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The immediate successor to ska, the soulful, melodic sound of rock steady first developed during the long hot Jamaican summer of 1966 and reigned supreme thereafter for two glorious years before finally being superseded by the more energetic style of reggae.
Despite its relatively brief period as the island’s national sound, the rhythms of many of its biggest hits have continued to influence and inspire music-makers to the present day, resulting in renewed interest in the sub-genre among record buyers in recent years.
This superb 2xLP vinyl collection features 24 of the most popular recordings of the rock steady era, including the UK hits, ‘007’, ‘Train To Skaville’ and ‘It Miek’ and The Maytals’ anthemic dance-filler, ’54 46 That’s My Number’.
Pressed on high quality 140gm vinyl and presented in a stylishly designed sleeve, the album not only provides the ideal introduction to this hugely popular and influential sound, but is also a must for established fans of the Jamaican sub-genre, with many of the tracks appearing on vinyl for the first time in decades.
Tracklist
Side A
1. Desmond Dekker & The Aces – 007 (Shanty Town)
2. Lee "Scratch" Perry – I Am the Upsetter
3. Pat Kelly – Somebody's Baby
4. Delroy Wilson – Once Upon a Time
5. The Rulers – Wrong Emboyo
6. The Sensations – Right On Time
7. Austin Faithful – I'm in a Rocking Mood
Side B
8. The Maytals – 54-46 That's My Number
9. The Paragons – Memories by the Score
10. The Rulers – Copasetic
11. Derrick Morgan – Conquering Ruler
12. Stranger & Gladdy – Seeing Is Knowing (with Lyn Taitt & The Jets)
13. Val Bennett – Baby Baby (aka 5-10-15 Hours)
14. The Uniques – People Get Ready Do Rock Steady
Side C
15. Val Bennett – The Russians Are Coming (Take Five)
16. Desmond Dekker & The Aces – A It Miek
17. Roy Shirley – Hold Them
18. The Kingstonians – Winey Winey
19. The Viceroys – Lip and Tongue (Alternate Version)
20. The Overtakers – Girl You Ruff
21. Lloyd & The Groovers – Do It to Me Baby
Side D
22. The Upsetters – Return of Django (feat. Val Bennett)
23. The Ethiopians – Train to Skaville
24. Desmond Dekker & The Aces – Intensified '68 (Music Like Dirt)
25. The Uniques – My Conversation
26. Stranger & Gladdy – Over Again
27. The Tennors – Ride Your Donkey
28. Derrick Morgan – Judge Dread in Court