Ska La-Rama (RSD 2023)

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 coloured 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.

Tracklist

Side A
1. Lyn Taitt & The Comets – Skalarama (The Magnificent Seven Theme)
2. The Zodiacs & The Baba Brooks Band – Renegade
3. Derrick Morgan – Around the Corner
4. The Movers – Jo Ann
5. Justin Hinds & The Dominoes – Verona (Take 3)
6. Stranger Cole & Baba Brooks & His Band – Run Joe
7. The Silvertones & Tommy McCook & The Supersonics – My True Confession /

Side B
1. The Zodiacs – I Can't Do the Ska (Take 2)
2. Lyn Taitt & Baba Brooks & His Band – Forty Miles of Bad Road (Take 2)
3. The Spanishtonians – You Wish Me Bad
4. Lyn Taitt & The Comets – Storm Warning (Take 3)
5. The Movers – Oh Misery (Take 1)
6. Ernest Ranglin & Baba Brooks & His Band – Western Flyer (Road to Nowhere) / 7. The Zodiacs – Wake Me, Shake Me (Take 1)