Bound In Chains: The Very Best Of The Clarendonians

An excellent anthology of one the greatest Ska and Rocksteady era vocal groups, The Clarendonians, rounding up all their classic hits alongside rare and obscure cuts, some never before released on CD.

Fitzroy 'Ernest' Wilson and Peter Austin grew up together in the parish of Clarendon, Jamaica and in their very early teens formed the vocal duo The Clarendonians in 1962.

After entering and winning a number of local talent contests they caught the attention of Studio One producer Clement 'Coxsone' Dodd who took them to the studio and began recording around 1963.

The Clarendonians became an instant success in Jamaica, scoring numurous number one singles including "Rudie Gone A Jail", "Sho Be Do Be", "You Can't Be Happy" and "Rudie Bam Bam".

They were hugely popular throughout the 'rudeboy' ska period and shared studio time with another up and coming young group, The Wailers, who were also recording at Studio One at this time.

By the mid-sixties 'Coxsone' Dodd decided to expand The Clarendonians to a trio and added a very young Freddie McGregor to the line-up. It's said that McGregor was just 7 years old when he began recording with the group and that he would have to stand on a crate in the studio just to reach the microphone!

Little Freddie, as he was known, is often mistaken for a female, as his young, high-pitched harmonies began to appear on Clarendonians singles.

The Clarendonians went on to dominate the charts as Ska slowly faded out and in came the rocksteady era.

Studio One released the album "The Best Of The Clarendonians" in the mid-1960's, it was a very popular album and contained many of the groups biggest hits including "Darling Forever", "Sunshine", "He Who Laughs Last", "Do Good", "You Can't Keep A Good Man Down" and "Ten Guitars".

All of these singles were massive selling Rocksteady cuts and The Clarendonians were as popular as ever during this period.

The Clarendonians went on to work with a number of Jamaica's other top producers towards the end of the 1960's including Prince Buster, Phil Pratt, Lee "Scratch" Perry, Bunny Lee and "Prince" Tony Robinson.

Rocksteady had been replaced by the new sound of Reggae by now and despite working with the top producers and the group still selling reasonable numbers Ernest Wilson decided to call it a day and embarked on a solo career.

Ernest Wilson enjoyed a successful run as a solo artist, sometimes he is credited as King Shark and he also worked alongside another successful Rocksteady era group, The Techniques, at this time.

Peter Austin also cut some solo material for producer Phil Pratt but it failed to gain popularity and sold only small quantities.

Freddie McGregor became a studio session musician and backing vocalist for other artists for some time as he continued to find his feet in the music industry. He never returned to any future Clarendonians line-up but established himself as a solo artist by the late 1970's and went on to become one of the biggest names in reggae music throughout the 80's, 90's and to the present day.

In the very early 1970's Wilson and Austin reunited to record a number of tracks including an updated version of their earlier hit "He Who Laughs Last" but again they split as Wilson continued with his solo recordings and became a reasonably big name on the island, scoring hit singles throughout the 1970's.

A few roots reggae releases surfaced in the mid to late 1970's credited to The Clarendonians but these could be Ernest Wilson or Peter Austin solo recordings.

It wasn't until 1992 that The Clarendonians finally appeared together once again for the Rocksteady Reunion concert that also featured The Techniques, Delroy Wilson and The Melodians.

The duo of Ernest Wilson and Peter Austin also returned to the studio to record a handful of new songs including "What A Bam Bam" on the popular Bam Bam riddim of the early 1990's.

The next time the duo would record together would be in 2010 for Ernest Wilson's "Timeless Classics" album which features Peter Austin on a couple of tunes.

Peter Austin himself has recently begun recording with a new Clarendonians line-up alongside Dusty and Ann Payne with producer Junior Bailey and has released the new songs "Never Let Me Go" and "Don't Let The Green Grass Fool You" in 2012 with the promise of an album entitled "Now" on the horizon.

The Clarendonians may never have attained the international success of other Rocksteady era groups, including The Wailers and The Paragons, but their input to the scene and their success in Jamaica makes them one of the all time great vocal groups of Ska and Rocksteady.


Enjoy!  : )

Bound In Chains: The Very Best Of The Clarendonians

Disc One:

1) Be Bop Boy
2) I Will Never Change
3) The Jerk
4) A Day Will Come
5) Mey Bien (My Friend)
6) Sweet Heart Of Beauty
7) Darling Forever
8) You Can't Be Happy
9) Low Down Girl
10) Never Be The Same
11) Ten Guitars
12) Rudie Bam Bam
13) Sunshine
14) He Who Laughs Last
15) Sho Be Do Be
16) Do Good
17) How Long Shall The Wicked Reign
18) Stand By Me
19) Rudie Gone A Jail
20) Do It Right
21) I Can't Go On
22) Early In The Morning

Disc Two:

1) Rules Of Life
2) You Can't Keep A Good Man Down
3) Experience Lover
4) I'll Never Try
5) After He Breaks Your Heart
6) Mary My Love
7) Oh Baby
8) Drink And Gamble
9) You Are The Fool
10) Try Me One More Time
11) Musical Train
12) The Angels
13) Baby Baby
14) The Tables Going To Turn
15) Four In One
16) Your Love
17) Baby Don't You Do It
18) Take It Or Leave It
19) When I Am Gone
20) Come Along
21) Lick It Back
22) Betrayed

Disc Three:

1) Please Please
2) Burning Fire
3) Time Is Getting Harder
4) Seven In One
5) Freedom Train
6) My Elusive Dreams
7) This Is My Story
8) Funny Way Of Laughing
9) Why Did You Do It
10) The Truth
11) Deep Down
12) Angel Listening
13) Good Hearted Woman
14) Bye Bye Bye
15) Round And Round
16) Just Once In My Life
17) Lonely Heartaches
18) You Bring Me Joy
19) Don't Please
20) I'm Yours Forever
21) Negril Rock
22) I Am Sorry

Disc Four:

1) Wonder Why
2) Happy To Say Goodbye
3) You Won't See Me
4) Truth Hurts
5) Soldiers Love The Battle
6) Walking Up A One Way Street
7) Only Time
8) Night Owl
9) High School Dance
10) Father Killan
11) Bound In Chains
12) Out Of Sight
13) Dream Of Me
14) He Who Laughs Last (Re-Cut For Bunny Lee 1971)
15) Lion Head
16) Don't Give Away Your Rights
17) Little Angel
18) When You Are Near
19) The Ghetto
20) What A Bam Bam
21) Everybody Needs Love
22) Little Did You Know
23) Never Let Me Go
24) Don't Let The Green Grass Fool You

Bound In Chains:  

Please be aware that all download links are currently unavailable as of January 2023

Enjoying the music? Got any suggestions?? Leave us a comment below or email us at:

pipecockjackxonrrm@gmail.com

The Wailers - Singles & Rarities Collection 1972 - 1982 (The IslandYears)

The third volume of this epic singles and rarities collection from Bob Marley And The Wailers explores the groups years of international success on Island records between 1972 and 1982.

Here on the Sweet Rare Reggae Music blog we try to showcase obscure and hard to find releases and so most people would think that this period of The Wailers out-put is pretty easy to get hold of BUT the vast majority of material featured here is taken straight from the original vinyl singles with many of the tracks differing from the album versions and a whole host of tracks that remain unreleased or re-mastered.

The Wailers (Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston) signed with international label Island records in 1972 and recorded their debut album "Catch A Fire" which was the first reggae album to get the kind of promotion usually reserved for rock and pop artists.

The album featured some classic material by the group, with Bob and Peter both sharing lead vocal duties and Island records had overdubbed steel guitar and other instrumentation to make the album more appealing to the non-reggae listeners.

It was followed up in 1973 by the album "Burnin'" which featured the classic track "I Shot The Sheriff". The tune was covered by rock legend Eric Clapton whose version of the song went to number one giving The Wailers wide exposure. The album also saw Bob and Peter sharing lead vocals and also featured Bunny's lead on a couple of tracks.

By 1974 however both Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston had made the decision to leave The Wailers to pursue solo careers. Island had begun to push Bob as the lead singer and both Peter and Bunny felt that their input and song-writing was being overlooked.

The next album, "Natty Dread" of 1974, was released as 'Bob Marley And The Wailers' and was the first to officially introduce The Wailers new line-up including The I-Three's, the trio of Rita Marley, Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt who would provide the backing vocals and harmonies.

In 1976 Bob Marley And The Wailers released the album "Positive Vibration" which got the group plenty of attention in America and saw singles climb the Billboard R'n'B charts in the U.S.

After the attempted assassination of Marley in Jamaica in 1976 the group relocated to London, England to record their next album "Exodus". The album contains many of the groups most well-known songs such as "One Love / People Get Ready", "Jamming", "Three Little Birds" and "Waiting In Vain".

The sessions in London also make up most of the groups 1978 album "Kaya", tours throughout the world helped to spread reggae music globally and the message of peace and freedom to every continent.

Returning to Jamaica to record their next album "Survival", released in 1979, which contained a number of songs about the problems in Africa and in particular Zimbabwe.

In 1980 the group released "Uprising", what would become Bob Marley's final album release while alive and it contained the massive hit "Could You Be Loved" and the beautiful acoustic "Redemption Song".

In 1982, after Bob Marley's untimely passing, the group released "Confrontation" containing the classic track "Buffalo Soldier" and number of finished and unfinished songs.

Material cut at Lee Perry's studio in the late 1970's also surfaced including "Rainbow Country" and "I Know A Place".

The music made by Bob Marley And The Wailers between 1972 and 1982 became the benchmark for all reggae artists despite it being more purposely commercial sounding at the request of the record label.

The songs have become international classics of the genre and the immediate starting point for anyone venturing into reggae music.

The Wailers - Singles & Rarities Collection 1972 - 1982 (The Island Years)

  

1) Concrete Jungle (7'' Single)
2) Slave Driver (7'' Single)
3) Stop That Train (7'' Single)
4) Stop That Train (7'' Instrumental)
5) Kinky Reggae (7'' Single)
6) High Tide Or Low Tide (Catch A Fire Album Session)
7) Midnight Ravers (7'' Single)
8) Ravers (7'' Dub)
9) Rock It Babe (7'' Single)
10) Rock It Babe (7'' Dub)
11) Rock It Babe (UK 7'' Single Mix)
12) Baby We've Got A Date (7'' Single)
13) No More Trouble (12'' Single)
14) Stir It Up (7'' Single)
15) Stir It Up (Instrumental)
16) 400 Years (7'' Single)
17) You Can't Blame The Youth (7'' Single)
18) Mark Of The Beast (7'' Single)
19) Mark Of The Beast (7'' Version)
20) Reincarnated Souls (7'' Single)
21) Get Up Stand Up (7'' Single)
22) Get Up Stand Up (7'' Instrumental)
23) I Shot The Sheriff (7'' Single)
24) I Shot The Sheriff (UK 7'' Single)
25) Curfew (7'' Single)
26) Chant I (7'' Single)
27) Put It On (7'' Single)
28) Walk The Proud Land (7'' Single)
29) Small Axe (7'' Single)
30) One Foundation (7'' Single)
31) No Sympathy (7'' Single)
32) Hallelujah Time (7'' Single)
33) Pass It On (7'' Single)
34) Trod On (7'' Version)
35) Keep On Skanking (Black Ark 7'' Single)
36) Turn Me Loose (Black Ark 7'' Single)
37) Ketchy Shuby (7'' Single)
38) Iration (7'' Version)
39) Brand New Second Hand (7'' Single)
40) Brand New Second Hand (7'' Version)
41) Burial (7'' Single)
42) Burial (7'' Version)
43) What You Gonna Do? (7'' Single)
44) What You Gonna Do? (7'' Version)
45) Arabs Oil Weapon (7'' Single)
46) Dub'd (7'' Version)
47) Life Line (7'' Single)
48) Life Line (7'' Version)
49) Road Block (7'' Single)
50) Rebel Music (7'' Dub)
51) Road Block (Alternate 7'' Mix)
52) Rebel Music (Alternate 7'' Dub)
53) Them Belly Full (7'' Single)
54) Them Belly Full (7'' Dub)
55) Bend Down Low (7'' Black Art Label Pressing)
56) Bend Down Low (Alternate 7'' Mix)
57) Bend Down Low (7'' Version)
58) Talkin' Blues (7'' Single)
59) Talkin' Blues (7'' Version - With I-Roy)
60) Knotty Dread (7'' Single)
61) Knotty Dread (7'' Dub)
62) Lively Up Yourself (7'' Single)
63) Lively Up Yourself (Dub)
64) Lively Up Yourself (Alternate Take One)
65) Lively Up Yourself (Alternate Take Two)
66) So Jah Seh (7'' Single)
67) So Jah Seh (7'' Dub)
68) No Woman No Cry (Alternate Take One)
69) No Woman No Cry (Alternate Take Two)
70) No Woman No Cry (Alternate Dub Mix)
71) Natty Dread (7'' Single)
72) Jah Live (7'' Single)
73) Concrete (7'' Version)
74) Jah Live (12'' Dub Mix)
75) Crazy Baldhead (7'' Single)
76) Crazy Baldhead (7'' Dub)
77) Rat Race (7'' Single)
78) Rat Race (7'' Dub)
79) Roots Rock Reggae (7'' Single)
80) Roots Rock Reggae (7'' Dub)
81) Them Belly Full (Alternate 7'' Mix)
82) Johnny Was (7'' Single)
83) Cry To Me (7'' Single)
84) Who The Cap Fit (US 7'' Single)
85) Who The Cap Fit (US 7'' Dub)
86) Smile Jamaica (7'' Single)
87) Smile Jamaica (7'' Dub)
88) Smile Jamaica (Black Ark 7'' Single)
89) Smile Jamaica (Black Ark 7'' Dub)
90) Smile Jamaica (Alternate 7'' Mix)
91) Smile Jamaica (Black Ark Disco Mix)
92) Jah Live (Split Stereo Mix)
93) Rat Race (Alternate Mix)
94) Rat Race (Horn's Mix Dub)
95) Exodus (7'' Single)
96) Exodus (7'' Instrumental)
97) Exodus (Alternate 7'' Mix)
98) Exodus (Alternate 7'' Version)
99) Exodus (12'' Single)
100) Exodus (12'' Dub)
101) Exodus (Alternate 12'' Mix)
102) Exodus (Alternate 12'' Dub)
103) Waiting In Vain (7'' Single)
104) Waiting In Vain (7'' Dub)
105) Waiting In Vain (Alternate Mix)
106) Waiting In Vain (Alternate Take)
107) Waiting In Vain (12'' Single)
108) Waiting In Vain (Alternate Dub Mix)
109) Waiting In Vain (Alternate Dub #2)
110) Waiting In Vain (Radio Advert Mix)
111) Roots (7'' Single)
112) Jamming (7'' Single)
113) Jamming (7'' Dub)
114) Jamming (12'' Single Mix)
115) Jamming (12'' Dub Mix)
116) Jamming (Alternate Mix)
117) Three Little Birds (7'' Single)
118) Three Little Birds (7'' Dub)
119) Three Little Birds (UK 7'' Single Mix)
120) Three Little Birds (Alternate Mix)
121) Three Little Birds (12'' Single Mix)
122) Punky Reggae Party (UK 7'' Single)
123) Punky Reggae Party (JA 12'' Single)
124) Punky Reggae Party (JA 12'' Dub)
125) Punky Reggae Party (Alternate 12'' Single)
126) Punky Reggae Party (Alternate 12'' Dub)
127) Punky Reggae Party (Black Ark 12'' Mix)
128) Punky Reggae Party (Black Ark 12'' Dub)
129) Punky Reggae Party (Exodus Album Version)
130) One Love / People Get Ready (7'' Single)
131) One Love / People Get Ready (Dub)
132) One Love / People Get Ready (12'' Single)
133) One Love / People Get Ready (Alternate 12'' Mix)
134) Is This Love (7'' Single)
135) Is This Love (Dub)
136) Is This Love (Instrumental)
137) Is This Love (Horn's Mix)
138) Crisis (7'' Single)
139) Crisis (7'' Instrumental)
140) Satisfy My Soul (7'' Single)
141) Satisfy My Soul (7'' Dub)
142) She's Gone (7'' Single)
143) She's Gone (Dub)
144) Running Away (Horn's Mix)
145) Running Away (7'' Single)
146) Running Away (Dub)
147) Time Will Tell (7'' Single)
148) Time Will Tell (7'' Instrumental)
149) Punky Reggae Party (UK 12'' Single Mix)
150) Punky Reggae Party (UK 12'' Dub Mix)
151) Keep On Moving (UK 12'' Single)
152) Keep On Moving (UK 12'' Dub)
153) Keep On Moving (JA 12'' Single)
154) Keep On Moving (JA 12'' Dub)
155) Blackman Redemption (7'' Single) {With The Meditations}
156) Blackman Redemption (7'' Dub)
157) Rastaman Live Up (7'' Single) {With The Meditations}
158) Don't Give Up (7'' Version)
159) So Much Trouble In The World (7'' Single)
160) So Much Trouble In The World (7'' Instrumental)
161) Ambush In The Night (7'' Single)
162) Ambush In The Night (7'' Dub)
163) One Drop (7'' Single)
164) One Drop (7'' Dub)
165) Ride Natty Ride (12'' Single)
166) Ride Natty Ride (12'' Dub)
167) Wake Up And Live (Part One) (7'' A-Side)
168) Wake Up And Live (Part Two) (7'' B-Side)
169) Zimbabwe (7'' Single)
170) Survival (7'' Single)
171) Survival (7'' Dub)
172) Bad Card (7'' Single)
173) Bad Card (7'' Dub)
174) Pimper's Paradise (7'' Single)
175) Pimper's Paradise (7'' Dub)
176) Coming In From The Cold (7'' Single)
177) Coming In From The Cold (7'' Dub)
178) Coming In From The Cold (Dub Plate Mix)
179) Coming In From The Cold (12'' Single)
180) Coming In From The Cold (12'' Dub)
181) Coming In From The Cold (Alternate Mix)
182) Could You Be Loved (7'' Single)
183) Could You Be Loved (7'' Version)
184) Could You Be Loved (12'' Single)
185) Forever Loving Jah (7'' Single)
186) Forever Loving Jah (7'' Dub)
187) Every Need Got An Ego To Feed (7'' Single)
188) Redemption Song (7'' Single)
189) Redemption Song (Band Version - 7'' Single)
190) Redemption Song (Band Version - 7'' Dub)
191) Redemption Song (Band Version - 12'' Single)
192) Zion Express (7'' Single)
193) I Know (7'' Single)
194) I Know (7'' Dub)
195) I Know (12'' Single)
196) I Know (12'' Dub)
197) Natural Mystic (Countryman Soundtrack Version)
198) Carry Us Beyond (B-Side) {Human Cargo}
199) Trench Town (12'' Single)
200) Trench Town (12'' Dub)
201) Buffalo Soldier (7'' Single)
202) Buffalo Soldier (7'' Dub)
203) Buffalo Soldier (12'' Single)
204) Buffalo Dub (12'' Single B-Side)
205) Buffalo Soldier (7'' Radio Mix)
206) Buffalo Dub (7'' Radio Mix)
207) Mix Up Mix Up (12'' Single)
208) Mix Up Mix Up (7'' Single)
209) Jump Nyabinghi (7'' Single)
210) Jump Nyabinghi (7'' Dub)
211) Stiff Necked Fools (7'' Single)
212) Stiff Necked Fools (7'' Version)
213) Natural Mystic (Black Ark 7'' Single)
214) Rainbow Country (Black Ark 7'' Single)
215) Natural Mystic (Black Ark 12'' Single)
216) Rainbow Country (Black Ark 12'' Single)
217) Natural Mystic (US 12'' Single)
218) Natural Mystic (US 12'' Dub)
219) Rainbow Country (US 12'' Single)
220) Rainbow Country (US 12'' Dub)
221) Mr. Music (Black Ark Dub Plate Mix)
222) Mr. Music (Black Ark Dub Plate Version)
223) I Know A Place (Black Ark 7'' Single)
224) I Know A Place (Black Ark 7'' Dub)
225) I Know A Place (Alternate 7'' Mix)
226) Who Colt The Game (Black Ark 7'' Single)
227) Who Colt The Game (Black Ark 7'' Dub)
228) Who Colt The Game (Alternate 7'' Mix)
  
The Wailers Singles & Rarities The Island Years (Part One):


The Wailers Singles & Rarities The Island Years (Part Two):

Please be aware that all download links are currently unavailable as of January 2023


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Willie Lindo - It's Not Too Late (1977) & Tuned In Reggae (1980)

We have two classic albums on offer today from the Reggae legend Willie Lindo. "It's Not Too Late" of 1977 and "Tuned In Reggae" from 1980.

Willie Lindo is one of the all time great Jamaican session musicians, his lead and rhythm guitar skills have been called upon by almost every major reggae artist and group, Lindo is also a skilled player of percussion instruments, a songwriter, engineer and producer. One of the main artists Lindo has produced for frequently is singing legend Beres Hammond and female vocalist Cynthia Schloss.

Willie Lindo has also recorded a number of albums in his own right, instrumental dub albums which showcase his lead guitar skills with producers including Joe Gibbs, Trevor Chong and Errol Thompson and usually involving The Revolutionaries band.

It is two such albums that are presented here, 1977's "It's Not Too Late" recorded at Joe Gibbs' studio and produced by Errol Thompson and 1980's "Tuned In Reggae" also recorded at Joe Gibbs' studio with producer Trevor Chong.

Both albums were written and arranged by Lindo and include his takes on a number of popular reggae hits including Bob Marley's "One Drop" and Gregory Isaacs' "Tune In" amongst others.

The other musicians making an appearance on these albums include the trio of hornsmen Bobby Ellis, Herman Marquise and Vin Gordon, famed piano and organ player Ansell Collins, Synth legend Harold Butler and percussionist Skully. There are also backing vocals from Beres Hammond, Carren Marr, Errol Lee and Pam Savana.

Willie Lindo continues to work as a session musician and songwriter in Jamaica and has helped push the musical careers of two of his children, Kashief and Nikesha Lindo.

Enjoy!  : )

Willie Lindo - It's Not Too Late (1977)

1) M.P.L.A
2) It's Not Too Late
3) Reggae Machine
4) Have Mercy
5) African Style
6) Bawling For Love
7) Don't Get Hooked On Me
8) Straight To Zion
9) Please Don't Change (The Chords To My Song)
10) Music Love

Willie Lindo - Tuned In Reggae (1980)

1) One Drop
2) Please Don't Go
3) She's My Lady
4) Do It To Me One More Time
5) Tune In
6) Breezing
7) Rock Spring
8) Ska Rock

Please be aware that all download links are currently unavailable as of January 2023

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Taxman - Fatal Attraction

A nice collection of rare singles and b-sides from the late 80's / early 90's UK Reggae Dancehall scene, from the obscure artist Taxman.

Taxman, real name S.L. Francis, appeared on the UK dancehall scene in the mid to late 1980's recording for the newly created Stush label.

Stush records was set up by UK based producer John Crossley, also knows as D-Fex, to showcase reggae dancehall artists from England. The label and it's recording facilities, Square Dance Studios, were located in the Derby and Nottingham region of the Midlands, outside the city of Birmingham, England.

The label was home to Taxman who would record as a solo performer and also act as producer, arranger, engineer and songwriter to the labels other artists including Ganja Ash, Anthony Melody, Tania MacDonald and Carlene Davis.

Stush records scored a distibution deal with major Reggae promotion Jet Star, who would export Stush material to the US and Jamaica.

The label released the showcase album "Stushness - The First Lick" in the late 80's, produced by D-Fex, it featured all of the labels current artists and helped promote the label abroad.
The album received a re-issue with additional tracks in 1994 on the Pow Wow Wow label in America.

Taxman scored big with his hit single "Fatal Attraction" which had been included on a Jet Star Reggae Hits compilation and it's follow-up "Tina", both becoming classics on the UK dancehall scene.

Further singles followed including "The Terminator", "Well Armed And Dangerous" and "Dancehall Atmosphere" all of which failed to break through despite massive promotional play at dancehall's across the UK.

Taxman continued to work in the studio, progressing his production techniques and also began collaborating with Anthony Brightly, a member of UK roots reggae group Black Slate.

A few Taxman singles appeared on the 'Sir George' and 'Digital B' labels including "Lately", "Ragga Love" and "Who's That Girl?" in the early 1990's.

By now the UK music scene was overtaken by the Rave movement which saw many UK based reggae dancehall artists and producers beginning to collaborate with the Break-Beat and Club music DJ's.

Taxman began experimenting with the new style of mixing Ragga with Rave, what would later become known as Jungle and also worked on projects with Soul II Soul who were riding high on the club scene of the 90's.

Taxman also featured as guest vocalist on the songs "Everything" and "Devotion" by Kickin' Back which he also produced and mixed.

Not much else is known about Taxman, it is presumed that he went on to work behind the scenes as producer, songwriter and engineer for a number of artists. He is credited on a number of Soul II Soul releases throughout the 1990's.

This collection rounds up a number of Taxman's singles and their dub b-sides, appearances on promotional compilations and collaboration material from the mid to late 80's to the mid 90's.


Enjoy!  : )

Taxman - Fatal Attraction

Disc One:  

 
1) Fatal Attraction
2) Fatal Attraction (M.C's Delight)
3) Fatal Attraction (Crossley's Bad Mix)
4) Tina
5) Tina (Dub Mix)
6) Well Armed And Dangerous
7) Well Armed And Dangerous (Dub Mix)
8) Bionic Tonic
9) Video Crazy
10) Dancehall Atmosphere
11) Dancehall Atmosphere (Dub)
12) She Keeps On Running Away
13) She Keeps On Running Away (Dub)
14) Terminator
15) Terminator (Dub Vox Mix)

Disc Two: 

 
1) It's Gone
2) Slavery Days
3) Lately
4) Love And Devotion
5) Get Lively {aka Sound Yuh Horn}
6) Ragga Love {With Anthony Melody}
7) Fire {With D-Fex}
8) Can't Get Away {With D-Fex}
9) Terminator (Raggamuffin Mix)
10) Terminator (Raggamuffin Dub)
11) Devotion {With Kickin' Back}
12) Devotion (The Motive Mix) {With Kickin' Back}
13) Devotion (Dangerous Mix) {With Kickin' Back}
14) Everything {With Kickin' Back}
15) Everything (Meltdown Mix) {With Kickin' Back}
16) Everything (Kickin' Mix) {With Kickin' Back}

Taxman - Fatal Attraction - 

Please be aware that all download links are currently unavailable as of January 2023

If you have anything to add to this compilation, any extra information about the artists/labels please do.
Other known tracks from Taxman include:
                                                                Who's That Girl?
                                                                War Monger
                                                                Tension
                                                                Wishing You Were Here
                                                                Good-Bye Good-Bye

Enjoying the music? Got any suggestions?? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send us an email:

pipecockjackxonrrm@gmail.com 

The Heptones - Party Time (Deluxe Edition) (1977)

The Heptones incredible 1977 album "Party Time" is given the deluxe make-over treatment, expanded over 4 discs, it includes additional Black Ark material, Disco Mixes, Dubs, Versions and Rarities.

Leroy Sibbles, Earl Morgan and Barry Llewellyn began their career as The Hep Ones in 1965, a vocal harmony trio, they decided to change their name to The Heptones (after seeing the name on a bottle of Heptones Tonic Water) and the group released their first single for Ken Lack in 1966.

By mid-1966 the group moved over to producer Clement "Coxsone" Dodd's set-up at Studio One. Dodd helped train the group in the art of harmony singing and combined with Sibbles' wonderful song-writing abilty the group began a long run of success with the producer.

Singles such as "Fattie Fattie", "Sea Of Love" and "Party Time" were all massive sellers and the group quickly became rivals to producer Duke Reid and his vocal trio The Techniques throughout the late 1960's. The Heptones became the definitive vocal harmony trio of the Rocksteady era.

Leroy Sibbles song-writing abilities also benefited other artists at Studio One and soon Coxsone Dodd had Sibbles arranging material, talent scouting and assisting with productions. Sibbles was also an accomplished bass player and would play on many sessions at Studio One including material with Alton Ellis.

By 1970 the Rocksteady era had ended and Reggae music was the dance of the day. The Heptones at this point had some major fall-out with studio boss Coxsone Dodd, possibly over the groups decision to start recording material that incorporated Rastafarian themes and The Heptones left Studio One.

The group embarked on a tour of Jamaica's top producers of the time, recording with Joe Gibbs, Augustus Pablo, Rupie Edwards and Harry Johnson (with whom they recorded the hit single "Book Of Rules").

The Heptones continued to find success with their material away from Studio One until, in 1973, Leroy Sibbles emigrated to Canada effectively suspending all recording and the group dis-banded.

In 1975 Leroy Sibbles returned to Jamaica, The Heptones re-united and pretty much picked up where they left off, recording new material at Harry J's studio with producer Danny Holloway.

By mid-1975 the group signed with major record label, Island, and joined a roster of reggae artists including Bob Marley And The Wailers and Toots And The Maytals who the label had been promoting internationally.

The Heptones first release for Island records was the beautiful album "Night Food" in 1976 which contained a number of new versions of songs that had been previous hits recorded at Studio One including "I've Got The Handle" and "Fatty Fatty" alongside new material. The album was produced by Danny Holloway and recorded at Harry J's in Kingston. To promote the album The Heptones supported Toots And The Maytals on their UK tour resulting in some fantastic performances and The Heptones popularity grew.

"Night Food" sold well and Island Records quickly decided to have The Heptones record a follow-up release. After Island began a distribution deal with producer Lee "Scratch" Perry in 1976, releasing his production of Max Romeo's "War Ina Babylon", it was decided that The Heptones would record their next album at Perry's Black Ark studio.

The Heptones feature heavily on Lee Perry's dub concept album "Super Ape" released in 1976 for Island records.

The Heptones had worked with Lee "Scratch" Perry in the early 1970's, recording tracks for Perry's Justice League imprint and also cut some singles at the Black Ark including "Law Of The Land" and "Scandal" around 1974.

Work began on the new album in late 1976 and the group once again recorded updated versions of previous Studio One hits including "Crying Over You", the Bob Dylan cover "I Shall Be Released" and the albums title track "Party Time".

The combination of The Heptones wonderful vocals and Lee Perry's powerful production work made "Party Time" an incredible album indeed, new recordings such as "Sufferer's Time" and "Mr. President" showed that the group were joining in with the conscious themes of other reggae artists of the mid-late 1970's.

Lee Perry released a number of singles from the album with fantastic dub b-sides all of which sold well and the album itself went on to become The Heptones' biggest selling international release.

Perry continued to capitalize on the popularity of "Party Time" by releasing a number of Disco Mixes on 12inch singles and also version sides featuring toasters Jah Lion, Junior Dread and Ranking King.

The Heptones also recorded a number of other songs with Perry at the Black Ark during 1977 including "Make Up Your Mind", "Garden Of Life" and "Play On Mr. Music" which was a track recorded purposely for a visiting documentary crew who captured the recording of the song inside the Black Ark studio and shows The Heptones singing alongside fellow artists Junior Murvin, George Faith and The Congos.

The Heptones continued to make periodic recordings at the Black Ark up until around 1978 including "Come Into My World", "Babylon Falling", "Rastafari On A Pinnacle" and "Mistry Babylon". It's quite possible that these tracks were the beginnings of a new album, with Perry as producer, but due to the problems surrounding the Black Ark during the late 1970's and Perry himself suffering from some kind of breakdown the project was abandoned and Leroy Sibbles decided to break away from The Heptones and embark on a solo career.

Leroy Sibbles enjoyed some success as a solo artist releasing a number of albums throughout the 1980's meanwhile The Heptones continued by enlisting Naggo Morris as Sibbles' replacement and recorded the album "Good Life" at Channel One in 1979 but it failed to live up to the success of previous albums. The Heptones line-up continued to change throughout the 1980's including appearances from Glen Adams and Joseph Forrester.

In 1995 Leroy Sibbles re-united with The Heptones (Earl Morgan And Barry Llewellyn) for the album "Pressure" produced by long time friend and associate Tapper Zukie and the group enjoyed a revival, touring throughout the world. The Heptones back catalogue continues to sell in quantities with re-issues of the groups work from Studio One and onwards.

In November 2011 Barry Llewellyn sadly passed away at the age of 64 finally ending the career of one of the finest reggae groups of all time. The Heptones musical legacy lives on and continues to influence new generations of reggae fans across the world.

The album "Party Time" stands as one of The Heptones defining career high points, as well as being one of Lee "Scratch" Perry's greatest productions of a vocal harmony trio.

Although the album is in constant print this Deluxe Edition adds a number of rare cuts, Dubs and Versions that remain difficult to locate.

Enjoy!  : )

The Heptones - Party Time (Deluxe Edition)

Disc One - The Original Jamaican Album:

1) Party Time
2) Crying Over You
3) Now Generation
4) Mr. President
5) Serious Time
6) I Shall Be Released
7) Storm Cloud
8) Road Of Life
9) Why Must I?
10) Sufferer's Time

Disc Two - Black Ark Sessions 1974 - 1978

1) Sufferer's Time (7'' Single Mix)
2) Storm Cloud (7'' Single Mix)
3) Make Up Your Mind
4) Play On Mr. Music (With The Congos, George Faith & Junior Murvin)
5) Garden Of Life
6) Come Into My World
7) Pure Sorrow
8) Babylon Falling
9) Mistry Babylon
10) Rastafari On A Pinnacle
11) Forward On A Yard
12) Law Of The Land
13) Scandal
14) Revolution (Total Destruction)
15) Revolution (Total Destruction - Part Two)

Disc Three - Disco's, Dubs & Versions

1) Party Time (Disco Mix)
2) Mr. President (Disco Dub)
3) I Shall Be Released (Disco Dub)
4) Why Must I? (Disco Dub)
5) Sufferer's Time (Disco Mix)
6) Garden Of Life (Disco Mix)
7) Come Into My World (Disco Mix)
8) Pure Sorrow (Disco Dub)
9) Party Time (Love Disco Mix)
10) Joe Bannan - Serious Time (Disco Mix)
11) Jah Lion - Crying Over You
12) Jah Lion - Mr. President
13) Ranking King - Now Generation
14) Junior Dread - Sufferer's Heights
15) Junior Dread - Heavy Manners
16) Lee "Scratch" Perry - Why Must I?
17) Ranking King - Sorrows
18) Ranking King - Mystery Babylon

Disc Four - The Heptones In Dub

1) Party Time (Dub)
2) Crying Over You (Dub)
3) Serious Time (Dub)
4) I Shall Be Released (Dub)
5) Storm Cloud (Dub)
6) Why Must I? (Dub)
7) Sufferer's Time (Dub)
8) Sufferer's Time (7'' Single Dub)
9) Party Time (Dub Part Two)
10) Garden Of Life (Dub)
11) Babylon Falling (Dub)
12) Mistry Babylon (Dub)
13) Rastafari On A Pinnacle (Dub)
14) Come Into My World (Dub)
15) Pure Sorrow (Dub)
16) Forward On A Yard (Dub)
17) Law Of The Land (Dub)
18) Revolution (Total Destruction) (Dub)

The Heptones - Party Time (Deluxe Edition)   - 

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