Some of the best ska money can buy..., 11 Jan 2006
This is a collection of original Jamaican ska recorded between about 1963 and 1965, mostly produced by Clement "Coxsone" Dodd at Studio One, but also including a few tracks produced by his rival, Duke Reid. Most of it consists of instrumentals, but there are a number of vocal tracks included.
Crediting the whole album to The Skatalites is slightly misleading, as some tracks were recorded before their brief original existence as a band between June 1964 and August 1965, and the vocal tracks were issued under the names of the singers or groups in question; some of the instrumentals were also originally issued under the names of featured musicians. But this is in no way a criticism of the contents.
The sound quality is very good throughout, a rare treat with reissues of Jamaican recordings of the mid-60s (and later) which have often suffered from poor mastering.
The booklet is one of the most interesting and informative for a release of this kind, with information on line-ups and soloists on individual tracks as well as a number of fascinating anecdotes and commentaries on the tunes related by surviving musicians.
But most importantly, this is a really strong collection of ska, so much so that it's difficult to identify stand-out tracks. Too often these kind of compilations fall victim to a trainspotter mentality and include tunes whose only distinction is their rarity. There is none of that here and there isn't a tune on the whole album not worthy of reissue - and some ARE sufficiently rare to make collectors salivate. But they're good too. For anyone looking for a good place to start with original Jamaican ska, this is one of the best compilations available.

Some of the best ska money can buy..., 11 Jan 2006
This is a collection of original Jamaican ska recorded between about 1963 and 1965, mostly produced by Clement "Coxsone" Dodd at Studio One, but also including a few tracks produced by his rival, Duke Reid. Most of it consists of instrumentals, but there are a number of vocal tracks included.
Crediting the whole album to The Skatalites is slightly misleading, as some tracks were recorded before their brief original existence as a band between June 1964 and August 1965, and the vocal tracks were issued under the names of the singers or groups in question; some of the instrumentals were also originally issued under the names of featured musicians. But this is in no way a criticism of the contents.
The sound quality is very good throughout, a rare treat with reissues of Jamaican recordings of the mid-60s (and later) which have often suffered from poor mastering.
The booklet is one of the most interesting and informative for a release of this kind, with information on line-ups and soloists on individual tracks as well as a number of fascinating anecdotes and commentaries on the tunes related by surviving musicians.
But most importantly, this is a really strong collection of ska, so much so that it's difficult to identify stand-out tracks. Too often these kind of compilations fall victim to a trainspotter mentality and include tunes whose only distinction is their rarity. There is none of that here and there isn't a tune on the whole album not worthy of reissue - and some ARE sufficiently rare to make collectors salivate. But they're good too. For anyone looking for a good place to start with original Jamaican ska, this is one of the best compilations available.

best dub album I own, 07 Jan 2008
Hopefully you are aware of the songs, or they style of them, so I need not go into detail. They are all excellent. What makes this release so unique are the analogue recording techniques used and the resulting tonal quality - it is engineered by King Tubby and Lee Perry at the height of his powers. I have not heard anything quite like it. Lloyd Brevett excels throughout on double bass, and the overall sound is very organic and full.

The sleeve notes are also comprehensive and thorough, and reveal a who's who of Jamaican musicians, engineers and studios involved.

I would say it's the best dub album I own.

The Skatalites' return to a major label was long overdue. For a band whose original incarnation had only lasted 14 months in the 1960s, their influence had been tremendous. Resurrected in 1983, these days they were definitely jazzers with a ska beat. Ball of Fire was made up of old Skatalites material, all reinterpreted by a band that included four founder members, and it taught a lesson in sophistication and swing to all aspiring ska instrumentalists. Everything had a groove, the solos were fluent and never self-indulgent. In other words, it was everything they ever aspired to be, and glorious fun, too. --Chris Nickson

Some of the best ska money can buy..., 11 Jan 2006
This is a collection of original Jamaican ska recorded between about 1963 and 1965, mostly produced by Clement "Coxsone" Dodd at Studio One, but also including a few tracks produced by his rival, Duke Reid. Most of it consists of instrumentals, but there are a number of vocal tracks included.
Crediting the whole album to The Skatalites is slightly misleading, as some tracks were recorded before their brief original existence as a band between June 1964 and August 1965, and the vocal tracks were issued under the names of the singers or groups in question; some of the instrumentals were also originally issued under the names of featured musicians. But this is in no way a criticism of the contents.
The sound quality is very good throughout, a rare treat with reissues of Jamaican recordings of the mid-60s (and later) which have often suffered from poor mastering.
The booklet is one of the most interesting and informative for a release of this kind, with information on line-ups and soloists on individual tracks as well as a number of fascinating anecdotes and commentaries on the tunes related by surviving musicians.
But most importantly, this is a really strong collection of ska, so much so that it's difficult to identify stand-out tracks. Too often these kind of compilations fall victim to a trainspotter mentality and include tunes whose only distinction is their rarity. There is none of that here and there isn't a tune on the whole album not worthy of reissue - and some ARE sufficiently rare to make collectors salivate. But they're good too. For anyone looking for a good place to start with original Jamaican ska, this is one of the best compilations available.

best dub album I own, 07 Jan 2008
Hopefully you are aware of the songs, or they style of them, so I need not go into detail. They are all excellent. What makes this release so unique are the analogue recording techniques used and the resulting tonal quality - it is engineered by King Tubby and Lee Perry at the height of his powers. I have not heard anything quite like it. Lloyd Brevett excels throughout on double bass, and the overall sound is very organic and full.

The sleeve notes are also comprehensive and thorough, and reveal a who's who of Jamaican musicians, engineers and studios involved.

I would say it's the best dub album I own.

Kitty Kat, 11 Jan 2005
The double album covers tracks that Kat has written/co-written for her various bands/projects. You have songs from the various Babes In Toyland incarnations including DUST CAKE BOY and BRUISE VIOLET. And from her current band Katastrophy Wife tracks such as GIT GO and LIBERTY BELL. Very comprehensive. Also, some quite rare tracks, including an early Sugarbabylon version of THE QUIET ROOM, with Courtney Love on vocals. An instrumental version of this, later appeared on the Babes' Fontanelle album. Also, an Italian Whorenuns version of ICECREAM AND CIGARETTES (with Janis Tanaka on bass, now L7 bassist), which again has been re-recorded with Katastrophy Wife. And the packaging is fab. You have liner notes from Thurston Moore, Kathleen Hanna, Everette True and Lydia Lunch, all praising the fabulous Ms. B. There are excellent photos on the sleeves and the best thing, is that the vinyl is coloured. One red and one white (to go with the writing on the Album cover). Excellent.

Some of the best ska money can buy..., 11 Jan 2006
This is a collection of original Jamaican ska recorded between about 1963 and 1965, mostly produced by Clement "Coxsone" Dodd at Studio One, but also including a few tracks produced by his rival, Duke Reid. Most of it consists of instrumentals, but there are a number of vocal tracks included.
Crediting the whole album to The Skatalites is slightly misleading, as some tracks were recorded before their brief original existence as a band between June 1964 and August 1965, and the vocal tracks were issued under the names of the singers or groups in question; some of the instrumentals were also originally issued under the names of featured musicians. But this is in no way a criticism of the contents.
The sound quality is very good throughout, a rare treat with reissues of Jamaican recordings of the mid-60s (and later) which have often suffered from poor mastering.
The booklet is one of the most interesting and informative for a release of this kind, with information on line-ups and soloists on individual tracks as well as a number of fascinating anecdotes and commentaries on the tunes related by surviving musicians.
But most importantly, this is a really strong collection of ska, so much so that it's difficult to identify stand-out tracks. Too often these kind of compilations fall victim to a trainspotter mentality and include tunes whose only distinction is their rarity. There is none of that here and there isn't a tune on the whole album not worthy of reissue - and some ARE sufficiently rare to make collectors salivate. But they're good too. For anyone looking for a good place to start with original Jamaican ska, this is one of the best compilations available.

best dub album I own, 07 Jan 2008
Hopefully you are aware of the songs, or they style of them, so I need not go into detail. They are all excellent. What makes this release so unique are the analogue recording techniques used and the resulting tonal quality - it is engineered by King Tubby and Lee Perry at the height of his powers. I have not heard anything quite like it. Lloyd Brevett excels throughout on double bass, and the overall sound is very organic and full.

The sleeve notes are also comprehensive and thorough, and reveal a who's who of Jamaican musicians, engineers and studios involved.

I would say it's the best dub album I own.

Kitty Kat, 11 Jan 2005
The double album covers tracks that Kat has written/co-written for her various bands/projects. You have songs from the various Babes In Toyland incarnations including DUST CAKE BOY and BRUISE VIOLET. And from her current band Katastrophy Wife tracks such as GIT GO and LIBERTY BELL. Very comprehensive. Also, some quite rare tracks, including an early Sugarbabylon version of THE QUIET ROOM, with Courtney Love on vocals. An instrumental version of this, later appeared on the Babes' Fontanelle album. Also, an Italian Whorenuns version of ICECREAM AND CIGARETTES (with Janis Tanaka on bass, now L7 bassist), which again has been re-recorded with Katastrophy Wife. And the packaging is fab. You have liner notes from Thurston Moore, Kathleen Hanna, Everette True and Lydia Lunch, all praising the fabulous Ms. B. There are excellent photos on the sleeves and the best thing, is that the vinyl is coloured. One red and one white (to go with the writing on the Album cover). Excellent.

the skatalites' finest moment, 21 Apr 2006
my favourite tracks are confucious and chinatown - the names are very apt for the skatalites' sound as a whole - with echoes of an oriental minor key.

i've been listening to most of these tracks at "gaz's rockin blues" for 20 years without knowing their titles - and today i found them out, thanks to the "lucky kitty radio show" (both of which can be found online)...and i'm now placing an order for this fantastic album.

Top Ska, 14 Nov 2004
This compilation of Top Deck recordings from 1964-65 features the best of Don Drummond and the Skatalites.
Fully rehearsed and well recorded by producer Justin Yap each track is a true ska classic. Absolute favourites are the often sampled Confucius, the terrific Smiling and the driving Chinatown. This cd is quite short (less than 40') but for once I cannot dock a star because this is Top Ska.

The granddaddy's of modern day ska, 23 Mar 2004
The Skatalites are by no doubt the godfathers of ska. Their off-beat guitar rhythms combined with hard-driving bass riffs and unforgettable horn parts shaped and defined early ska. Although there are very few lyrics (a total of five words) this is a "ska-tastic" album. It contains songs recorded with various producers, which gives a nice insight to the industry of the time, as well as a variety of different sounding music.

I would recommend this CD to anyone wishing to discover more about the origins of modern day ska.

Some of the best ska money can buy..., 11 Jan 2006
This is a collection of original Jamaican ska recorded between about 1963 and 1965, mostly produced by Clement "Coxsone" Dodd at Studio One, but also including a few tracks produced by his rival, Duke Reid. Most of it consists of instrumentals, but there are a number of vocal tracks included.
Crediting the whole album to The Skatalites is slightly misleading, as some tracks were recorded before their brief original existence as a band between June 1964 and August 1965, and the vocal tracks were issued under the names of the singers or groups in question; some of the instrumentals were also originally issued under the names of featured musicians. But this is in no way a criticism of the contents.
The sound quality is very good throughout, a rare treat with reissues of Jamaican recordings of the mid-60s (and later) which have often suffered from poor mastering.
The booklet is one of the most interesting and informative for a release of this kind, with information on line-ups and soloists on individual tracks as well as a number of fascinating anecdotes and commentaries on the tunes related by surviving musicians.
But most importantly, this is a really strong collection of ska, so much so that it's difficult to identify stand-out tracks. Too often these kind of compilations fall victim to a trainspotter mentality and include tunes whose only distinction is their rarity. There is none of that here and there isn't a tune on the whole album not worthy of reissue - and some ARE sufficiently rare to make collectors salivate. But they're good too. For anyone looking for a good place to start with original Jamaican ska, this is one of the best compilations available.

best dub album I own, 07 Jan 2008
Hopefully you are aware of the songs, or they style of them, so I need not go into detail. They are all excellent. What makes this release so unique are the analogue recording techniques used and the resulting tonal quality - it is engineered by King Tubby and Lee Perry at the height of his powers. I have not heard anything quite like it. Lloyd Brevett excels throughout on double bass, and the overall sound is very organic and full.

The sleeve notes are also comprehensive and thorough, and reveal a who's who of Jamaican musicians, engineers and studios involved.

I would say it's the best dub album I own.

Kitty Kat, 11 Jan 2005
The double album covers tracks that Kat has written/co-written for her various bands/projects. You have songs from the various Babes In Toyland incarnations including DUST CAKE BOY and BRUISE VIOLET. And from her current band Katastrophy Wife tracks such as GIT GO and LIBERTY BELL. Very comprehensive. Also, some quite rare tracks, including an early Sugarbabylon version of THE QUIET ROOM, with Courtney Love on vocals. An instrumental version of this, later appeared on the Babes' Fontanelle album. Also, an Italian Whorenuns version of ICECREAM AND CIGARETTES (with Janis Tanaka on bass, now L7 bassist), which again has been re-recorded with Katastrophy Wife. And the packaging is fab. You have liner notes from Thurston Moore, Kathleen Hanna, Everette True and Lydia Lunch, all praising the fabulous Ms. B. There are excellent photos on the sleeves and the best thing, is that the vinyl is coloured. One red and one white (to go with the writing on the Album cover). Excellent.

the skatalites' finest moment, 21 Apr 2006
my favourite tracks are confucious and chinatown - the names are very apt for the skatalites' sound as a whole - with echoes of an oriental minor key.

i've been listening to most of these tracks at "gaz's rockin blues" for 20 years without knowing their titles - and today i found them out, thanks to the "lucky kitty radio show" (both of which can be found online)...and i'm now placing an order for this fantastic album.

Top Ska, 14 Nov 2004
This compilation of Top Deck recordings from 1964-65 features the best of Don Drummond and the Skatalites.
Fully rehearsed and well recorded by producer Justin Yap each track is a true ska classic. Absolute favourites are the often sampled Confucius, the terrific Smiling and the driving Chinatown. This cd is quite short (less than 40') but for once I cannot dock a star because this is Top Ska.

The granddaddy's of modern day ska, 23 Mar 2004
The Skatalites are by no doubt the godfathers of ska. Their off-beat guitar rhythms combined with hard-driving bass riffs and unforgettable horn parts shaped and defined early ska. Although there are very few lyrics (a total of five words) this is a "ska-tastic" album. It contains songs recorded with various producers, which gives a nice insight to the industry of the time, as well as a variety of different sounding music.

I would recommend this CD to anyone wishing to discover more about the origins of modern day ska.

Top drawer stuff from the Kings of Ska, 03 Nov 2000
A fine mix of Skatalites tunes and selected tracks from other exponents of the world of ska, including classic tunes such as Rum Bumper's, Goodbye Pretty Darling and Home Home Home. Needless to say, the Skatalites own stuff is of the high quality skanking beat that you come to expect. For those of you in the UK that are tired of the same old ska rereleases (namely 2tone et al) then surely it is time to try out the original tunes that led to the ska revival here at the turn of the seventies.

Anything with the Skatalites name on has got to be superb - need i say more?

Some of the best ska money can buy..., 11 Jan 2006
This is a collection of original Jamaican ska recorded between about 1963 and 1965, mostly produced by Clement "Coxsone" Dodd at Studio One, but also including a few tracks produced by his rival, Duke Reid. Most of it consists of instrumentals, but there are a number of vocal tracks included.
Crediting the whole album to The Skatalites is slightly misleading, as some tracks were recorded before their brief original existence as a band between June 1964 and August 1965, and the vocal tracks were issued under the names of the singers or groups in question; some of the instrumentals were also originally issued under the names of featured musicians. But this is in no way a criticism of the contents.
The sound quality is very good throughout, a rare treat with reissues of Jamaican recordings of the mid-60s (and later) which have often suffered from poor mastering.
The booklet is one of the most interesting and informative for a release of this kind, with information on line-ups and soloists on individual tracks as well as a number of fascinating anecdotes and commentaries on the tunes related by surviving musicians.
But most importantly, this is a really strong collection of ska, so much so that it's difficult to identify stand-out tracks. Too often these kind of compilations fall victim to a trainspotter mentality and include tunes whose only distinction is their rarity. There is none of that here and there isn't a tune on the whole album not worthy of reissue - and some ARE sufficiently rare to make collectors salivate. But they're good too. For anyone looking for a good place to start with original Jamaican ska, this is one of the best compilations available.

best dub album I own, 07 Jan 2008
Hopefully you are aware of the songs, or they style of them, so I need not go into detail. They are all excellent. What makes this release so unique are the analogue recording techniques used and the resulting tonal quality - it is engineered by King Tubby and Lee Perry at the height of his powers. I have not heard anything quite like it. Lloyd Brevett excels throughout on double bass, and the overall sound is very organic and full.

The sleeve notes are also comprehensive and thorough, and reveal a who's who of Jamaican musicians, engineers and studios involved.

I would say it's the best dub album I own.

Kitty Kat, 11 Jan 2005
The double album covers tracks that Kat has written/co-written for her various bands/projects. You have songs from the various Babes In Toyland incarnations including DUST CAKE BOY and BRUISE VIOLET. And from her current band Katastrophy Wife tracks such as GIT GO and LIBERTY BELL. Very comprehensive. Also, some quite rare tracks, including an early Sugarbabylon version of THE QUIET ROOM, with Courtney Love on vocals. An instrumental version of this, later appeared on the Babes' Fontanelle album. Also, an Italian Whorenuns version of ICECREAM AND CIGARETTES (with Janis Tanaka on bass, now L7 bassist), which again has been re-recorded with Katastrophy Wife. And the packaging is fab. You have liner notes from Thurston Moore, Kathleen Hanna, Everette True and Lydia Lunch, all praising the fabulous Ms. B. There are excellent photos on the sleeves and the best thing, is that the vinyl is coloured. One red and one white (to go with the writing on the Album cover). Excellent.

the skatalites' finest moment, 21 Apr 2006
my favourite tracks are confucious and chinatown - the names are very apt for the skatalites' sound as a whole - with echoes of an oriental minor key.

i've been listening to most of these tracks at "gaz's rockin blues" for 20 years without knowing their titles - and today i found them out, thanks to the "lucky kitty radio show" (both of which can be found online)...and i'm now placing an order for this fantastic album.

Top Ska, 14 Nov 2004
This compilation of Top Deck recordings from 1964-65 features the best of Don Drummond and the Skatalites.
Fully rehearsed and well recorded by producer Justin Yap each track is a true ska classic. Absolute favourites are the often sampled Confucius, the terrific Smiling and the driving Chinatown. This cd is quite short (less than 40') but for once I cannot dock a star because this is Top Ska.

The granddaddy's of modern day ska, 23 Mar 2004
The Skatalites are by no doubt the godfathers of ska. Their off-beat guitar rhythms combined with hard-driving bass riffs and unforgettable horn parts shaped and defined early ska. Although there are very few lyrics (a total of five words) this is a "ska-tastic" album. It contains songs recorded with various producers, which gives a nice insight to the industry of the time, as well as a variety of different sounding music.

I would recommend this CD to anyone wishing to discover more about the origins of modern day ska.

Top drawer stuff from the Kings of Ska, 03 Nov 2000
A fine mix of Skatalites tunes and selected tracks from other exponents of the world of ska, including classic tunes such as Rum Bumper's, Goodbye Pretty Darling and Home Home Home. Needless to say, the Skatalites own stuff is of the high quality skanking beat that you come to expect. For those of you in the UK that are tired of the same old ska rereleases (namely 2tone et al) then surely it is time to try out the original tunes that led to the ska revival here at the turn of the seventies.

Anything with the Skatalites name on has got to be superb - need i say more?

Some of the best ska money can buy..., 11 Jan 2006
This is a collection of original Jamaican ska recorded between about 1963 and 1965, mostly produced by Clement "Coxsone" Dodd at Studio One, but also including a few tracks produced by his rival, Duke Reid. Most of it consists of instrumentals, but there are a number of vocal tracks included.
Crediting the whole album to The Skatalites is slightly misleading, as some tracks were recorded before their brief original existence as a band between June 1964 and August 1965, and the vocal tracks were issued under the names of the singers or groups in question; some of the instrumentals were also originally issued under the names of featured musicians. But this is in no way a criticism of the contents.
The sound quality is very good throughout, a rare treat with reissues of Jamaican recordings of the mid-60s (and later) which have often suffered from poor mastering.
The booklet is one of the most interesting and informative for a release of this kind, with information on line-ups and soloists on individual tracks as well as a number of fascinating anecdotes and commentaries on the tunes related by surviving musicians.
But most importantly, this is a really strong collection of ska, so much so that it's difficult to identify stand-out tracks. Too often these kind of compilations fall victim to a trainspotter mentality and include tunes whose only distinction is their rarity. There is none of that here and there isn't a tune on the whole album not worthy of reissue - and some ARE sufficiently rare to make collectors salivate. But they're good too. For anyone looking for a good place to start with original Jamaican ska, this is one of the best compilations available.

Some of the best ska money can buy..., 11 Jan 2006
This is a collection of original Jamaican ska recorded between about 1963 and 1965, mostly produced by Clement "Coxsone" Dodd at Studio One, but also including a few tracks produced by his rival, Duke Reid. Most of it consists of instrumentals, but there are a number of vocal tracks included.
Crediting the whole album to The Skatalites is slightly misleading, as some tracks were recorded before their brief original existence as a band between June 1964 and August 1965, and the vocal tracks were issued under the names of the singers or groups in question; some of the instrumentals were also originally issued under the names of featured musicians. But this is in no way a criticism of the contents.
The sound quality is very good throughout, a rare treat with reissues of Jamaican recordings of the mid-60s (and later) which have often suffered from poor mastering.
The booklet is one of the most interesting and informative for a release of this kind, with information on line-ups and soloists on individual tracks as well as a number of fascinating anecdotes and commentaries on the tunes related by surviving musicians.
But most importantly, this is a really strong collection of ska, so much so that it's difficult to identify stand-out tracks. Too often these kind of compilations fall victim to a trainspotter mentality and include tunes whose only distinction is their rarity. There is none of that here and there isn't a tune on the whole album not worthy of reissue - and some ARE sufficiently rare to make collectors salivate. But they're good too. For anyone looking for a good place to start with original Jamaican ska, this is one of the best compilations available.

best dub album I own, 07 Jan 2008
Hopefully you are aware of the songs, or they style of them, so I need not go into detail. They are all excellent. What makes this release so unique are the analogue recording techniques used and the resulting tonal quality - it is engineered by King Tubby and Lee Perry at the height of his powers. I have not heard anything quite like it. Lloyd Brevett excels throughout on double bass, and the overall sound is very organic and full.

The sleeve notes are also comprehensive and thorough, and reveal a who's who of Jamaican musicians, engineers and studios involved.

I would say it's the best dub album I own.

Kitty Kat, 11 Jan 2005
The double album covers tracks that Kat has written/co-written for her various bands/projects. You have songs from the various Babes In Toyland incarnations including DUST CAKE BOY and BRUISE VIOLET. And from her current band Katastrophy Wife tracks such as GIT GO and LIBERTY BELL. Very comprehensive. Also, some quite rare tracks, including an early Sugarbabylon version of THE QUIET ROOM, with Courtney Love on vocals. An instrumental version of this, later appeared on the Babes' Fontanelle album. Also, an Italian Whorenuns version of ICECREAM AND CIGARETTES (with Janis Tanaka on bass, now L7 bassist), which again has been re-recorded with Katastrophy Wife. And the packaging is fab. You have liner notes from Thurston Moore, Kathleen Hanna, Everette True and Lydia Lunch, all praising the fabulous Ms. B. There are excellent photos on the sleeves and the best thing, is that the vinyl is coloured. One red and one white (to go with the writing on the Album cover). Excellent.

the skatalites' finest moment, 21 Apr 2006
my favourite tracks are confucious and chinatown - the names are very apt for the skatalites' sound as a whole - with echoes of an oriental minor key.

i've been listening to most of these tracks at "gaz's rockin blues" for 20 years without knowing their titles - and today i found them out, thanks to the "lucky kitty radio show" (both of which can be found online)...and i'm now placing an order for this fantastic album.

Top Ska, 14 Nov 2004
This compilation of Top Deck recordings from 1964-65 features the best of Don Drummond and the Skatalites.
Fully rehearsed and well recorded by producer Justin Yap each track is a true ska classic. Absolute favourites are the often sampled Confucius, the terrific Smiling and the driving Chinatown. This cd is quite short (less than 40') but for once I cannot dock a star because this is Top Ska.

The granddaddy's of modern day ska, 23 Mar 2004
The Skatalites are by no doubt the godfathers of ska. Their off-beat guitar rhythms combined with hard-driving bass riffs and unforgettable horn parts shaped and defined early ska. Although there are very few lyrics (a total of five words) this is a "ska-tastic" album. It contains songs recorded with various producers, which gives a nice insight to the industry of the time, as well as a variety of different sounding music.

I would recommend this CD to anyone wishing to discover more about the origins of modern day ska.

Top drawer stuff from the Kings of Ska, 03 Nov 2000
A fine mix of Skatalites tunes and selected tracks from other exponents of the world of ska, including classic tunes such as Rum Bumper's, Goodbye Pretty Darling and Home Home Home. Needless to say, the Skatalites own stuff is of the high quality skanking beat that you come to expect. For those of you in the UK that are tired of the same old ska rereleases (namely 2tone et al) then surely it is time to try out the original tunes that led to the ska revival here at the turn of the seventies.

Anything with the Skatalites name on has got to be superb - need i say more?

Some of the best ska money can buy..., 11 Jan 2006
This is a collection of original Jamaican ska recorded between about 1963 and 1965, mostly produced by Clement "Coxsone" Dodd at Studio One, but also including a few tracks produced by his rival, Duke Reid. Most of it consists of instrumentals, but there are a number of vocal tracks included.
Crediting the whole album to The Skatalites is slightly misleading, as some tracks were recorded before their brief original existence as a band between June 1964 and August 1965, and the vocal tracks were issued under the names of the singers or groups in question; some of the instrumentals were also originally issued under the names of featured musicians. But this is in no way a criticism of the contents.
The sound quality is very good throughout, a rare treat with reissues of Jamaican recordings of the mid-60s (and later) which have often suffered from poor mastering.
The booklet is one of the most interesting and informative for a release of this kind, with information on line-ups and soloists on individual tracks as well as a number of fascinating anecdotes and commentaries on the tunes related by surviving musicians.
But most importantly, this is a really strong collection of ska, so much so that it's difficult to identify stand-out tracks. Too often these kind of compilations fall victim to a trainspotter mentality and include tunes whose only distinction is their rarity. There is none of that here and there isn't a tune on the whole album not worthy of reissue - and some ARE sufficiently rare to make collectors salivate. But they're good too. For anyone looking for a good place to start with original Jamaican ska, this is one of the best compilations available.

Amazing stuff!!!, 15 Aug 2003
Straight from the horses' mouths the originators of the Ska genre treat us to their boundless musical talent. Trained in music at the Alpha Boys school in Kingston, the Skatalites were only together for a brief (2/3 year?) period but comprised some of the most talented Jamaican musicians ever - Don Drummond, Tommy McCook, Roland Alphonso, Johnny Moore, Jackie Mittoo (14 when he joined the band), Lloyd Brevitt, Lloyd Knibbs. They defined a genre and left an imprint on Jamaican music that still reverberates down the (y)ears.

Here, reunited in the early 80s, before the Reggae Sunsplash festival, they really do 'Stretch Out', freed from the commercial and artistic constraints of the studio. Each soloist is allowed free reign, the beautifully constructed solos sometimes taking unexpected and exciting turns and always with the rock solid rhythym section underpinning everything. This music swings, rocks and pounds and you can sense the pleasure (and humour!) of both the artists and their audience. The intimate atmosphere of the club lends a special feel and guests such as the MC, Lord Tanamo (doing a version of his classic 'Mood for Ska') and Cedric Brookes (if my memory serves) underline the credentials of the band. After the Sunsplash recordings (also well worth owning) some of the group members went different ways (e.g. Johnny Moore) and others died (e.g. Jackie Mittoo) so this recording really is a piece of history...

Which makes it such a shame about the quality of the recording on some of the tracks. As with too much of Jamaican music this leaves something to be desired (though the sleeve notes stress the difficulties encountered) and it does spoil somewhat something that ideally should have been perfectly captured for posterity. However DON'T let this put you off purchasing. Buy it now!

Discover the REAL SKA music!, 11 Jan 2001
My first introduction into the world of music was during the late seventies Ska revival and the UK 2-Tone label. I still enjoy listening to this music now and recently decided to have a stab at listening to some of the earlier music of the genre. Well, all I can say is that I've not looked back since! This double CD collection is fantastic. If you need some music to get your toes tapping and drag you up from a bad day at the office, you can't get better than this. I just wish I'd been able to see them play live, it must have been a real buzz. A wholly recommended purchase!