Dubplate, deejay piece to Fulk Reid’s Golden Daffodils (itself put back till the next batch of Digikillers, because of manufacturing problems). Mojo Blue aka Jah Mojo, from Santic.
Terrific, deep roots, protesting the imprisonment of Desmond Trotter for the 1974 murder of a US tourist in Domenica. (Trots was fingered by a young lady from Antigua called Pretty Pig, the court was told.)
Originally released on the Jumbo Caribbean Disco label run by Brooklyn’s African Record Center shop. Discomixes, both sides.
Don’t miss it.
Opportunity knocking once. Mid-tempo doowop-ska. On the flip, the Sneer Towners, hardly a household name themselves.
Ace, quirky one-away — effervescent singing on a bubbling rhythm, with ticking drums and deft keyboard interjections.
A heavy, rumbunctious, rocking version by a young Monty Alexander, with a tasty eastern tang; plus a terrific rolling shuffle, on the flip.
A teenaged Montgomery and friends from school, trying out Wild Bill Davis and stuff from the radio, with a JA twist.
Quality US roots in extended mixes. More Relation started up in New York in 1977, backing the likes of Larry Marshall and Carlton Coffee.
A locomotive Ben E. King cover and some wistful Deadly Headley. Derrick’s singing is clear as a bell; Striker Lee works the throttle. One to stick next to DM’s Seven Letters.
HIs seminal LP, sixty years after its title track turned national anthem of JA independence celebrations; plus the remainder of his early recordings for Leslie Kong’s Beverley’s Records, originally released between 1961 to 1963.
The second disc focuses on Derrick’s return to Beverley’s during the rocksteady era, taking off from his Best Of album, first out on Doctor Bird in 1969.
Bringing together two sevens originally released in Jamaica on the Afro Black label, in the mid-seventies. Rootical domestics, soulfully delivered, over tight, funky playing. You Let Me Down is Wackies’ sublime Black Harmony rhythm, no less.
Collectors’ heaven, utilising Joe ‘Basement Session’ Morgan’s own imprint Fish Tea, going since the 1980s.
The ska originator in his 1964 prime; plus a knees-up Baba Brooks.
A double-header of booting, irresistible JA rhythm and blues.
Over several years, Far East Records in Japan has faultlessly reissued more than fifty classic Treasure Isle sevens. Expert selections; impeccably restored labels, beautifully colour-matched, often using metallic inks; and great sound.
Over & Done With is out here for the first time, and it’s murder. Riding a banging bottom-end, with thunderous drum rolls, and magnificent horns with superb soloing, Monty coolly lays out his dignified, devastating dissection of a break-up, with the cutting, expository verve of prime Lord Kitchener.
‘When you came to my rescue, I gave all that I could give. Now that your purse is empty, you’ve left me the same way you came. Loving you is useless, you’re a waste of time, you’ve got no love, no sympathy on your mind… My darling, it’s over and done with.’
Baba Brooks leads the way on the flip, which sounds a lot better here than the original pressing. Killer, tear-up ska.