Pato Banton – “Never Give Up” (1987)
The title track from Pato Banton’s 1987 album which featured his pro-ganja hit “Don’t Sniff Coke.”
Shinehead – “Hello Y’All” (1988)
Bronx toaster Shinehead’s 1988 rap-reggae hit “Hello Y’All,” which came out on the Unity album…
Pato Banton – “Don’t Sniff Coke” (1987)
Pato Banton, who first came to national recognition, by appearing on The English Beat’s 1982 album Special Beat Service, came out with this humorous anti-coke and pro-gangja classic in 1987 on his Never Give In album. I spun this record quite a bit when I was 17.
The Rulers – “Wrong Emboyo” (1967)
The original rocksteady song by the all-white Rulers, that The Clash covered (in a much quicker arrangement, and written as “Wrong ‘Em Boyo”) on their 1979 classic London Calling album, and which is based on the classic murder tale “Stagger Lee”…
Noel Ellis – “To Hail Selassie” (1983)
Another great track from Ellis’ self-titled 1983 dub-heavy reggae classic…
Noel Ellis – “Memories” (1983)
Great dub-inflected track from the little-known and unjustly ignored self-titled album by Noel Ellis from 1983.
Alton Ellis – “Joy in the Morning” (1970)
“The Godfather of Rocksteady” – another great rocksteady hit from Alton Ellis.
This song is dedicated to his memory. He recently passed away on Oct. 10th. May he rest in peace…
Toots & the Maytals – “54-46 That’s My Number” (1968)
One of Toots Hibbert’s early great singles. This was during the time when rocksteady was mutating over into the new style called reggae. The lyrics describe Toots’ time in prison for an arrest for possession of ganja. 54-46 was Toots’ prisoner ID number during his servitude, and the original recording was made shortly after his release.
Toots, who had a great bluesy voice, would go on to have many classics in he years to come.
Creation Rebel – “Rising Star” (1978)
The experimental dub album Dub from Creation, the debut release from Creation Rebel, is a sonic tour de force. Dating from 1978 on the Hitrun label, it was way ahead of its time, with its weird sounds and electronic feel. Still sounds amazing when using headphones.
Co-produced by Dennis Bovell. Creation Rebel were basically “The Arabs” who backed the legendary Prince Far I.
Bob Marley & the Wailers – “Is This Love” (1978)
Taken from the 1978 album Kaya, one of Bob’s greatest creations. This is simply one of those songs you never get tired of hearing.
NOTE: If this song says it’s no longer available, just click on it twice & it should bring up another screen that will automatically play it.
