7” Mix) – Susan Cadogan
9. The Long Way (7” Mix) – Junior Byles
10. Many Are Called Aka Yagga Yagga – The Unforgettables
11. Be Thankful (For What You’ve Got) – Bunny Scott
12. I Man Free – Watty Burnett
13. I Man Stand Still - Jimmy Riley
14. To Love Somebody – Bunny Scott
15. Sons Of Negus - Jimmy Riley
16. Down Here In Babylon – Brent Dowe
17. Big May – Bunny Scott
18. Babylon Deh Pon Fire –Truth, Fact & Correct
19. Natty Pass Through Rome - Prince Jazzbo
20. Back Wey – Fay Bennett
21. Fever / Influenza Version– Susan Cadogan & The Upsetters
22. White Belly Rat – Lee Perry
23. Fire Fe The Vatican – Max Romeo
24. Stop The War In A Babylon –James Boom
CD3. BLACK ARK ADVENTURES PART 2 (1976 - 1977)
1. I Shall Be Released – The Heptones & Jah Lion
2. A Wah Dat – Junior Dread
3. Take Warning - Ralph Haughton & Ebony Sisters
4. Four And Twenty Dreadlocks (7” Mix) - Evan Jones
5. Groovy Situation () – Keith Rowe
6. I Forgot To Be Your Lover (7” Mix) – George Faith
7. Voodooism – Leo Graham
8. At The Feast (Of The Passover) —The Congos
9. Wolf Out Deh – Shaumark & Robinson
10. Reggae Music - Hugo Blackwood & Alimantado
11. Open The Gate (7” Mix) – Watty Burnett
12. Vampire (7” Mix) – Devon Irons & Alimantado
13. Rasta Train - Raphael Green & Alimantado

CD4. BLACK ARK & BEYOND (1977 - 2002)

1. Bad Weed (12” Mix) - Junior Murvin

2. Bionic Rats (12” Mix) – Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry

3. Know Love (12” Mix) - Twin Roots

4. Forward With The Orthodox - Mistic I

5. Big Neck Police - Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry

6. Green Bay Inquest - Lord Sassafrass & Debra Keese

7. Free Up The Prisoners (7” Mix) - Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry

8. Home Guard - Michael Campbell (aka Mikey Dread)

9. Cross Over (7” Mix) - Junior Murvin +

10. Bafflin' Smoke Signal (7” Mix) - Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry

11. Introducing Myself - Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry

12. For Whom The Bell Tolls (7” Mix) - Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry

13. I’ll Take You There (7” Mix) - Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry

2CD Track List
CD 1: THE EARLY YEARS, 1968 - 1976
1. People Funny Boy - Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry
2. Tighten Up - The Inspirations
3. Return Of Django - The Upsetters
4. Shocks Of Mighty – Dave Barker
5. Place Called Africa – Junior Byles
6. All Africans (7” Mix) – Little Roy +
7. Beat Down Babylon - Junior Byles
8. Words Of My Mouth - The Gatherers
9. Bucky Skank – Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry & The Upsetters
10. Jungle Lion (7” Mix) – Lee Perry & The Upsetters
11. Hurt So Good (7” Mix) - Susan Cadogan
12. Curly Locks - Junior Byles
13. Three Blind Mice – Max Romeo
14. Three Times Three - King Tubby & The Upsetters
15. Sipple Out Deh (Ja. Mix) – Max Romeo
16. Roast Fish And Corn Bread (Ja. Mix) – Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry
CD 2: THE EARLY YEARS, 1976 & BEYOND
1. One Step Forward (Jamaican Mix) – Max Romeo
2. Ital Corner - Prince Jazzbo
3. Police And Thieves (12” Mix) – Junior Murvin & Jah Lion *
4. Chase The Devil / Disco Devil – Max Romeo & Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry With The Full Experience *
5. Vibrate Onn – Augustus Pablo
6. Natty Pass Through Rome - Prince Jazzbo
7. Fire Fe The Vatican (7” Mix) – Max Romeo
8. Roots Train (7” Mix) - Junior Murvin +
9. Open The Gate – Watty Burnett +
10. Soul Fire (Jamaican Mix) – Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry
11. Neckodememus (7” Mix) – The Congos
12. Sons Of Slaves (7” Mix) – Junior Delgado +
13. Bafflin' Smoke Signal (7” Mix) - Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry *
14. Stay Dread – Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry
15. One Drop – Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry
16. I Am A Madman – Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry
17. Exodus (7” Mix) – Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry +
18. Jamaican E.T. (7” Mix) – Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry +

2LP Tracklist
LP 1
Side 1:
1. People Funny Boy - Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry
2. Tighten Up - The Inspirations
3. Return Of Django - The Upsetters
4. Shocks Of Mighty – Dave Barker
5. Place Called Africa – Junior Byles
6. All Africans (7” Mix) – Little Roy +
7. Beat Down Babylon - Junior Byles
Side 2:
1. Words Of My Mouth - The Gatherers
2. Hot Tip - Prince Django
3. Jungle Lion (7” Mix) – Lee Perry & The Upsetters
4. Curly Locks - Junior Byles
5. Hurt So Good (7” Mix) - Susan Cadogan
6. Stay Dread – Lee “Scratch” Perry
7. Sipple Out Deh – Max Romeo
LP2
Side 1:
1. One Step Forward (Jamaican Mix) – Max Romeo
2. Police And Thieves (12” Mix) – Junior Murvin & Jah Lion *
3. Sons Of Slaves – Junior Delgado
Side 2:
1. Chase The Devil / Disco Devil – Max Romeo & Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry With The Full Experience *
2. Soul Fire (Jamaican Mix) – Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry
3. I Am Madman – Lee “Scratch” Perry
4. Exodus - Lee “Scratch” Perry
5. Jamaican ET - Lee “Scratch” Perry

* Previously Unreleased
+ Previously Unreleased Digitally

Since making his recording debut in the early Seventies with legendary British reggae band, Matumbi, Dennis 'Blackbeard' Bovell has repeatedly demonstrated his supreme talent and versatility in a variety of music fields. And yet enormity of his impact upon the UK's music scene over the past five decades has remained largely overlooked.

The DuBMASTER - The Essential Anthology' sets to finally address this injustice by presenting the first serious retrospective of Dennis's output as both a performer and producer.

Charting his career from the Seventies up to the present day, this handsomely packaged double vinyl gatefolded album presents 24 of his most celebrated reggae works - including Janet Kay's seminal lovers rock classic, "Silly Games" - as well as rarities and previously unissued treasures from the vaults.

Compiled by the artist himself, the collection is further enhanced by Dennis's fascinating account of his life in the music business over the past half century, with his words enriched by rare photos.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Much needed anthology of this oft-overlooked, multi-talented national treasure. Quietly responsible for so much magic across UK reggae, lover’s rock, street soul, post-punk and even pop. Focussing on his reggae-based work with vocalists from Janet Kay to Delroy Wilson; it also contains photos and hand-written tales from this fascinatingly enigmatic character.

TRACK LISTING

Vinyl:
LP 1.
Side One
1. Raindrops - Dennis Bovell & The Dub Band
2. Za-Ion – Dennis Bovell & The 4th Street Orchestra
3. Blood Ah Go Run – Dennis Bovell As Dennis Matumbi
4. Choose Me – Dennis Bovell As African Stone
5. Row, Row, Row – Dennis Bovell & The 4th St Orchestra
6. Brain Damage - Dennis Bovell
Side Two
1. Chief Inspector - Dennis Bovell & The Dub Band
2. Dub Master - Dennis Bovell & The Dub Band
3. Silly Dub - Dennis Bovell
4. Oh Mama Oh Papa - Dennis Bovell
5. Pickin’ Up The Pieces - Dennis Bovell & The Dub Band
6. Caught You In A Lie - Dennis Bovell

LP 2
Side One
1. Silly Games - Janet Kay
2. A Little Way Different - Errol Dunkley
3. Differentah – Julio ‘Dreadful’ Finn
4. Get Up Stand Up - I Roy
5. Our Tune – Marie Pierre
6. Tom Hark - Captain Morgan & His Merry Men
Side Two
1. African Queen - Errol Campbell
2. Africa Is Our Land - Joshua Moses
3. Take Five - The Young Lions
4. Hooked On You - Delroy Wilson
5. Guide Us, Jah - Johnny Clarke
6. Can't Go Through (With Life) (Dancehall Version) - Marie Pierre

CD1 (The Master):
1. Run Rasta Run - Dennis Bovell As African Stone*
2. Za-Ion - Dennis Bovell & The 4th Street Orchestra
3. Half Way To Za-Ion (Za-lon Dub) - Dennis Bovell & The 4th Street Orchestra
4. Come With Me - Dennis Bovell As Dennis Curtis*
5. Run Dem Out - Dennis Bovell & The 4th Street Orchestra
6. Raindrops - Dennis Bovell & The Dub Band
7. Eye Water (Raindrops Dub) - Dennis Bovell
8. Blood Ah Go Run / Blood Dem (12" Mix) - Dennis Bovell As Dennis Matumbi*
9. The Grunwick Affair - Dennis Bovell & The 4th Street Orchestra
10. Choose Me (12" Mix) - Dennis Bovell As African Stone*
11. Row, Row, Row Aka Rowing Down The River (12" Mix) - Dennis Bovell & The 4th Street Orchestra
12. Brain Damage - Dennis Bovell
13. Chief Inspector - Dennis Bovell & The Dub Band
14. Dub Master - Dennis Bovell & The Dub Band
15. Pow Wow - Dennis Bovell & The Dub Band
16. Silly Dub - Dennis Bovell*
17. Oh Mama Oh Papa - Dennis Bovell
18. Pickin' Up The Pieces - Dennis Bovell & The Dub Band
19. Caught You In A Lie - Dennis Bovell*
20. After Tonight (acoustic Version) - Dennis Bovell

CD2 (The Artists):
1. Silly Games - Janet Kay
2. A Little Way Different / Differentah (12" Mix) - Errol Dunkley Featuring Julio ‘Dreadful’ Finn*
3. Jah Man - Errol Campbell*
4. Jah Man Dub - Errol Campbell*
5. Cry – Angelique*
6. Heights - Good Breed*
7. Get Up Stand Up - I Roy*
8. Our Tune - Marie Pierre*
9. Tom Hark (7" Mix) - Captain Morgan & His Merry Men
10. Positive Vibrations - Pebbles
11. African Queen - Errol Campbell*
12. Africa (Is Our Land) - Joshua Moses*
13. Take Five - The Young Lions*
14. Portrait Of You - Gladwin Wright*
15. Hooked On You - Delroy Wilson*
16. Guide Us, Jah (12" Mix) - Johnny Clarke*
17. Nasty - Julio ‘Dreadful’ Finn*
18. Can't Go Through (With Life) (dancehall Version) - Marie Pierre*

In the late spring of 1968, after years spent making his mark within the Jamaican music industry as an artist and jobbing producer, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry unveiled his own Upsetter Records label.

Over the months that immediately followed, his exceptional talent was repeatedly reinforced with the release a series of popular 7” singles, the most successful was his ground-breaking hit, ‘People Funny Boy’.

By the summer of ’68, the recently launched Trojan Records had acquired exclusive rights to Perry’s productions, issuing the best of his work on the company’s flagship label, prior to creating a British version of his Upsetter imprint, early the following year.

This deluxe 7” box set collection gathers faithful reproductions of the first ten 45s that showcased his work in the UK, each pressed on high quality vinyl and presented in specially created card sleeves.

Also featured within this stylishly designed collection is a fold-out poster-sized insert, featuring a detailed essay on Perry by the producer’s official biographer, David Katz.

TRACK LISTING

SINGLE 1:
Spanish Harlem - Val Bennett
Tighten Up – The Inspirations

SINGLE 2:
Uncle Charley - Mellotones
What A Botheration - Mellotones

SINGLE 3:
None Such (Busted Me Bet) - The Mellotones
Popeye Stranger On The Shore - Val Bennett

SINGLE 4:
Place In The Sun - David Isaacs
Handy-Cap - Upsetter All Stars

SINGLE 5:
Sentence - Danny And Lee
You Crummy - Lee Perry

SINGLE 6:
Honey Love - Bert Walters
Evol Yenoh - Bert Walters

SINGLE 7:
Baby Baby - Val Bennett
Barbara - Val Bennett

SINGLE 8:
Uncle Desmond – Lee Perry
Bronco – Lee Perry

SINGLE 9:
People Funny Boy - Lee (King) Perry
Blowing In The Wind - Burt Walters

SINGLE 10:
What A Botheration - Lee Perry
Stand By Me – Upsetters

Primarily focusing upon afro-Caribbean themes, notably the Rastafarian faith and the plight of Jamaica’s underprivileged, roots reggae dominated Jamaica’s national landscape throughout the mid-to-late 1970s, making major stars of such talents as Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown and Johnny Clarke.

The latest release in the newly launched ‘This Is Trojan’ series, this collection showcases 40 of the most popular and significant Jamaican hits of the roots era, performed by many of the biggest names in reggae music. 

In the mid-1970s, many UK-based reggae fans found musical fulfillment in the first home-produced style to be successfully exported to Jamaica: Lovers Rock. This romantic style continued to dominate the UK scene well into the eighties and beyond, with both British and Jamaican acts enjoying considerable success on the reggae and mainstream pop charts. Featured here are 10 of the best-loved Lovers Rock tracks ever released, performed by some of its greatest exponents, with many of these recordings appearing on vinyl for the first time since their original release.

TRACK LISTING

John Holt - You Will Never Find Another Love Like Mine
Janet Jay - Lovin' You
The J Sisters - I Can't Give You Anything (But My Love)
Elizabeth Archer & THe Equators - Feel Like Makin' Love
Sonya Spence - Where Is The Love
Marcia Aitken - I'm Still In Love With You
Candy McKenzie - Tell Me A Lie
Ruddy Thomas & Trinity - Loving Pauper
Louisa Mark - Keep It Like It Is
Marie Pierre - Walk Away

The late great King Tubby with 28 tracks produced by Bunny Lee from the golden age of dub reggae. Trojan Records usual high standard of sleevenotes and sparkling remastered sound mixed by the Dub Master. Essential classic dub.