The Skatalites - El Pussy Ska / The Maytals - If You Ever Change Your Mind

Its been a while since I've put up a scorching instrumental so here it is. The true a-side may be The Maytals but since The Skatalites' tune is so hot and in better shape, I present it first.

If you've listened to any old ska, you've probably heard The Skatalites or one of their derivative acts. They defined the genre and performed with many producers are countless artists. "El Pussy Ska" is a party instrumental with horns all over the place. The scratched out part underneath the title in the picture will have said "(Scorcher)," an endorsement on some of the earlier Coxsone releases.

The b-side is a bit of a throw away track because of the condition, but I've included it for any Maytals diehard fans out there.

Listen & download here:
A-side: The Skatalites - El Pussy Ska
B-side: The Maytals - If You Ever Change Your Mind

Ustream Broadcast

I decided to give this a shot rather than a traditional post. Consider it a preview of whats to come. Some of these records will likely show up in the next few postings.

I've come to realize that the recording output on my preamp bypasses the equalizer and high/low pass filters. So, at least for the ones with surface noise, kill the highs and boost the bass and a good chunk of the unwanted sound will disappear.



Lennox Brown - Gits Brown
Slim Smith - Can't Do Without It (My Story)
The Jailbreakers - Work It Up
K.C. White - Man No Dead
Beverley's All Stars - Just In Time
The Gaylads - Lady With The Red Dress
Eric Morris - Penny Reel O
Bingy Bunny & Bongo Les - Mr. Parker's Daughter
Pat Kelly - They Talk About Love
The Federals - I've Passed This Way
Derrick Morgan & George Dekker - Me Naw Give Up
The Visions - The Girl I Love

Prince Buster - Ten Commandments Of Man / Adios Senorita

I've you've taken a look at the history of reggae, you're probably familiar with Prince Buster; and if you're familiar with him, you're likely familiar with this a-side. It was the title track on one of his biggest albums and even saw release on some US labels. It must have seen many releases in JA and the UK as well because I have 3 different 7" with this as the a-side, but all with different b-sides. So, as you may guess, I'm not posting this one for the a-side; this one's more for the b-side.

While the a-side's rocksteady production matches that of the rest of the LP, the b-side is an entirely different direction, and one that illuminates Buster's broad musical talent. As the title suggests, the song's melodies, lyrics, and backup singers would have you think the song came from Mexico rather than Jamaica. Needless to say, the song is a hit - Prince Buster can seemingly do no wrong with his records.

Listen & download here:
A-side: Prince Buster - Ten Commandments
B-side: Prince Buster - Adios Senorita

The Tennors - Smile (My Baby) / Unknown - Lullaby Angel

The Tennors are a celebrated group among 60s reggae collectors. They released a good number of sides, although still remained on the obscure side of the track, never releasing a full length and withering away in the early 70s. They worked primarily with producer George Murphy for the majority of their career but did see big hits with names like Coxsone Dodd on their song "Pressure & Slide" from 1967 and Duke Reid on "Hopeful Village," and "Weather Report," all great songs. This one, along with the bside, is from 1969.

Last time that I posted a song that I didn't know the artist, I was helped out by someone reading the blog so please share if you know more about the b-side! The matrix is "WIRL DS 4198" but that number doesn't locate anything in RKR. This one is a pretty cool rocksteady track that I've temporarily named "Lullaby Angel" because that's a main theme in the chorus of the song. It sounds like the song is a duet, and RKR lists a song called "Lullaby Angel" as a duet between Alton Ellis & Eddie from 1960. I haven't heard that version, but perhaps this is an updated version. Don't take my word on that one though!

Please share if you know more about this b-side, thanks.

Listen & download here:
A-side: The Tennors - Smile (My Baby)
B-side: Unknown - Lullaby Angel

1975 - Pluto Shervington - Dat / Version

1975 here and finally the last post that I'll do in the sequence. This all started back in mid January when I posted the first in the series, 1960. I'm glad to see it finished, because now I'm not restricted each post. I've got loads of things I've been itching to post, and I definitely want to get back to the 60s!

I've been thinking about a podcast recently which will probably eventually happen. For now, I've been doing random live streams of 45s. Check back often and you may catch a feed- I spin for about an hour with a player embedded on the blog.

"Dat" is a really cool track, and was my easy pick from 1975. My collection dwindles quickly beyond '75 and so does my interest in the music. For the thousands upon thousands of tracks though, there are many that the producer got it all right. This, "Dat," is one of them. The production is rich and full and Shervington carries the song impeccably. My first introduction to him was another 7" I have, "Ram Goat Liver," which features as much patois as "Dat." I believe there is a full album of his posted somewhere on You & Me On A Jamboree.

Expect another post soon and check back for live streams!

Listen & download here:
A-side: Pluto Shervington - Dat
B-side: Pluto Shervington - Version