[.ca] Studio One Rockers

From Amazon.com:
Bringing together the original cuts of classic tracks such as "Skylarking" and Dawn Penn's instantly recognizable "No, No, No," Studio One Rockers showcases not only the talents of influential artists that were to become synonymous with reggae but also the styles, sounds, and, above all, rhythms that were to dominate Kingston studios into the 1970s and beyond. There are a number of rock-steady classics (hence the name), with tracks like Hammond-Organ maestro Jackie Mittoo's "Hot Milk" and the legendary Marcia Griffiths's "Feel Like Jumping" highlighting the then-dramatic change in style away from the faster beats of ska towards heavy, bass-led tracks with a much slower tempo. But Studio One Rockers is not restricted to this. The semi-instrumental track "Phoenix City" pounds along at a breakneck pace with trumpets belting and, along with "Greedy G," shows the importance a faster beat, a funky take, or a big-band sound also had within the Studio One fold. There are tracks from DJs like Lone Ranger with his "Badder Dan Dem" vocal rhythms and dancehall sounds. Roots artists include one of its biggest stars, Horace Andy, whose then unique falsetto was later emulated by many looking for a similar pop success. Then a preteen, reggae star Freddy McGregor also appears on "Bobby Babylon." Freddy, like many of the artists here, was to produce some of his best work under the watchful eye of Studio One's equally famous producer--Clement "Coxsone" Dodd. In many ways a tribute to Coxsone's production skills and rhythms that continue to be rediscovered and recut, Studio One Rockers is essential listening for anyone with even a passing interest in Jamaican music. --Caroline Butler

Chronique amazon.fr:
Après le succès de la série des compilations 100 % Dynamite, Soul Jazz Records s'aventure maintenant dans l'antre du plus important des labels de reggae, à savoir Studio One, créé par Clément "Coxsone" Dodd, alors leader d'un des meilleurs soundsystems de toute la Jamaïque, nous sommes au début des années 60. Studio One Rockers couvre tous les courants affiliés au reggae : le ska avec "Phoenix City" par exemple, "Feel Like Jumping" de Marcia Griffiths pour le rock steady, le dancehall avec les artistes Freddy Mc Gregor, Michigan & Smiley, mais aussi roots avec le titre "Truth and rights" de Johnny Osbourne. Pour la 1re fois, Soul Jazz Records compile certains des plus grands standards de Studio One du début du reggae, en 1962, quand les Skatalites développaient un nouveau son dérivé du ska, jusqu'à aujourd'hui. Du légendaire "No,No,No" de Dawn Penn aux classique "Skylarking" d'Horace Andy, voici donc un plaisant retour aux sources, pour découvrir ou redécouvrir les originaux de certains airs bien connus, ou simplement apprécier une sélection old-school incontournable. --Luc Demont

a real find:
MMMM. After I had thought that I had acquired all the good studio one stuff, I took a chance on this and was duly rewarded. Some familiar stuff (to me, at least), such as Johnny Osbourne, the Skatalites, but it mixes in nicely. For those who aren't familiar, the best way I can think of to describe Johnny Osbourne's sound is Marvin Gaye singing reggae. That same silky smooth voice and enormous range, backed by a soulful organ and floating tempo. This track is a good example of his sound and a true classic. The Skatellites use a lot of horns and are largely instrumental. But classic. More of a choogling, ska-type beat (ie faster) than Osbourne. The Phoenix City song on this album has got to be my favorite Skatalites song - and that's really saying something, because they have made a lot of classic tracks. Similar for Horace Andy - probably my new favorite Horace Andy song. This track does not have much of his trademark screeching and instead has him singing much more like an early Jimmy Cliff style (circa the harder they come). Dawn Penn's track is smooth, sultry and a godsend. I played this at a bar and most of the patrons asked who it was. Almost recalls something by the Cowboy Junkies or Mazzy Star in terms of the vocal style. Just beautiful. Other high points are the Freddie MacGregor & Lennie Hibbert tracks. All in all, the only track I'm not completely sold on is the crabwalking track by Prince Jazzbo, simply because its just rapping over the Horace Andy track and the cuts aren't all that crisp. But a lot of other people would probably like it.

The Cover Says It All:
So, I'm in the record store a while back picking through the same ol' stuff. I was getting frustrated because I felt like all I ever do is look at the same thing over and over without new results. Since I practically live for music, you can imagine how frustrating it is to come to a dead end with music experiences. Especially knowing there is more out there than you've been exposed to so far. On my honeymoon to the islands I became fairly familiar with reggae. Mind you, I'm not an expert by any means. Every cab driver there listened to reggae. I couldn't believe how nice the cabs were and how much money they put into their stereos. Anyway, they all listened to reggae. It was my first real exposure to the music, but it really gave me something to associate it with. Since that time I have been a huge fan. This collection of artists is a great one. The first time I ever heard it, it took me back to the islands immediately. It was everything I was looking for. I needed it, too. I had hit a dead end with the music I was listening to. I had been begging for a new genre to experience. Reggae seemed perfect. Needless to say, as I was in the store, a friend of mine recommended this album and proceeded to give me some of the history behind it. As I listened, I briefly perused the back cover to see how many songs and artists were on the compilation. Enough to keep me busy for a while. I have since searched for many of the artists on this album with great results. I really owe a lot to this album. I really owe a lot to reggae. It showed me a new side to music when I really needed it. The album starts off with "Real Rock" by Soul Dimension. This song has one of the thickest reggae sounds I've heard. Immediately you know that this album is going to take a lot of stress away. Next is the wonderful song by Marcia Griffiths titled "Feeling Like Jumping." There is also an appearance by the great Horace Andy. I have been familiar with some of his dub work. "Truth and Rights" by Johnny Osborne is one of my favorites on the album. Probably my favorite. For a moment you might think it's The Fugees. If you are into reggae or are looking for something that might get you into it, I would recommed this compilation. It has some of the greatest songs. Put this on after school or work on Friday afternoon and enjoy life. You could put it on anytime and get the same feeling. Friday afternoon just happens to be my favorite time of the week.

Skankable !:
This is a collection of storming classic's cut for Clement " Coxsone " Dodd's legendary Studio One record label ( the most important label in Jamaica's history ) . The Ska , Rocksteady , organ driven instrumentals , Roots Reggae , and DJ-ing that are represented on this disc will have you skanking around your living room floor , such is the dancability of all the tracks . Any record that contains seminal tracks like Marcia Griffiths - " Feel Like Jumping " , Johnny Osbourne's - " Truth And Rights " , Michigan and Smiley's - " Eye Of Danger " , Dawn Penn's classic - " No , No , No " , and Cedric Brooks majestic - " Ethiopia " , has to be a must buy cd . It also comes with a nice booklet that has an interview with the great man himself , Mr C.S. Dodd . I'd also recommend the Dynamite series of reggae compilations released on the Soul Jazz label , as they are also essential .

Greatness is found only when your not looking for it!:
I was at my local Vinyl shop(thats pretty much where I am at all times anyway)and I was done buying my wax just about to leave when out of nowhere i saw this green box set and it was calling my name saying "hey bouy com and took a look at dis" and well i picked it up and I saw the allstar line up and after listening to it....I was sold. Almost flawless in my opinion and it still has that old school sound and vibe that just hardly exists anymore. I definitely recommend this album, but I've looked around and this thing is no where to be found. Bottom line... If you can find it BUY IT!!

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