http://youtu.be/dqqEAH04qjg
File this one under "exciting finds". King Stitt doing his thing. From the narration all we gathered was "King of the DJs" and "King Stitt" so at least we know they got it right. The man left an indelible impression on the Jamaican music industry and was one of the finest at his craft, so it's a special treat to get to see him actually perform at the peak of his powers. Enjoy.
Showing posts with label early reggae. Show all posts
Showing posts with label early reggae. Show all posts
Tuesday, 5 November 2013
Sunday, 13 October 2013
Another "I Am The Gorgon" Teaser
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kmNYtFfHLQ&feature=youtube_gdata
What a nice little Sunday treat we have here, a new clip running just under 3 minutes from the Bunny Lee documentary. This one outlines a bit of the rivalry between Striker and Clement "Coxsone" Dodd. Early reviews thus far have been very positive, meaning we're hoping the film gets a more widespread release in the near future or a DVD release sooner rather than later. You can never get enough Bunny Lee.
What a nice little Sunday treat we have here, a new clip running just under 3 minutes from the Bunny Lee documentary. This one outlines a bit of the rivalry between Striker and Clement "Coxsone" Dodd. Early reviews thus far have been very positive, meaning we're hoping the film gets a more widespread release in the near future or a DVD release sooner rather than later. You can never get enough Bunny Lee.
Wednesday, 12 June 2013
Jandisc Makes A Splash
http://youtu.be/DNpTqWOJ54o
California based label, Jandisc, has recently put out what may be the finest slab of reggae vinyl in quite sometime. The label, originally started in 2007, boasts an extremely talented house band in The Black Emeralds and on the A side of this one they have Dennis "Scorcher" Williams doing one of the best intros this side of the sorely missed King Stitt.
California based label, Jandisc, has recently put out what may be the finest slab of reggae vinyl in quite sometime. The label, originally started in 2007, boasts an extremely talented house band in The Black Emeralds and on the A side of this one they have Dennis "Scorcher" Williams doing one of the best intros this side of the sorely missed King Stitt.
Saturday, 29 December 2012
First Cut: Song Bird
[youtube=http://youtu.be/q-rAWtnu098]
We figured with the tragic passing of a Jamaican music legend, Lloyd Charmers, this week it was only right that our First Cut this week honored the man. Although Derrick Harriot would later go on to produce many of the most famous hits on the Song Bird label, it was Mr. Charmers that kicked it off right. A bit of a different take on the typical skinhead reggae track thanks to the addition of the steel pans, this one is a real smooth cut. The sort of thing Charmers was famous for. His loss is yet another massive one for the Jamaican music industry, one of it's most prolific producers and performers in it's early days. But his music will forever live on in sounds like this. A proper first cut if there ever was one.
We figured with the tragic passing of a Jamaican music legend, Lloyd Charmers, this week it was only right that our First Cut this week honored the man. Although Derrick Harriot would later go on to produce many of the most famous hits on the Song Bird label, it was Mr. Charmers that kicked it off right. A bit of a different take on the typical skinhead reggae track thanks to the addition of the steel pans, this one is a real smooth cut. The sort of thing Charmers was famous for. His loss is yet another massive one for the Jamaican music industry, one of it's most prolific producers and performers in it's early days. But his music will forever live on in sounds like this. A proper first cut if there ever was one.
Sunday, 23 December 2012
First Cut: Blue Cat
[youtube=http://youtu.be/jci-E-W9Sz4]
"Are you ready to rocksteady?" is the line that kick off this double sided slab of gold. The Pioneers, whether working with Leslie Kong or Joe Gibbs, were almost surefire hit makers from 1968 to 1970. On this Blue Cat outing it was Gibbs behind the controls once again and that means it is real hard to decide which is the better tune. "Shake It Up" is a lovely piece of late rocksteady magic while "Goodies Are The Greatest" is yet another one of those killer tracks taking on the topic of the rude boy phenomenon. It's a fitting start to the label, with many of the biggest tunes in its early days being Joe Gibbs productions. Oddly enough, for a Trojan imprint, it would also go on to feature some absolute stormers from Coxsone Dodd. Other producers popping up include Bunny Lee, Charles Ross and Enos McLeod amongst others. Biggest tune on the label? May just be "Dip It Up" by The Sparkers, a Rannie Williams production. But that's getting ahead of ourselves.
"Are you ready to rocksteady?" is the line that kick off this double sided slab of gold. The Pioneers, whether working with Leslie Kong or Joe Gibbs, were almost surefire hit makers from 1968 to 1970. On this Blue Cat outing it was Gibbs behind the controls once again and that means it is real hard to decide which is the better tune. "Shake It Up" is a lovely piece of late rocksteady magic while "Goodies Are The Greatest" is yet another one of those killer tracks taking on the topic of the rude boy phenomenon. It's a fitting start to the label, with many of the biggest tunes in its early days being Joe Gibbs productions. Oddly enough, for a Trojan imprint, it would also go on to feature some absolute stormers from Coxsone Dodd. Other producers popping up include Bunny Lee, Charles Ross and Enos McLeod amongst others. Biggest tune on the label? May just be "Dip It Up" by The Sparkers, a Rannie Williams production. But that's getting ahead of ourselves.
Sunday, 2 December 2012
First Cut: Big Shot
[youtube=http://youtu.be/GS-ivWY1Mwk]
The roll continues! Big Shot was a Trojan subsidiary label, first releasing tunes in 1968. They started with an stone cold classic: "Reggae Girl" by The Tennors. Produced by Tennors founder George "Clive" Murphy it was the start of a run of big tunes for the Tennors in the early days of reggae. The B side is also a winner "Donkey Trot" by Clive's All Stars, a solid instrumental. Nothing mind blowing mind you but certainly far from boring. The sort of tune you'd listen to on a Sunday afternoon, not the sort of thing you'd want to hear on Saturday night. "Reggae Girl" you most certainly would. It was the start of a number of high quality releases on the label, as one might expect when production credits are split between the likes of Bunny Lee, Derrick Harriot, George Murphy and Winston Riley. The sort of label well worth your time to search out releases on.
The roll continues! Big Shot was a Trojan subsidiary label, first releasing tunes in 1968. They started with an stone cold classic: "Reggae Girl" by The Tennors. Produced by Tennors founder George "Clive" Murphy it was the start of a run of big tunes for the Tennors in the early days of reggae. The B side is also a winner "Donkey Trot" by Clive's All Stars, a solid instrumental. Nothing mind blowing mind you but certainly far from boring. The sort of tune you'd listen to on a Sunday afternoon, not the sort of thing you'd want to hear on Saturday night. "Reggae Girl" you most certainly would. It was the start of a number of high quality releases on the label, as one might expect when production credits are split between the likes of Bunny Lee, Derrick Harriot, George Murphy and Winston Riley. The sort of label well worth your time to search out releases on.
Friday, 19 October 2012
"Israelites" by Desmond Dekker
[youtube=http://youtu.be/r5JHGi0awgc]
Is there really a better way to kick off the weekend then a bit of Desmond? Well when he's wearing what looks to be a silk jumpsuit and a bullet belt, yes. Nice bit of television footage here, with Desmond lip synching "Israelites". Have a great weekend folks.
Is there really a better way to kick off the weekend then a bit of Desmond? Well when he's wearing what looks to be a silk jumpsuit and a bullet belt, yes. Nice bit of television footage here, with Desmond lip synching "Israelites". Have a great weekend folks.
Friday, 31 August 2012
First Cut: Joe
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTdEWoQEM-4?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]
First Cut Friday is back in full effect. One of our favorite producers is Joe “The Boss” Mansano. Although he was far from a prolific producer he generally only put out quality cuts. His Joe label is one of those labels that isn’t sought after simply for being a rarity to come across, the man put out some serious gold with regularity. And his Brixton Cat LP, which compiled a number of his finer productions, is a highly sought after prize for any collector. Although this particular track comes with a matrix stamp DU-24, as far as anyone has records this was the first 45 put out on the label. Indicative of what was to come. Mansano used Rico Rodriguez quite a bit so it’s only fitting the first record he puts out on his own label features the man doing his thing. Another fine start to a classic label.
First Cut Friday is back in full effect. One of our favorite producers is Joe “The Boss” Mansano. Although he was far from a prolific producer he generally only put out quality cuts. His Joe label is one of those labels that isn’t sought after simply for being a rarity to come across, the man put out some serious gold with regularity. And his Brixton Cat LP, which compiled a number of his finer productions, is a highly sought after prize for any collector. Although this particular track comes with a matrix stamp DU-24, as far as anyone has records this was the first 45 put out on the label. Indicative of what was to come. Mansano used Rico Rodriguez quite a bit so it’s only fitting the first record he puts out on his own label features the man doing his thing. Another fine start to a classic label.
"Savage Colt" by the El Dorados
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dehi5xemEeU?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]
We and Jamaicans share a lot of common interests. One of the biggest? Spaghetti Westerns. It may seem like a bit of stretch when you look at the logistics of it. How exactly did it come to pass that Italian produced Westerns became so popular all the way over in Jamaica? There’s likely been some sort of study done on it, but we haven’t seen it. Its easy to see the appeal with the rude boys of the day. It was common for them to get a little too excited during showings of “For a Fistful of Dollars” and “Death Rides a Horse” and other Spaghetti Western classics and start shooting at the screen in tandem with their big screen heroes. Regardless of how they got there they had a big impact on Jamaican society. Since music is oftentimes a reflection on society of the day it’s not surprising that reggae tracks inspired by the genre popped up en masse. This is one of our favorites: Savage Colt by The Eldorados. Really the genre was responsible for numerous huge instrumentals and DJ cuts, so while one of our favorites there still is a lot of gold one can search out. We suggest starting out with the Magnificent Fourteen compilation Trojan put out. Then if you’re lucky enough get a copy of the Big Gundown compilation put out by Earmark. You’re in for a treat.
We and Jamaicans share a lot of common interests. One of the biggest? Spaghetti Westerns. It may seem like a bit of stretch when you look at the logistics of it. How exactly did it come to pass that Italian produced Westerns became so popular all the way over in Jamaica? There’s likely been some sort of study done on it, but we haven’t seen it. Its easy to see the appeal with the rude boys of the day. It was common for them to get a little too excited during showings of “For a Fistful of Dollars” and “Death Rides a Horse” and other Spaghetti Western classics and start shooting at the screen in tandem with their big screen heroes. Regardless of how they got there they had a big impact on Jamaican society. Since music is oftentimes a reflection on society of the day it’s not surprising that reggae tracks inspired by the genre popped up en masse. This is one of our favorites: Savage Colt by The Eldorados. Really the genre was responsible for numerous huge instrumentals and DJ cuts, so while one of our favorites there still is a lot of gold one can search out. We suggest starting out with the Magnificent Fourteen compilation Trojan put out. Then if you’re lucky enough get a copy of the Big Gundown compilation put out by Earmark. You’re in for a treat.
Monday, 27 August 2012
"Neil Armstrong" by the Hippy Boys
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWe3s4VSPmk?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]
We wanted to honor Neil Armstrong, but we were unsure how to do it in our way. A dig through a record box with a faint recollection of possibly owning a track by the Hippy Boys that was titled after the American astronaut and first man to step foot on the moon brought us to this track. Although the impact of the moon landing on society as a whole cannot be understated, we’ve always found it interesting just how excited many Jamaican recording artists seemed to be about it. Just look at the number of skinhead reggae tunes with “Moon” in the title. It’s also been said certain stylistic traits of the astronauts casual wear had an influence on skinhead style. Neil Armstrong is bigger than all that though. Icon is a oft misused phrase nowadays. Mr. Armstrong was one man the word icon was never misused when describing him. Rest in peace.
We wanted to honor Neil Armstrong, but we were unsure how to do it in our way. A dig through a record box with a faint recollection of possibly owning a track by the Hippy Boys that was titled after the American astronaut and first man to step foot on the moon brought us to this track. Although the impact of the moon landing on society as a whole cannot be understated, we’ve always found it interesting just how excited many Jamaican recording artists seemed to be about it. Just look at the number of skinhead reggae tunes with “Moon” in the title. It’s also been said certain stylistic traits of the astronauts casual wear had an influence on skinhead style. Neil Armstrong is bigger than all that though. Icon is a oft misused phrase nowadays. Mr. Armstrong was one man the word icon was never misused when describing him. Rest in peace.
Friday, 24 August 2012
First Cut: Upsetter
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWyZaIXye5w?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]
We like to keep it new and interesting here. And our weekends kind of get away from us. So we’re introducing another Friday feature. This one we’re gonna call First Cut Fridays. It’s real simple, when we put up the Errol Dunkley track “Please Stop Your Lying” and realized it was the first tune released on Amalgamated we got an idea. So every Friday til we run out of labels we’re gonna put up the first track ever released on skinhead reggae labels. Simple right? We went for an obvious one to kick this off. The Upsetter subsidiary of the legendary Trojan label is considered by many to be one of the best labels for skinhead reggae. It helps they kicked it off with “Eight for Eight” by The Upsetters b/w “You Know What I Mean” by The Inspirations. It was a pretty solid indication for what would come for the label. Creepy introduction of the track courtesy of Lee Perry himself followed by a massive organ led instrumental, very much the sort of sound the genre would become known for. Then you flip the thing over and BAM! Completely different but still incredible, a top vocal cut. The single would have been worth every penny. And the quality continued throughout the rest of 1969. Pretty good way to start wouldn’t you say?
We like to keep it new and interesting here. And our weekends kind of get away from us. So we’re introducing another Friday feature. This one we’re gonna call First Cut Fridays. It’s real simple, when we put up the Errol Dunkley track “Please Stop Your Lying” and realized it was the first tune released on Amalgamated we got an idea. So every Friday til we run out of labels we’re gonna put up the first track ever released on skinhead reggae labels. Simple right? We went for an obvious one to kick this off. The Upsetter subsidiary of the legendary Trojan label is considered by many to be one of the best labels for skinhead reggae. It helps they kicked it off with “Eight for Eight” by The Upsetters b/w “You Know What I Mean” by The Inspirations. It was a pretty solid indication for what would come for the label. Creepy introduction of the track courtesy of Lee Perry himself followed by a massive organ led instrumental, very much the sort of sound the genre would become known for. Then you flip the thing over and BAM! Completely different but still incredible, a top vocal cut. The single would have been worth every penny. And the quality continued throughout the rest of 1969. Pretty good way to start wouldn’t you say?
Wednesday, 22 August 2012
Sounds and Pressure
Why yes that is a wall full of speakers. Meet the Sounds and Pressure Sound System probably the best vintage sound system anywhere in the world. They have the annual 1970 Bank Holiday Revival at the IOW rally this weekend. If you can make it out and don’t there is likely something wrong with you. We were going to do a write up on them but figured we’d let them describe themselves:
Sounds and Pressure Sound System specializes in serving up the choicest cuts of hard 60s reggae, rocksteady, ska and soul to tingle the tastebuds of any 60s freak. Our business is massive, heavyweight sound systems, in the original Jamaican style and designed to level buildings. We work alongside and support regular clubs all around the UK, such as Scorcher, Blue Cat and Liquidator and promote regular shows by some of the great names in Jamaican music, such as Derrick Morgan, Pat Kelly, Dave Barker and George Dekkar.
Wednesday, 15 August 2012
Admiral Ken
One of our favorite photos. Admiral Ken unloading his sound. Can’t remember his name now but word has it the lad of the left, in the back of the truck, was a pretty talented boxer. Not hard to imagine. If you happen to know who he is, let us know. Not the worst dressed bunch either are they? Pretty much everything we’re into in one picture.
Monday, 6 August 2012
Celebrate Jamaica's Independence
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ultgqJIhv0M?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]
It’s kind of a big day in Jamaica and the many expatriate Jamaican communities spread around the globe. August 6th, 2012 marks the 50th Anniversary of Jamaican independence. We’ll let Lord Creator break the story of Jamaican independence down to you though. Put on your favorite Jamaican record and have a Red Stripe, it’s the least you can do to celebrate the Independence of a country responsible for so many wonderful things from rocksteady to curry goat.
It’s kind of a big day in Jamaica and the many expatriate Jamaican communities spread around the globe. August 6th, 2012 marks the 50th Anniversary of Jamaican independence. We’ll let Lord Creator break the story of Jamaican independence down to you though. Put on your favorite Jamaican record and have a Red Stripe, it’s the least you can do to celebrate the Independence of a country responsible for so many wonderful things from rocksteady to curry goat.
Saturday, 21 July 2012
All You Need to Know About Bunny Lee
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PY0s_t2kwM?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]
Ever wanted to spend close to an hour learning all about Bunny “Striker” Lee? You read this blog so of course you do. Think this thing came out in the 80’s and Bunny is a smooth cat throughout. Listen to the legend tell his story in his own words.
Ever wanted to spend close to an hour learning all about Bunny “Striker” Lee? You read this blog so of course you do. Think this thing came out in the 80’s and Bunny is a smooth cat throughout. Listen to the legend tell his story in his own words.
Friday, 20 July 2012
"Spread Your Bed" by The Versatiles
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTWkNejWt3E?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]
It’s Friday, let’s start it off right. This tune is essential.
It’s Friday, let’s start it off right. This tune is essential.
Wednesday, 4 July 2012
FCF: Amalgamated
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLuGGj_mwmo?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=299]
This cut right here was the first ever release on the UK Amalgamated label, home to a number of crucial productions by Joe Gibbs and engineered by the likes of Niney and Lee “Scratch” Perry. Errol Dunkley, the vocalist on this impassioned plea for honesty, was only 16 when the track was released. It’d be a big deal except he started his career at 14 and by the time he got to this track he had already worked with some of the biggest producers in Jamaica at the time such as Sonia Pottinger (whom he recorded his first track for) and Prince Buster. Pretty decent way to kick off a label we’d say.
This cut right here was the first ever release on the UK Amalgamated label, home to a number of crucial productions by Joe Gibbs and engineered by the likes of Niney and Lee “Scratch” Perry. Errol Dunkley, the vocalist on this impassioned plea for honesty, was only 16 when the track was released. It’d be a big deal except he started his career at 14 and by the time he got to this track he had already worked with some of the biggest producers in Jamaica at the time such as Sonia Pottinger (whom he recorded his first track for) and Prince Buster. Pretty decent way to kick off a label we’d say.
Friday, 8 June 2012
"Musical Fever" by the Enforcers
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhfSKaLiuXY?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]
We’re at the weekend again now ain’t we? This tune seems quite a good start to get it kicked off. Jeff Penner, one of our good friends and a collector with no shortage of killer tunes at his disposal, introduced us to this one. Bit odd in that it’s a Coxsone Dodd production but released on the Trojan subsidiary, Blue Cat. Nonetheless, have a great one from For The Suits.
We’re at the weekend again now ain’t we? This tune seems quite a good start to get it kicked off. Jeff Penner, one of our good friends and a collector with no shortage of killer tunes at his disposal, introduced us to this one. Bit odd in that it’s a Coxsone Dodd production but released on the Trojan subsidiary, Blue Cat. Nonetheless, have a great one from For The Suits.
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
"Baby Love" by the Sensations
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfkEaCpsqs4?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]
Absolute rocksteady classic from The Sensations with production by way of Winston Riley (RIP). These cats had no shortage of rocksteady gems. Jimmy Riley, Cornell Campbell, Aaron Davis and Buster Riley were the line-up at this point in time. As it turns out the Riley family had no shortage of talent in it, did it? Another group that recorded with all the big names of the day, Duke Reid had a number of big tunes with the. And of course, our man, Bunny Lee put out his share of classic cuts with these lads as well. “Baby Love” is probably their biggest track but you need to track down tunes like “Those Guys”, “Whup Whop Man” and “Right on Time”.
Absolute rocksteady classic from The Sensations with production by way of Winston Riley (RIP). These cats had no shortage of rocksteady gems. Jimmy Riley, Cornell Campbell, Aaron Davis and Buster Riley were the line-up at this point in time. As it turns out the Riley family had no shortage of talent in it, did it? Another group that recorded with all the big names of the day, Duke Reid had a number of big tunes with the. And of course, our man, Bunny Lee put out his share of classic cuts with these lads as well. “Baby Love” is probably their biggest track but you need to track down tunes like “Those Guys”, “Whup Whop Man” and “Right on Time”.
Monday, 21 May 2012
Inna Bristol Dancehall
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJyEnha_e2M?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]
Great clip of some of Bristol’s West Indian population dancing the rocksteady in 1968. Classic stuff!
Great clip of some of Bristol’s West Indian population dancing the rocksteady in 1968. Classic stuff!
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