Bumping, soulful ska. Plus Tommy McCook’s brilliant Goldfinger, on the flip.

Irresistible mix of sublime, Impressions-style harmony singing, punchy horns supervised by Tommy McCook, soulful existentialism and rocking steady rhythm; beautifully presented by Far East Records.

The key Black Victory album, produced by Bullwackies and Sugar Minott: a devastating, chilled, dread run of King Tubby’s Tempo rhythm. Surely the greatest one-rhythm LP of all time, with unforgettable versions of the Red Rose classic.

No less than an alternate take of the almighty rocksteady classic from 1968. Backed with a Tommy McCook instrumental featuring organist Winston Wright.

Classic rocksteady. A sweet but urgent overture by Wentworth Vernal and Lloyd Parks, arranged by Tommy McCook.
As per the original 45 coupling, The Supersonics return on the flip for the surging, funky Soul Remedy, with tight, bluesy guitar, and Winston Wright blasting away on Hammond.
Beautifully done by Far East.

Ravishing vocal harmonies over magnificent Augustus Pablo rhythms, with the Black Ark in the mix.
Only Jah Jah know but schoolfriends Carlton Hines, Paul Mangaroo and Dave Harvey professionally named themselves after their local soundsystem in Mountain View, which in turn copped the moniker from the Tetrarchic rule of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, in the third century.

The Dennis Bovell / Matumbi dub set from 1976.
‘The peak of the era’s UK roots dub. For dubbing at its wildest, check out Za-lon and its version Halfway To Za-lon’ (Steve Barker, The Wire).

Plenty of prime Upsetters here.

Aka the Clem Bushay All Stars, including Candy McKenzie, Dennis Bovell, Janet Kay, Jimmy Mack, Junior English, Moon Rocks and Zabandis…
From 1977.

Tougher-than-tough instrumental by the Links house-band, featuring Joe White and Ken Boothe on keys, and killer guitar and trombone by Harris Seaton and Derrick Hinds. Same circle of heaven as tunes like Sidewalk Doctor and Tight Spot. Something new, ushering rocksteady out the door, into the past.