Ska 70 Items

RSD Exclusive, Limitation: 3000

Special Beat Service is a dynamic fusion of ska, pop, and punk influences and includes the standout hits I Confess and Save If For Later. This 2-lp deluxe edition also features live and non-LP tracks.

This is the very first reissue of the much in demand double sided killer single released in 1970 on the Upsetter label. Both tracks were produced by Lee Perry. The A side is a beautiful yet wicked cover of LET IT BE by the Beatles, produced by Lee Perry and performed by the Soulettes. The B side is BIG DOG Bloxie, an even wackier version of the A side by Lee Perry!

Brand new single from lovers rock queen Susan Cadogan backed by Italian ska band THE Magnetics. Her voice is still sugary sweet since topping the UK pop charts in the 70s, on this 45 we get the melancholy reggae jam "MY OH MY" w/NAT King Cole's "unforgettable" on flip. Red wax pic sleeve

We're very pleased to be releasing four brand new songs on this EP by the recently reformed CASE. Following on from their compilation album from last year which brought together all their original early recordings. This 7" is limited to 500 copies on white vinyl.CASE formed in Croydon in 1979 after being introduced to each other by Slimy Toad from Johnny Moped. Case played the pubs of south London and finally released their one and only 7", the heat From The Chaff' EP in 1983, it reached the top of the independent charts and led to them being played heavily on BBC radio including plays by John Peel, Janice Long & Kid Jensen. Originally, in 1980, CASE played prima...

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“Gun The Man Down ” by Dice The boss aka Pama Dice was first released in 1969 on the Trojan sublabel Joe with the track “Thief” by Joe Mansano on the B side. “Thief” is also reissued by us on a separate single dedicated to Joe Mansano. “Your Boss DJ” was also released in 1969 on the Joe Label with the track “Read The News” by Joe All Stars on the flip. Both titles are skinhead reggae classics that have never been reissued and are very much demand.

“Skinhead Revolt” by Joe The boss aka Joe Mansano was first released in 1970 on the Trojan sublabel Joe as a B side to the track “Tony B’s Theme” by Joey’s All Stars. “The Thief” was released in 1969 on the Joe Label with the track “Gun The Man Down” by Dice The Boss on the flip. “Gun The Man Down” is also being repressed by us on a separate single. Both titles are British Boss Reggae classics that are very much demand.

Pat & Roxie's "Way Of Fortune" begins flowing from the impactful theme of the Skatalites. The duo vocals are not as slick as those of the Blues Busters, but the mood is stylish. The original release was on Jamaica's Down Beat label, and the UK version was never released. Rare ska vocal that fetched over 150,000 yen at the Drum & Bass Recoreds auction.

"You'll Never Know" was released as a coupling to "In The Mood For Love" on Ska Beat in the UK. Everything from the intro to the lyric and rhyme scheme is beautiful. Tanamo is good at calypso style singing, but the sad tune also suits him well. The coupling song, "I Love You Truly", is a wonderful song with a fast and furious performance of the Skatalites in their heyday and Lloyd Knibb's powerful drumming. Lord Tanamo's Lovers Ska, Double Sider!

"Lock And Key" was written by popular Trinidadian singer Lord Bryner. The chorus will stay in your head all day, and it is rare to find an original calypso that is so pop. The coupling is by Orville Alphonso. The melody has the smell of the Caribbean, and the ska vocals are sure to be a hit with calypso lovers. Two songs full of Caribbean moods are coupled.

Jump UP reissues the 1997 Moon SKA classic from Milwaukee's traditional ska reggae darlings, lead by the sultry voice of Shahanna McKINNEY. Includes bonus mixes, dubs, and rare compilation cuts. Sixteen tracks with original art pressed on heavyweight red vinyl.

"If You Were Only Mine" is one of Tanamo's most popular songs. Lovely ska vocals start with a beautiful, flowing, gentle horn theme. A great song backed by the Skatalites in their prime. The coupling is a killer ska tune by Don Drummond. "Bellevue" is the name of the mental hospital where Don Drummond spent his life until his death in 1969, after he was arrested for the murder of his girlfriend Margarita on New Year's Day, 1965. This is the last recording of the greatest trombonist in Jamaican history, who lived up to his name as a genius. You can hear Don's heartbreaking cry along with another take of "No More" recorded on the album.

1966 Recordings. Alternate Takes here: A side with a wicked Ska Vocal backed with a great Ska Inst.

A premium series of limited edition Japanese pressed 7"s - featuring unreleased and impossibly hard to find gems from the Duke Reid archives.

CD comes in a soft case, instead of the original crystal case. All booklets included.

Foundation. Rock Steady version of the much covered classic. A total beauty!! Back with another great one from the amazing Joy Landis.

A premium series of limited edition Japanese pressed 7"s - featuring unreleased and impossibly hard to find gems from the Duke Reid archives.

Side A : 1968 Recording. Never Released. Wicked Winston Wright Playing Organ Rock Steady Instrumental. Side B : 1968 Released. Great Rock Steady Vocal By Bobby Davis Lead Singer. A premium series of limited edition Japanese pressed 7"s - featuring unreleased and impossibly hard to find gems from the Duke Reid archives.

Side A : Unreleased Great Rock Steady Vocal. Recording In Duke Reid Studio 1966. Side B : Unreleased. Great Rock Steady Instrumental. Recording In Duke Reid Studio 1966.

A premium series of limited edition Japanese pressed 7"s - featuring unreleased and impossibly hard to find gems from the Duke Reid archives.

Side A: 1969 Recordind Duke Reid's Studio. Unreleased. Great Harmony And Killer Early Reggae Vocal. Side B: 1969 Never Released at 1969. Wicked Early Reggae Vocal. A premium series of limited edition Japanese pressed 7"s - featuring unreleased and impossibly hard to find gems from the Duke Reid archives.

Both are alternate takes - vocal and instrumental cuts. A premium series of limited edition Japanese pressed 7"s - featuring unreleased and impossibly hard to find gems from the Duke Reid archives.

A premium series of limited edition Japanese pressed 7"s - featuring unreleased and impossibly hard to find gems from the Duke Reid archives.Side A : Unreleased. Recording In Treasure Isle Studio 1965. Original ska take of reggae version that was released to early 70's from Coxsone Dodd. Side B : Alternate Take. Straight ska instrumental.

A premium series of limited edition Japanese pressed 7"s - featuring unreleased and impossibly hard to find gems from the Duke Reid archives.Side A : Never Released. Early Ska Vocal.1961 Recording At Federal Studio. Unknown Duke Reid's Duo Artist. Side B : Recoding At Federal Studio 1961. Great Ska Instrumental. This One Was Recording Before "You're So Delightful" By Skatalites In Jamaica.

A premium series of limited edition Japanese pressed 7"s - featuring unreleased and impossibly hard to find gems from the Duke Reid archives.

Alternate Take. Wicked Female Early Reggae Vocal with a cool old time reggae instrumental on the flip.

A premium series of limited edition Japanese pressed 7"s - featuring unreleased and impossibly hard to find gems from the Duke Reid archives.

A side is a Jamaican Independence festival tune from 1968. Foundation. Both here are great Rock Steady Vocal cuts.

A premium series of limited edition Japanese pressed 7"s - featuring unreleased and impossibly hard to find gems from the Duke Reid archives.

This is the first re-release on 7inch vinyl single of the mythic double sided single credited to producer Joe Gibbs and released in 1968 on Amalgamated Records in the U.K. Although both tracks are credited to Joe Gibbs, many believe the A side “People Grudgeful” was sung by The Ethiopians whilst the B side “Pan Ya Machete” was performed by The Pioneers. “Grudgeful” though does not really sound like The Ethiopians and according to Trojan, both sides were performed by The Pioneers. Which makes sense for several reasons. Firstly, the sound of the song is indeed more reminiscent of the Pioneers/Joe Gibbs work of that time. In fact The Ethiopians did not record with Joe Gibbs, with the exception of The Ring which was released in 1972, four years later, while the Pioneers were routinely involved with Gibbs in 1968. Last but not least, The Ethiopians had no beef with Lee Scratch Perry whilst The Pioneers songs were clearly incriminated by Scratch in his hit song “People Funny Boy. Attention: This is a special limited edition strictly limited to 500 copies - one release only. Note: the number of copies is now included in the catalogue number “hsrss-0023c-500” printed on the single label, “500” standing for 500 copies and C for collector.

THE Pioneers The Pioneers were formed in 1962 by two brothers Derrick and Sidney Crooks and their friend Winston Hewitt later replaced by former Heptone Glen Adams. The Pioneers' early singles were not successful, and the group broke up in 1967 Sydney started working at Joe Gibbs shop and then in the studio where he met a talented new young singer: Jackie Robinson. The new Pioneers were reborn as a duo. They recorded several successful singles such as "Longshot" "Jackpot", "Catch the Beat" with Gibbs before joining producer Leslie Kong where they recorded Samfie Man which topped the Jamaican charts. They then recruited George Agard and became a trio again. They scored in the charts again with "Long Shot (Kick De Bucket)" a sequel to “Long Shot”, the tragic story of a race horse that never won and died racing! “Kick De Bucket” became an instant hit both in Jamaican and in the U.K. particularly among skinheads in 1969. More hits followed and the band moved to the UK in 1970. Over time, their sound changed and became more sophisticated and pop and they eventually recorded soul albums with Eddy Grant as a producer in 1976. It was not successful and the band split before reforming. They have been performing sporadically since then.

MU330’s Ultra Panic has been out of print for years. This pressing is 1,000 on half/half random color and includes a 2 sided insert and new label art.

MU330’s self-titled full-length has been out of print for over 20 years. This pressing is 1,000 half/half random color. New cover art painting by vocalist Dan Potthast. New insert art, new labels, new back art.

Record Store Day 2023 limited run of 650 copies.
During the final two years of the original Jamaican ska era, producer Arthur ‘Duke’ Reid released arguably his finest works in the genre. The popularity of his work from this time is reflected in the high demand for his productions from this period, with most of the 7” singles he issued between 1965 and 66 now fetching three figure sums on the collectors market. ‘Ska La-Rama’ brings together 14 of the Duke’s most elusive works from this golden era, with half of the tracks on the album appearing on vinyl for the very first time. Among those that have previously seen issue are a number of recordings widely regarded as being among the finest ska productions of the period, notably, the title track, ‘True Confession’ and the hugely collectable ‘Renegade’ by the Zodiacs. Pressed on Colored Vinyl and boasting an insert featuring a fascinating essay on the recordings by esteemed music historian Tony Rounce, this limited edition collection album comes housed in a stylish, retro-style sleeve, which captures the exciting spirit of the original ska era. An essential addition to the collection of any self-respecting fan of ska and Duke Reid’s inimitable sound.

Record Store Day 2023 exclusive limited to 1300 copies.

Following on from Part 2 (released exclusively for Record Store Day 2021) ‘I Do Like To Be B-Side The A-Side Volume 3’ includes 12 Madness B-Sides across hit singles from Wonderful’s ‘Lovestruck’, ‘Johnny The Horse’ and ‘Drip Fed Fred’ to The Dangermen Sessions’ ‘Shame & Scandal’, including covers of Kilburn And The High Road’s ‘The Roadette Song’ and Horace Andy’s ‘Skylarking’. Released on 180g heavyweight Black Vinyl, the LP features brand new artwork designed by Paul Agar in association with the band.

Reissued for the very first time on a limited vinyl edition, here’s the fifth work of the godfather of ska Laurel Aitken. Originally released in 1973 on Count Shelly Records, “Moria Sofia” was completely written, arranged, produced and sung by Aitken himself. The album is a skillful blend of soul & calypso tunes with a splash of rocksteady. A mandatory gem to be rediscovered by all Jamaican music fans!

This record has been out of print for over 25 years. This new pressing is 1,000 copies in random colors. Brand new cover art. Enjoy!!

Nubiyan Twist return with their brand new album "Freedom Fables" on Strut on 5th February, the follow-up to the acclaimed "Jungle Run" from Spring 2019. Woven around soul searching, cautionary tales and parables for modern life, the new album is the most accomplished yet by the Leeds / London collective, effortlessly fusing different soul, jazz and global styles with great musicianship and lyrics. "Freedom Fables reflects on the power of narratives. Each vocalist on this record explores their own memoirs, a freedom of expression underpinning our belief that music is the ultimate narrative for unity," explains Tom Excell. "The record references a lot of music that we all loved during our formative years; you can hear touches of broken beat, blunted hip hop, highlife, Latin, jazz and UK soul running through the tracks." The album is also packed full with illustrious guest appearances: regular collaborator Cherise features on the brilliant "Tittle Tattle", calling out gossip through acerbic nursery rhyming, the loping "Flow" dealing with the ebb and flow of anxiety and the epic Brazilian jazz workout, "Keeper"; UK jazz saxman Soweto Kinch brings a burning alto solo and rhymes to the determined "Buckle Up" alongside the band"s own vocalist Nick Richards as the track aims to "find the door to peace" among life"s challenges. "Soweto is a trailblazer of the UK scene both as an alto player and as a rapper with a unique flow and important lyricism," reflects Tom Excell. "It was really important for us to invite him to contribute to the album." Richards continues the "dust yourself off and find hope" theme on the rousing "Wipe Away Tears"; Ghanaian great Pat Thomas voices a gorgeous Accra meets London highlife jam; massive new vocal talent Ria Moran (a contemporary from the band"s time at Leeds College Of Music) steps up on the sensual "Morning Light" tackling delicate complexities of the heart and long time friend of the band, KOG, brings his trademark full strength Afro dancefloor energy.

UP red vinyl reissue of classic 1997 ska-punk masterpiece by NYC act. Gained national attention on MTV's 120 minutes, this 2nd album was ahead of it's time! Extravagant rhythms heralded a new shift into experimental territories with funky breaks, avant garde solos and metal/hardcore forays!

In 1997 Bad Manners released their 8th album of original studio material not including live recordings, comps and bootlegs. This album however, is none of the above. This is a compilation of demos, outtakes, remixes and rarities from the Bad Manners vaults.

Originally released in 1987, this album is considered by many to be the birth of modern "third wave" ska in the USA. Remastered audio with "new" artwork that includes illustrations by legendary comic book artist BOB Fingerman. Repressed on random color vinyl in picture sleeve

Jump UP issues the 1999/2000 classic on vinyl for the very first time in cebration of RSD. All time classic with original members Lester Sterling, Lloyd Brevette, Lloyd Knibb and Doreen Shaffer. Guests include KEN Boothe. New sleeve art Chema Skandal. Colored vinyl 150 only for RSD indie shops.

Latest album from all-star Boston traditional ska/reggae act formed by ex members of Westbound Train and THE Toasters Ten trax of jazzy Jamaican vibes guests include Steve Jackson (the Pietasters), Alex Desert (hepcat), MR T T Bone, D. Hillyard (slackers) & THE Expanders. Repress orange wax.

Dutch ska madman from the 80s returns! Ten tracks in signature witty manic paced 2-tone style, a true return to form from his classic albums of the early to mid 80s. A household name across Europe's ska scene, a must for fans of Madness, Specials, Arthur KAY, MR Review. Yellow repress.

There were some cool ska albums released at the turn of the millennium, including 2 albums by THE SPECIALS! Both “SKINHEAD GIRL” and “CONQUERING RULER” dig into the TROJAN RECORDS songbook, and the band’s sound was top notch, lead by RODDY RADIATION, NEVILLE STAPLE, HORACE PANTER, and NEOL DAVIES. The release of these records on vinyl from Black Butcher Classics gives the albums a new lease on life and will be enjoyed by an entire generation of vinyl fans!

Classic 1995 third wave ska classic pressed on vinyl for the very first time! One of THE TOASTERS best selling albums of all time, released in the USA, Germany, Japan with a worldwide tour in support of the album. 14 trax on marble vinyl, now in a full picture sleeve. Repressed!

Originally released on MOON NYC in 1997, this third wave ska classic back on vinyl once again. Feat big MTV hits "I WASN'T GOING TO CALL YOU ANYWAY" & "2 TONE ARMY", 14 total tracks. Finally repressed with a full picture sleeve.

Remastered on heavyweigth 180 gram vinyl!

Heavy roots reggae album from 1988 by avant-jazz horn player Jamaiel Shabaka. Remastered and released as a double LP gatefold sleeve in an edition of 500. With its unusual jazzy/improv'd sonic essays among straight-up heavyweight roots tracks, saying that 'The Land Of The Rising Sun' is an unusual-sounding reggae album is an understatement, and far from a surprise: after all, who in the reggae world started improving for days on end with Sun Ra?

Originally released in 1977, the deceptively named 'The Best Of Freddy McKay' is McKay's fourth album, and not a compilation.
Recorded at the Channel One and Harry J studios, where he was accompanied by the Roots Radics, this work (a collaboration with producer Alvin "GG's" Ranglin) marks McKay's entry into the roots reggae era.

A reissue of a classic dub/reggae album, originally released in 1982.

A reissue of a classic roots reggae album, originally released in 1982.

Reissue of a 1967 rocksteady gem (extended version) b/w and extended mix of The Soul Syndicate's 'Lava'.