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A well-curated compilation highlighting Desmond Dekker’s influence on ska, rocksteady, and early reggae. Featuring standout tracks like “Israelites” and “007 (Shanty Town),” it captures the sound that helped bring Jamaican music to an international audience.
This is a more concise version of the 2023 Essential Collection, pressed on Black ecorecord for National Album Day 2026 (10th October 2026) as well as a 1CD digisleeve format with a booklet. This release offers a clear, warm listening experience and serves as a concise overview of Dekker’s most important recordings. A reliable addition for collectors and an easy entry point for anyone exploring classic reggae.
Tracklist
LP
Side A
(Poor Mi) Israelites
You Can Get It If You Really Want
007 (Shanty Town)
It Mek
Fu Man Chu
King of Ska
Intensified ’68 (Music Like Dirt)
Side B
Unity
Get Up Edina
Licking Stick
It Pays
Pickney Gal
Sing A Little Song
Jamaica Ska
CD
(Poor Mi) Israelites - Desmond Dekker & The Aces
You Can Get It If You Really Want – Desmond Dekker
007 (Shanty Town) - Desmond Dekker & The Aces
It Mek - Desmond Dekker & The Aces
Fu Man Chu - Desmond Dekker & The Aces
(Where Did It Go) The Song We Used to Sing
Rude Boy Train - Desmond Dekker & The Aces
King of Ska - Desmond Dekker & Cherry Pies
Intensified ’68 (Music Like Dirt) - Desmond Dekker & The Aces
Live and Learn (The More You Live) – Desmond Dekker
Unity - Desmond Dekker & The Aces
Get Up Edina - Desmond Dekker & The Four Aces
Generosity – Desmond Dekker & The Aces
Rudy Got Soul - Desmond Dekker & The Aces
It Pays - Desmond Dekker & The Aces
Licking Stick - Desmond Dekker & The Aces
Honour Your Mother and Father – Desmond Dekker
Problems - Desmond Dekker & The Aces
Young Generation - Desmond Dekker & The Aces
Mount Zion - Desmond Dekker & The Four Aces
Pretty Africa - Desmond Dekker & The Aces
Pickney Gal – Desmond Dekker
Sing A Little Song – Desmond Dekker
Jamaica Ska – Desmond Dekker & The Specials