Ska 255 Items

Emotional Rescue presents the music of Haile Maskel in the first in a reissue series working with Patrick Billard aka DJ Duckcomb, sourcing and licensing from this digger's vaults and out to the wider world. Heralding from the furtive 60's Trenchtown, Jamaica, young Michael Ashley aka Haile Maskel grew up singing, learning guitar and bass. His first recording session was produced by friend Bob Marley, with Peter Tosh on keys, Robbie Shakespeare on bass and Carlton Barrett on drums. The list of sessions is long, working with Lee Perry, Light Of Saba, Dennis Brown and Sugar Minott. Touring took him overseas where he settled in Los Angeles in 1983, soon launching his Opulence Sound) label. Maskel's band, the 101's featured members of The Twinkle Brothers, including cousins Asher and Debo Brown on drum and bass, and augmented by local players. Mixing conscious messages in love songs, Maskel crafts a boogie discodub on which to exalt an uplifting summer jam. With the highly prized original the tapes unearthed unreleased dubs - "Take 1" providing a wonderful version. LA native Duckcomb found a trove of tapes of unheard material, still for discovery. For now, his longform Discomix, cutting and editing Maskel's vocal along with the dubs, completes a first archival splendor.

From Buffalo, NY, the Abruptors deliver their sophomore release. SKA, Soul, 2 Tone influenced songs that will get you up and dancing. Vinyl is a smoky clear variant just for record stores.

AKATZ are not Jamaicans, nor are they British, nor do they need to. They have been at the crossroads between Kingston and Bilbao chatting with the mocking spirit of the New Orleans Mardi Gras, who has shown them new directions to continue their creative path. The uninitiated will receive this album like headless chickens, as a fierce revelation, and longtime adepts will celebrate the event with offerings of smoke, brandy, and endless dancing.In a journey of almost 30 years, Akatz have developed their own personality that makes them easily recognizable, genuine and unique. Hardened in a thousand battles, they have always paid as much attention to creating quality music as to turning each concert into an unrepeatable party.YUYU was registered in November 2019 in the studios of Kaki Arkarazo (Kortatu, Negu Gorriak) and, pending publication, the curse of the pandemic ensued. Therefore, the band's first self-imposed mission has been to cast these 12 spells to the four winds. There are twelve songs of classic ska, reggae and Jamaican jazz with a R&B dressing, and essences of danceable swing and punk attitude. Lifelong melodies, with rhythm, swing, beat and flow, and a compositional solidness that would admit multiple readings of each song by musicians of different origins and backgrounds.YUYU presents a universe populated by creatures that seem fantastic but that - in reality - live among us, and that the band unmasks with fine clairvoyance. An album that can be enjoyed from the first taste. With fun, uncomplicated and well-crafted songs all sprinkled with a good dose of rhythm and blues.It is clear that AKATZ has been at the crossroads between Kingston and Bilbao, chatting with the mocking spirit of New Orleans Mardi Gras, who has shown them new directions to continue their creative path. The uninitiated will receive this album like headless chickens, as a fierce revelation, and longtime adepts will celebrate the event with offerings of smoke, brandy, and endless dancing.

Great Rock Steady Vocals on this one from the don of Rock Steady, Alton Ellis.

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

Two essential Rocksteady cuts from the undisputed don of the era, Alton Ellis. A premium series of limited edition Japanese pressed 7"s - featuring unreleased and impossibly hard to find gems from the Duke Reid archives.

Debut album from Toronto based singer who unleashes a dozen tracks of 90's style ska-punk for fans of Dance Hall Crashers or Save Ferris. Guests inc Tara from Half Past TWO and Aaron Barrett & Scott from Reel BIG Fish. Nice bright yellow vinyl with insert.

Recorded live in one of France's largest rock music festivals during the Back To Black Tour. Outstanding performance, top shape. Amy Winehouse made people rethink music.

Emmanuel Rodriguez (Rico), was born in La Habana, Cuba, on October 17th 1934. He was one of the most important trombone players from Jamaica. He learned to play trombone at Alpha Boys School, the music school from where most of the best Jamaican musicians has come from, such as Johnny Moore, Yellowman, Lester Sterling or Roland Alphonso. His tutor was another pupil, Don Drummond, who later was one of the biggest Ska musicians. Rico continued his musical training at Stoney Hill Music school and joined the Rastafari culture of Wareika Hills along with drummer Count Ossie. Jazz influence was decisive his style, as well as the Cuban music from the 50’s. On 1961 he moved to the UK where he joined some reggae bands. On 1976 he recorded with Island Records his most important album: Man From Wareika. During the 70’s he joined the 2 Tone movement, being part of The Specials. From 1996, besides of other projects, was a member of Jools Holland's Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. On August 2015, being 80 years old, Rico Rodriguez entered in the hospital in London, after some time of convalescence, he passed away on Friday September 4th 2015 at, nearly, 81 years old. Andrés ‘Ska Beat’ Cotter is a well known bass player and producer, born in Buenos Aires in 1971. From 17th years old has been been playing Ska and Reggae, being founder of bands such as Riddim, Satélite Kingston and Ska Beat City. In this record Andrés Cotter, along with the prestigious Argentinian trombone player Bebe Ferreyra, decides to pay tribute to the great Rico Rodriguez in a Big Band format. They have selected four tunes from Rico’s repertoire, with some of the best local musicians, having as result 15 minutes of the highest musical level.

Get ready for a musical revolution! The Antwerp Gipsy Ska Orkestra is back, and this time, they're turning the music world upside down with their electrifying new album, "Revolution (Never Has Been Simple)." This groundbreaking project, produced by the modern genius Lunaman, features an infusion of new energy and talent with the remarkable addition of 18-year-old sensation Ramadan Sali, who has been a fan of the band since the tender age of three. But before we dive into the future, let's take a moment to appreciate the rich history of the Antwerp Gipsy Ska Orkestra.

A Journey Through Time and Sound: The Antwerp Gipsy Ska Orkestra Story The Antwerp Gipsy Ska Orkestra's journey is a testament to the transformative power of music. Rooted in the vibrant city of Antwerp, Belgium, this innovative collective began its musical voyage decades ago. Their story is one of passion, diversity, and an unshakable commitment to crafting unforgettable sounds.

The band's unique blend of Gypsy and Ska, along with an eclectic mix of world influences, has earned them a dedicated global following. With each album, they pushed the boundaries of musical fusion, forging a path where genres intertwined, creating something entirely unique. Their evolution has been an ongoing exploration of culture, rhythms, and the unifying language of music.

"Revolution (Never Has Been Simple)": A New Era of Sound And now, they're back with "Revolution (Never Has Been Simple)" – a title that perfectly encapsulates their journey. Produced by Lunaman, known for his innovative approach to modern soundscapes, this album is a breath of fresh air for the music world. It's a bold step forward, a revolution of their own creation, and a testament to their constant willingness to reinvent themselves.

Meet the Prodigy: Ramadan Sali But that's not all that makes this album special. The Antwerp Gipsy Ska Orkestra has also welcomed a young prodigy into their ranks: Ramadan Sali. At just 18 years old, he's not only an extraordinary talent but a lifelong fan of the band, having followed their music since he was three years old. His fresh energy and creative spirit have injected new life into the band, making "Revolution" a truly remarkable chapter in their history.

"Revolution (Never Has Been Simple)" Unveiled This album is more than just a collection of songs; it's a testament to the band's enduring spirit, their journey of growth, and their unyielding commitment to the craft of music. The tracks on "Revolution" are a thrilling mix of genres, emotions, and messages. From the high-energy dance anthems to soul-searching ballads, this album encapsulates the complexities of life and the raw power of music to connect with our hearts.

Get Ready for the Revolution! As we eagerly await the release of "Revolution (Never Has Been Simple)," mark your calendars and prepare to join the musical revolution. This album is a testament to the Antwerp Gipsy Ska Orkestra's ongoing legacy, a fusion of the past and the future, and a celebration of the unifying power of music. Stay tuned for release dates, sneak peeks, and all the excitement surrounding this revolutionary musical masterpiece. The Antwerp Gipsy Ska Orkestra is back, and the world is about to witness a "Revolution" like never before!

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.

Number three from series:"Non-Ska bands play Ska" - two band, one single, international.THE BEGGAR BELIEF performs Grey Void, DAY DRINKER presents 1996!Limited to 500 copies, hand numbered.

Limited edition 7" celebrating one of America's top pioneering ska bands. Two covers from the 90s never before on wax: "run Joe" (stranger Cole) and "bring IT ON Home TO ME" (sam Cooke). THE Beatles' "rain" originally on a 1987 Boston comp. Sluggo sleeve art just like their first 45!

This first instrumental project from Equiknoxx Music’s Nick “Bobby Blackbird” Deane, was conceptualized in 2015, after choreographer Liane Williams needed theme music for her dance documentary: “5, 6,7,8 Diaries”. Starting life as a voice note sent to musical partner Gavin “Gavsborg” Blair, the ska tune was fully conceived in Deane’s mind from keys to horns. That sound was almost still born when he met in a near-fatal motor vehicle accident in July, 2015 leaving him hospitalized and bed-ridden for near 3 months.
With time to contemplate the importance of creativity in his life Bobby emerged from recovery determined to bring the song, and watercolour self-portrait to life. While metal pins held the bones in his hand together, Bobby enlisted the talents of friends to record “The Master Blenda” at Anchor Studios in one night. The ensemble featured none other than Grammy nominated Raging Fyah band members: Anthony “ToniDrumz” Watson (drums), Delroy “Pele” Hamilton (bass), Demar “Demz” Gayle (piano), and Courtland “Gizmo” White (guitar). For added authenticity, the Equiknoxx founders called upon keyboard legend Franklyn “Bubbler” Wahl of “The Professionals” fame and Grammy winning horn maestro “Stingwray” who delivered a blazing trumpet solo on top of all horn accompaniments.
Not content with revisiting one classic genre of Jamaican music, the Equiknoxx crew went genuine dub of the track on Side B, dicing the vocals of Exile Di Brave with the reverb-laced punches led by Jordan “Time Cow” Chung, Gavsborg and Bobby Blackbird himself. The track was tied together with a mix from Olo Mothashipp in Warsaw, Poland and mastered by Nick Sinna in Manchester, UK.
The result is a global labour of love and a monument to passion in creative endeavour. Inspired by a dancer, made sound by musicians and painted by the artist: The Master Blenda is true to its name. An artisan’s take on marrying spirits to become more than the sum of their arts. Hopefully Bobby has made the famed Appleton Master Blender (and his former mentor), Dr. Joy Spence proud.

Debut album from Easy Star ALL StarS / THE Scofflaws trombone legend now on clear heavyweight vinyl. Thirteen tracks that range from roots jazz dub, scorching 60's ska and neo-traditional with kitschy vocals. All music was written, played, and programmed by Buford himself! Ltd 250 copies.

Brand new album from Chicago's ska punk powerhouse who deliver a 90s style reminiscent of THE Muffs, Less Than Jake or Dance Hall Crashers. Top shelf vocals from Caitlin Rose who leads the brass-heavy troop through 10 killer high-octane pop punk fueled ska tunes. Random color vinyl. (jump UP)

The Sound of Studio One can be identified by the great singers that it cultivated along the many great songs that these singers released. But as studio 1’s dominance was slowly pulled away by the up and coming new breed of producers many of the artists would inevitably end up working for these new camps and so the songs and singers found a new audience. The reggae sound of the Studio 1 would make a great combination and the man to pull this was together Bunny Lee.
The 1960’s in Jamaica was run by two main factions, Coxsonne’s Studio 1 and Duke Reid’s Treasure Isle. These two leading protagonists saw what some of the other great Sound System men like ‘ Tom The Great Sebastian’ had not taken onboard, that when the tunes they imported began to dry up from the USA, their future lied in producing music. Tunes that suited the musical styles that the people of Jamaica still enjoyed. By the late 1960’s thse supremacy was being challenged by the up and coming new producers on the scene, Lee Perry being one, and the other being ‘Ghost of the Studios’ himself, Bunny Lee. Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee may have inherited the moniker ‘Striker’ from his liking of a particular TV show called ‘The Hitch-Hiker’, but it would soon stand also for the considerable hits he would obtain as he was declared producer of the year in Jamaica in 1969, 1970,1971 and 1972.
For this release, we have compiled many of the great Studio hits that Bunny Lee recorded with the singers that had originally cut at the famed Studio 1. Bunny Lee’s sprinkling of magic over some classic tunes….the sound of Studio 1 backed up this time Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee’s set of star musicians The Aggravators. Proving you can’t keep a good tune down, or a great producer pushing forward…..Bunny Lee strikes back….
Hope you enjoy the set…..

Aggressively Catchy SKA Punk With Proggressive Metal Influences, Uk’s Call ME Malcolm Provides A Stellar 3RD LP Available ON Electric Blue Vinyl Razor-toothed, harmony infused, delicately ferocious ska. British 5-piece Call Me Malcolm exploded onto the Ska Punk scene in 2018 with a record described by ska legends Less Than Jake as "a saving grace of the genre." Malcolm's genre blending mastery and intricate songwriting has since crafted “some of the most special, unique, ambitious music in the punk underground.” (BrooklynVegan) landing them at #8 in Ska Punk Daily’s “Albums of the Decade” and #15 in Brooklyn Vegan’s “Best Punk Albums of 2020” with consecutive releases. 2024 sees the release of Echoes and Ghosts, a 10-track, melodic powerhouse about identity, self, and suicide. Songwriter-in-chief Lucias describes it as “a eulogy for the parts of myself I killed with medication, and a love letter to the silhouette I became.” Call Me Malcolm are the first UK band to sign with Bad Time Records (We Are The Union, Kill Lincoln, JER/Skatune Network) and fit right in with the diverse family of ska-adjacent “New Tone” bands pumping fresh energy into the genre.

About Carl Dawkins

Carl ‘Ras’ Dawkins was born on 1st August 1948 in Spanish Town, Jamaica, the son of a Jazz drummer… After moving to Kinston, young Carl attended Kingston Senior School where his classmates included the great Slim Smith and Jimmy Riley, two of the former “Techniques”. In 1967, at the tender age of 19, Carl recorded for Karl ‘J.J.’ Johnson some of his original compositions including ‘cBaby I Love You’, ‘Running Shoes’ and ‘Hard Time’ with the Carib Beats as a musical backing band. ‘Baby I Love You’ with ‘Hard Time’ on the flip were subsequently issued on two Johnson’s labels (JJ Records, Sir J.J.) in 1967 in Jamaica and on the Rio label (a Doctor Bird subsidiary) in UK the same year. While ‘Baby I Love You’ was popular, it was the great ‘Hard Time’ that propelled the single to the top of the Jamaican charts. After a spell in prison for possession of marijuana, Carl recorded a collection of singles for producers such as Clancy Eccles, Lee Perry and Leslie Kong. He returned to JJ and found success again in 1970, when he recorded one of that year’s best-selling singles, the superb ‘Satisfaction’, swiftly followed by two other major hits the same year, ‘Get Together’ and ‘This Land’ which sold heavily despite being banned by the government for its hard-hitting lyrics on the state of Jamaica at the time. During the 70s he recorded one album for Harry J - “Bumpity Road” - and many great singles for a variety of record labels and producers before gradually withdrawing from the scene during the 80s. Many years later, Carl is still very much loved by its many fans around the world. He is rightly considered being one of Reggae's all-time greatest vocalists…

About This Release

This killer double sider is the first reissue of two super rare and outstanding tracks by the great Carl Dawkins. Both tracks have never been reissued until now.

The very much in demand “I’ll Make It Up” was previously released as B side to One Dollar Of Music on Duke Du-3 in 1968. On the B side, the brilliant “Hot And Sticky” was previously released on Rio R138 in 1967.

Both tracks were produced by the Jamaican reggae producer, J.J. Johnson who ran two record labels Sir J. J. and JJ Records from his Kingston shop on Orange Street, next door to Beverley's Records, where he was shot dead in 1972.

NEW This Week Specialized charity album featuring 16 top bands covering the best 2-tone ska from Madness, THE Specials, Bodysnatchers, Selecter, Beat, BAD Manners & more. Inc BIM Skala BIM, Rude BOY George, Boss Riot, THE Fuss, Crombies, Prizefighters, THE Crombies, Scotch Bonnets & more.

The second one of this collection: "Non-Ska bands play Ska" - two band, one single, international.On split number two, Berlin's punk'n'rollers CHURCH OF CONFIDENCE meet up with the Swiss CHICKEN RELOADED from Biel/Bienne, who also produce kickin' punk'n'roll as their main job. CHURCH skank their way through the exclusive "Lowlife", CR transform the "Combat Playground" into an offbeat zone with a lush horn section on the flipside.Limited to 500 copies, hand numbered.

Debut album from Indiana ska band formed by the members of 90's legends Johnny Socko. Anthemic rock infused ska & reggae that harkens back to the heyday of the American third wave, with catchy lyrics and big horns. Limited edition clear blue vinyl limited to 250 copies.

In 2020, Cosmic Shuffling took the global rocksteady and ska scene by storm with its hit singles ‘Eastern Ska’ and ‘Short Break’ taken from the band first album “Magic Rocket Ship”. Highly acclaimed by the fans of sixties Jamaican sounds, this first album was sold out in a few weeks only. Now the band returns with brand new music!

Warning! This is original SKA music of the highest calibre. This new double A side 7” record will set the dancefloor on fire. ’jupiter’s Garden’ is an heavy, slow and extremely groovy instrumental ska blown by a six-piece horns section. It is instantly reminiscent of Don Drummond's melancholic compositions with The Skatalites. The music made by these Jamaican legends in the sixties will never be equalled, but Cosmic Shuffling pays a striking tribute to the style and sound of the Greats. Ready to take off on an outerspace dancing journey?

On the flip side, ‘asteroid Field I’ continues the journey through a zone of intense turbulence: the tempo becomes fiercer, the chords move away from traditional harmonies and the virtuoso soloists display their talent one after the other. All of this on a frenzied rhythm worthy of The Soul Brothers.

You can’t miss this record. Double scorcher. Double fireball. Available on 7” vinyl record with pantone silver ink label. Limited screen printed and numbered sleeves edition of 90 copies!

Debut single from ska infused swingy rhythm & blues all star band with lead vocalist John Bunkley of Gangster FUN and Atomic Fireballs fame. Two jams pleasing the jump blues crowd, big horns call-and-response lyrics and some innuendo! "jumpin AT THE RED Door" b/c "fifth OF You". Big hole white wax.

Debut album from Chicago's 2-TONE ska champs available on limited edition cassette. Fans of THE SPECIALS, MADNESS, or THE BEAT will dig. B&W 2-TONE style sleeve & shell. Includes versions of NINEY's "BLOOD & FIRE", PRINCE BUSTER's "WASH WASH", BILLY BRAGG "LEVI STUBBS TEARS" and more. Ltd 200.

Original limited edition vinyl - 200 copies

NEW Dani hit the scene w/SOUL Radics in 2012, releasing several LPs & EPs of blistering ska, reggae, and rocksteady full of gritty soul. In 2019 her comeback began entering the studio with NYC's THE Slackers, resulting in 5 songs contained on this red vinyl 10" mini-LP w/bonus poster.

Spanish ska-Oi! band Decibelios were initially around from 1980 to 1990 and they released a handful of albums during that decade. They returned in 2014 with a new album and tour. Recorded live 25.02.2017 in Texcoco, Mexico at the "Festival Comunion Punk & Skin". Limited edition of 300 copies with printed innersleeve and CD of the complete concert.

UK SKA Classic Originally ON THE Unicorn Label From 1988. Finally Reissued Thanks TO MAD Butcher!

The ‘best band in the world’ finally caves and releases an EP of instant ska-punk classic On limited “bone” colored vinyl “Devon Kay & The Solutions are extremely talented musicians. While their music is always tight and composed, they complement amazing musicianship with clever songwriting, humor, and self-deprecation. The band’s combination of talent and chemistry makes everything they do so damn good. Sure, the songs on this EP are technically ska, but they’re so much more. Each song has a certain gravitas because this band has so much to give.” Dane Jackson, Bearded Gentleman The indestructible indie-punk ensemble helmed by Devon Kay (Direct Hit!) has released a bevy of emotionally gut-wrenching, honest, and raw hits... now they’ve deicded to throw all of that in the trash and make a SKA EP. But in all seriousness, this EP does nothing if not show the true range of the band... they take a traditional ska punk formula, inject it with their signature flair for emotionally open songwriting, and what comes out is a batch of unforgettable songs regardless of genre. Devon Kay & The Solutions more than prove that they can work within the confines of ska on this EP... they transcend it, reminding you that they might

Personal revision of the well-known bolero, in which Drop Collective, the band from Barcelona fuses with their usual ska-jazz mastery, sounds of the two Antillean islands in a version that will surely become a classic.After their album "Come Shine" (2021, Brixton Records) DROP COLLECTIVE dares to revisit the immortal bolero, composed by the Cuban Miguel Matamoros, of which there have been so many versions. Although the band prefers to record their own-penned songs, this is an arrangement that the band is very fond of and is part of their live repertoire, so they couldn't resist.In October 2018 DROP COLLECTIVE were invited to perform at the 50th anniversary of the BCN Jazz Fest which paid tribute to Bebo Valdés and, at the same time, they were given an ambitious task: to do a version of "Lágrimas Negras" inspired by the one made by the Cuban pianist himself. Daniel Ferruz, the band's keyboardist, took on the challenge of making the arrangement with the initial difficulty of the personality that Valdés' version already has. He confesses that he was afraid to change things, but finally he decided to give it a roots reggae approach, but with more rocker spaces. He kept the sax solo and lyrics intact, and introduced a novel reharmonization at the end. The result is spectacular, the band from Barcelona fuses with their usual ska-jazz mastery, sounds of the two Antillean islands in a version that will surely become a classic.The recording was made at La Panchita Studio (Barcelona) and the B-side includes a dub version of the song by the dub wizard Chalart 58.

Frontline is the 9th studio album by Dub Pistols. Chief rabble-rousers & festival favourites, the band are known for their veritable feast of jump-up party-starting sounds, melding dub, reggae, dancehall, ska & DnB into an irresistible tonic that has seen them amass a merry band of Pistoleros across the world.

For this chapter, they are joined by a stellar band of featured artists including both legendary & award-winning collaborators such as Horseman, Top Cat, The Freestylers, Myki Tuff and Chezidek alongside long-term Posse members The Ragga Twins, Lindy Layton, Natty Campbell, King Yoof and Cheshire Cat, and regular Dub Pistol frontman Seanie T.

So, saddle up and join the gang, it's time to ride to the Frontline!

Frontline is the 9th studio album by Dub Pistols. Chief rabble-rousers & festival favourites, the band are known for their veritable feast of jump-up party-starting sounds, melding dub, reggae, dancehall, ska & DnB into an irresistible tonic that has seen them amass a merry band of Pistoleros across the world.

For this chapter, they are joined by a stellar band of featured artists including both legendary & award-winning collaborators such as Horseman, Top Cat, The Freestylers, Myki Tuff and Chezidek alongside long-term Posse members The Ragga Twins, Lindy Layton, Natty Campbell, King Yoof and Cheshire Cat, and regular Dub Pistol frontman Seanie T.

So, saddle up and join the gang, it's time to ride to the Frontline!

The A side is an unreleased Uptempo Ska Vocal cut with a fire 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.

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

Brand new album from Washington DC ska-jazz legends, who are regulars on the European ska/reggae festival scene. Twelve tracks of uptempo scorching instrumental ska, laid back soulful vocal rocksteady and reggae vibes. Includes new versions of their "the Dragon" 7 inch. Red vinyl.

Washington DC's messengers of ska-jazz are back with their first new studio album since 2010. Their signature sound of bop jazz, Jamaican ska, blended with soul and reggae is intact - and has made them a perennial touring act all across Europe. Includes their cover version of SAM COOKE's "CHANGE IS GONNA COME".