Studio One Records

Jamaican Reggae, Ska, Rock Steady

News

News

Natural High: The Bongo Man Collection, a compilation of rarities from Studio One’s Bongo Man imprint, is available on LP for Record Store Day 2018!

| Category: New Releases, News

Natural High: The Bongo Man Collection is a brand new 2xLP compilation from Studio One, featuring a multitude of singles from Coxsone Dodd’s infamous Bongo Man imprint. Over half of the songs on this collection have never been released on LP before, plus a totally unreleased disco mix of Horace Andy’s “Skylarking” closes out the album. Released on limited edition red, gold, and green vinyl for Record Store Day, Natural High: The Bongo Man Collection reminds us that the myriad of music in the vaults of Studio One is in itself astonishing, but that the quality of the songs is so high makes it that much more exciting to uncover the forgotten masterpieces of Studio One. Limited to 1,500 copies.

The liner notes for the RSD 2018 edition of Natural High: The Bongo Man Collection are written by Chris Wilson and features a chart of the original Bongo Man singles with matrix numbers and rare photographs!

Tracklisting:

A1. Jackie Bernard – Jah Jah Way
A2. Emperor D.P. – Jah Jah Rock
A3. The Classics (aka The Wailing Souls) – Got to Be Cool
A4. The New Establishment – Reggae Lady
A5. Prince Jazzbo – Little Joe
A6. Ernest Wilson – Money Worries
B1. Cliff Stewart – Burn Collie
B2. The New Establishment – Burn Collie Version
B3. Leroy Wallace – Far Beyond
B4. The New Establishment – Far Beyond Version
B5. The Beltones – Soul People
B6. Wentworth Vernal – I Gave You My Heart
B7. Horace Andy – Darling Dear
C1. Prince Lincoln – Live Up to Your Name
C2. Pablove Black & the New Establishment – Poco Tempo (aka Pocco Tempo)
C3. Prince Jazzbo – Ring a Ting
C4. El Tibby and the Stingers – Stepping into Zion
C5. Big Joe – Nanny Version Skank
D1. Sleepy and Jazzbo – Skylarking Disco Mix

Click here to find a participating record store near you! Don’t miss out on this essential collection of Studio One rarities!

Studio One Billboards + Contest!

| Category: News

Studio One billboard in Times Square, New York City!

It’s official, Studio One has taken over New York City and Los Angeles! As part of Reggae Month, there is a Studio One digital billboard in Times Square and multiple junior poster billboards scattered around Los Angeles. If you live in either of those cities (or feel like commuting to see the billboards in person), now’s your chance to win a Studio One prize pack by doing the following:

  1. Find one of the billboards in either Los Angeles or New York
  2. Take a picture of yourself in front of the billboard
  3. Post the picture on social media (Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram) while tagging Studio One and using the hashtag #S1ReggaeMonth
  4. Follow Studio One on the social media platforms that you post on

It’s as easy as that! If you follow all of those steps, you’re automatically entered to win the following Studio One prize pack:

  • 1 LP of The Wailers – The Wailing Wailers
  • 1 CD of the Money Maker collection
  • 1 LP of the Studio One Radio Show
  • 1 LP of Don Drummond – Don Cosmic
  • 1 LP of The Skatalites – Foundation Ska
  • 1 CD of From the Vaults, Vol. 1
  • 1 CD of Freddie McKay – Picture on the Wall: Deluxe Edition
  • 1 CD of Freddie McGregor – Bobby Bobylon: Deluxe Edition
  • 1 LP of Version Dread

Here’s some tips from us to help you win:

  • You’ll get one entry per social media site you post the image on! For example, if you post it on Facebook only, you receive one entry. But if you post it on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, that’s three chances that you’ll win the prize pack!
  • You have to tag the official Studio One social account on the corresponding platform in order for your entry to count! Plus, you have to follow Studio One on the official accounts! The official Studio One accounts can be found below:
  • You have to use the hashtag #S1ReggaeMonth on each post in order for us to see your post!
  • We’ll pick the two winners (one from Los Angeles and one from New York) on February 15th, so get your posts in before then!
  • Use the handy Google Map below to see which billboard location is nearest you!

Be sure to follow Studio One on social media and subscribe to our email list to stay up-to-date on contests like this and all upcoming releases. Happy Reggae Month!

Studio One billboard in Los Angeles!

Two New Releases from Studio One for Reggae Month 2018: Bobby Bobylon (Deluxe Edition) and From the Vaults, Vol. 1!

| Category: New Releases, News

It’s almost February, which means Reggae Month 2018 is less than a week away! Studio One has a ton of surprises planned for Reggae Month, including TWO new releases that you’re able to order right now!

From the Vaults, Vol. 1 is now available on CD!

The first is the CD of the greatest Studio One rarities, From the Vaults, Vol. 1! Previously only available on LP for Record Store Day Black Friday 2017, From the Vaults, Vol. 1 is an 18-track compilation featuring some of the finest “lost” music from Studio One’s archives. Featuring hidden treasures from legends like Alton Ellis, Johnny Osbourne, and the Gaylads, this collection debuted at #1 on the Billboard Reggae Chart when released on LP last year, immediately selling out of all copies. Purchase your own copy of From the Vaults, Vol. 1 now!

Freddie McGregor - Bobby Bobylon: Deluxe Edition
Freddie McGregor’s Bobby Bobylon: Deluxe Edition is available for the first time in over a decade!

The second is a fan favorite, Freddie McGregor’s legendary debut: Bobby Bobylon! We’re giving this landmark album the deluxe treatment that Heartbeat put together in 2006, including the original studio album plus rarities and extended mixes. This album has been out-of-print for over a decade, so there’s no better way to celebrate Reggae Month than adding this essential piece to your record collection! The CD will be available February 23, with the LP being released on March 9. Pre-order Bobby Bobylon: Deluxe Edition now!

Be sure to follow Studio One on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Spotify, and Apple Music, because we have some very special announcements coming very soon! Happy almost-Reggae Month!

From the Vaults, Vol. 1, a compilation of the rarest singles from Studio One’s archives, is available on LP for Record Store Day Black Friday 2017!

| Category: New Releases, News

From the vaults of Studio One comes an 18 track bonanza of rare sides featuring both the label’s top hit makers as well as some of its more obscure artists. From Alton Ellis, Johnny Osbourne, and the Gaylads to Roy Tomlinson, the Soulites, and the Officials, the collection spans the label’s output from the late sixties to the early 1980s. These recordings might be rare, but they are some of the best “forgotten” songs released by Studio One. Where once only found in the collections of Reggae aficionados and fetching tidy sums on the internet, From the Vaults, Vol. 1 showcases some of the greatest “lost” music by Jamaica’s legendary label.

The Record Store Day Black Friday edition of From the Vaults, Vol. 1 is a gatefold 2xLP with a bonus 45 included!

Studio One has always been Jamaica’s premier label, having discovered and recorded some of the top names in Reggae. From the Vaults, Vol. 1 introduces some of the lesser known artists, and some rarer tracks from the more famous. All 18 songs here are found on LP for the first time, with two previously unreleased. The LP also comes with a bonus 45 single, featuring a unreleased track from Glen and Dave, exclusive for Record Store Day Black Friday.

Tracklisting:
1. Glen and Dave – Love Got Me
2. Black and George – Peanut Butter
3. Ken Boothe and the Swinging Kings – Swinging King
4. The Gaylads – Tears from My Eyes
5. Clive Alphonso – Good Enough
6. Bop and the Beltones – Love
7. Soul Agent and the Soul Defenders – Popcorn Reggae
8. Alton Ellis – Knocking at My Door
9. Roy Tomlinson – I Stand for I
10. The Soulites – Spirit Down Here Below
11. Larry and Alvin – Press Along Nyah
12. Im and the Sound Dimension – Guess What
13. Trevor Clarke – Sufferation
14. The Officials – Ten Years Ago
15. Johnny, Earl and Jennie – Dub Street
16. Judah Eskender Tafari – Always Trying (Previously Unreleased Extended Mix)
17. Eddie Constantine – Tenement Yard (Previously Unreleased Extended Mix)
18. Johnny Osbourne – Unity (Extended Mix)

Bonus 45 single tracklisting:
A. Glen and Dave – Is It Yes or Is It No (Previously Unreleased)
B. Nora Dean – Mojo Girl

The bonus 45 single is only available on the Record Store Day Black Friday edition of From the Vaults, Vol. 1, so be sure to snag a copy from your favorite record store! Click here to find a participating store near you!

The bonus 45 includes an unreleased track from Glen and Dave plus a rarity from Nora Dean!

STUDIO ONE TO REISSUE VERSION DREAD, THE DEFINITIVE COMPILATION OF THE LABEL’S DUB B-SIDES

| Category: New Releases, News

RARE EXTENDED MIX OF “SURFING” BY ERNEST RANGLIN & THE SOUND DIMENSION PREMIERES AT AQUARIUM DRUNKARD

RED VINYL LP FEATURES TWO PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED TRACKS NOT INCLUDED ON ORIGINAL LP

LP AND CD AVAILABLE AT ALL RETAIL STORES AND DIGITAL SERVICE PROVIDERS SEPTEMBER 22

“Anyone with an ear for reggae history…will like what they hear.” – PopMatters

“Dance club and reggae fans, DJs and hip-hop mixmasters, this is must-have material for your CD collections…” – Bullz-Eye Music

Out-of-print for over a decade, Studio One announces the reissue of Version Dread, the compilation of some of the finest and most sought-after B-sides from the label responsible for fueling the dancehall crazes in Jamaica. Initially released in 2006 by Heartbeat, the album received acclaim from reggae publications like Downbeat Special, who noted “Version Dread gathers together a selection of some of the best B-side versions to emanate from Brentford Road.” The album is now available for pre-order.

Featuring 18 B-sides of top Studio One singles made for commercial release, the collection includes mixes of the Wailing Souls, Willie Williams, the Abyssinians, and a host of other legendary groups. Also included are two extended mixes: “Never Give Version” by Carlton and the Shoes, and a rare mix of Ernest Ranglin’s “Surfing”, which premiered today at Aquarium Drunkard. Neither of these songs were featured on the original LP.

The title “Version Dread” stems from the fact that on the flip sides of most Jamaican singles were dub versions of the vocal tracks, or what were commonly referred to in Jamaica as “versions.” In the early days, these “versions” were mainly the instrumental track with or without vocals. These were the days when songs were not recorded on multi-track machines. As the technology advanced, more complex mixes of the vocal side became the norm, with echo, flanging and dropouts on the instruments and vocals.

Since 2016, Studio One has been partnered with Yep Roc Records to reissue albums from legendary artists such as The Wailers and The Skatalites, as well as an entirely new compilation from Don Drummond and a deluxe edition of Freddie McKay’s Picture on the Wall. Other releases include a reissue of the rare Money Maker compilation, a House of Joy box set chronicling the history of Studio One, and two broadcasts of the Studio One Radio Show.

For more information on Version Dread and other Studio One releases, please visit http://studioonerecords.com/.

VERSION DREAD
(Studio One)
North America Only
LP, CD, and digital available on September 22, 2017

TRACKLISTING:
1. Ernest Wilson & The Sound Dimension – Why Oh Why Version
2. Sound Dimension – Fire Coal Version
3. Winston & The New Establishment – Creation Version
4. Sound Dimension – Please Be True Version
5. Willie & The Brentford Rockers – Armagideon Version
6. The Soul Vendors – Born to Dub
7. Sound Dimension – Pick Up Version
8. Lloyd Robinson & Brentford Disco Set – It Deep, Pt. 2
9. Sound Dimension – Version Dread
10. Sound Dimension – Declaration Version
11. The Soul Vendors – Things a Come Up to Dub
12. Sound Dimension – Zion Lion
13. Cornel & The Brentford Rockers – Natty Rub a Dub
14. The Heptones & Sound Dimensions – Give Me This Version
15. The New Establishment – Fire Version
16. Basil Daley – Hold Me Baby, Pt. 2
17. Sound Dimension – Train Is Coming, Pt. 2
18. The New Establishment – New Broom, Pt. 2
19. Ernest Ranglin & The Sound Dimension – Surfing (Extended Mix)
20. The New Establishment – Never Give Version (Extended Mix)

Shop the Studio One Sale!

| Category: News

We’re holding a week-long sale on just about everything in the Studio One store! Get up to 25% off select CDs and LPs, including the House of Joy box set, previously only available for Record Store Day and featuring fifteen 45s, a keychain, poster, and more! Classics from The Wailers, The Skatalites, Don Drummond, and other Studio One staples can be yours now, check out the sale here!

Studio One To Release Deluxe Edition Of Iconic Reggae Musician’s Freddie McKay’s Picture On The Wall

| Category: News

RARE JAMAICAN SINGLE MIX OF “SWEET YOU, SOUR YOU” PREMIERES AT UNITED REGGAE

LP AVAILABLE FOR LIMITED TIME EXCLUSIVELY AT DISCOGS FOR  INTERNATIONAL REGGAE DAY JULY 1

LP AND CD AVAILABLE AT RETAIL AND DIGITAL SERVICE PROVIDERS AUGUST 11

FreddieMcKay_PictureOnTheWall_COVER (1)

Out of print for over a decade, Studio One announces the release of a deluxe edition of Picture on the Wall, the highly influential debut from reggae musician Freddie McKay. In honor of International Reggae Day on July 1, Studio One will offer Picture on the Wall: Deluxe Edition on LP exclusively for a limited time through Discogs. On August 11, Picture on the Wall: Deluxe Edition LP and CD will be available at retail and digitally at all North American digital service providers.

Originally released in 1971, and showcasing McKay’s unparalleled talent, the deluxe edition features 24 tracks, with many never-before-released on CD or LP. Offering alternate versions, rarities, and extended mixes, this is the definitive collection of Freddie McKay at Studio One. With an extended mix of “Love Is a Treasure” and a version of “Picture on the Wall,” featuring the stylings of Prince Junior, these rarities from the Studio One vaults shine new light on McKay’s brilliance.

As one of the earliest examples of McKay finding his voice and offering a taste of the vibrant single mixes, the never-before-released on CD or LP, rare Jamaican single mix of “Sweet You, Sour You” premiered today at United Reggae.

McKay’s untimely death in 1986 cut short a highly promising career. Working with the legendary Coxsone Dodd and backed by the Soul Defenders, McKay made his authentic, rocksteady sound visible throughout Picture on the Wall. Many of the songs that initially caught Dodd’s attention, such as “High School Dance” and the title track, are found here.

Since 2016, Studio One has been partnered with Yep Roc Records to reissue albums from legendary artists such as The Wailers and The Skatalites, as well as an entirely new compilation from Don Drummond. Other releases include a reissue of the rare Money Maker compilation and two broadcasts of the Studio One Radio Show.

Discogs, the largest online database of music releases, recently surpassed five million artists accounted in their database, as well as featuring information on over eight million releases across more than one million labels.

FREDDIE McKAY

PICTURE ON THE WALL: DELUXE EDITION

(Studio One)

North America Only

LP available for order at Discogs on July 1, 2017

LP, CD, and digital available on August 11, 2017

TRACKLISTING:

  1. Picture on the Wall
  2. You Are Not the Kind
  3. Love Is a Treasure
  4. Father Will Cut You Off
  5. So Long Forever
  6. You’ll Be Sorry
  7. High School Dance
  8. Slip Away
  9. Old Joe
  10. A Little Bit Will Do
  11. Can’t Go On
  12. Watch Your Step
  13. Drunken Sailor
  14. Drunken Sailor (Version)
  15. You’ll Be Sorry (JA Single Mix)
  16. You’ll Be Sorry (Version)
  17. Picture on the Wall (JA Single Mix)
  18. Picture on the Wall (Version)
  19. Picture on the Wall (Vers. 3) (Featuring Prince Junior)
  20. I Am a Freeman (aka I Am Free, Freeman)
  21. Sweet You, Sour You (JA Single Mix)
  22. Old and Grey (aka When I Am Grey)
  23. My True Love
  24. Love Is a Treasure (Extended Mix)

New Don Drummond Compilation, “Don Cosmic”, coming 7/14

| Category: News

PRE-ORDER TODAY.

Don Cosmic is a new Studio One compilation that chronicles the legacy and influence of Don Drummond, one of Jamaica’s most legendary performers during the ska era. This collection features a handful of Don Drummond rarities, many of which have never been featured on prior albums. You can hear Drummond’s timeless sound all across the Studio One catalog, and Don Cosmic is the perfect vehicle for shedding light on the trombonist’s unrivaled legacy.

Highlights:

  • The ultimate collection of Don Drummond’s essential and hard-to-find material
  • Liner notes by Studio One and Heartbeat Records personality Chris Wilson
  • Booklet discussing Drummond’s legacy and history included
  • Originally compiled by Clement Dodd with Chris Wilson
  • Digital download included with LP
  • All material remastered

Pre-Order Don Cosmic now and get free shipping!

Street date: 7/14/17

Track list:

1. Don Drummond & His Group – Roll on Sweet Don

2. Don Drummond – Don Cosmic

3. Don Drummond – Coolie Boy

4. Don Drummond – Surplus

5. Don Drummond – The Shock

6. Don Drummond & His Green Landers – Schooling the Duke

7. Don Drummond – Reload

8. Don Drummond – Last Call (Take 1)

9. Don Drummond – Last Call (Take 2)

10. Don Drummond & the Skatalites – Far East (aka Further East / Trolley Song)

11. Don Drummond – Green Island

12. Don Drummond – Jet Stream

13. Don Drummond – The Rocket

14. Don Drummond & the Skatalites – Scrap Iron

15. Don Drummond – Rain or Shine (Take 1)

16. Don Drummond – Rain or Shine (Take 2)

17. Don Drummond – Rain or Shine (Take 3)

18. The Cecil Lloyd Group featuring Don Drummond – Grooving with the Beat

19. Workshop Musicians – Serenade in Sound

ORDER NOW: THE SKATALITES – FOUNDATION SKA

| Category: News

FoundationSka_COVER

For Foundation Ska’s 20th anniversary, Studio One is excited to be issuing it for the first time since it’s original pressing. This edition comes with a booklet chronicling the history of the Skatalities, six scare Skatalites tracks not included on the original release, and liner notes by Studio One and Heartbeat Records personality Chris Wilson.

Foundation Ska is one of the top compilations to explore the greatness of the legendary Skatalites. This top-tier Jamaican ska band featured the cream of the island’s musicians in a true supergroup. Tommy McCook, Roland Alphonso, and Johnny Moore were already recognized as the best players on the island and Don Drummond’s legendary status eclipsed them all. Adding Lloyd Knibbs and Lloyd Brevette as the rhythm section and Jackie Mittoo on piano, the Skatalites’ greatness was unrivaled.

The reissue of this 1997 album, long out of print, is now a strictly Studio One affair with the inclusion of six hard-to-find tracks from the label. A true slice of ska history, these songs sound as fresh today as they did when first released in the early sixties. Including a history of the group and song notes along with its mix of top songs and vocals, this album is a must have for all ska fans.

The Skatalites were the first and only Ska supergroup. During 1964 and 1965 they recorded more hits together than any other musical aggregation in Jamaica’s history. Don Drummond, Roland Alphonso and Tommy McCook remain as three of the legends of Jamaican music to this day.

The thirty-two top hits on this collection feature their years with the legend of Ska, Sir Coxsone Dodd, the Downbeat. Their collaboration produced hits for both the Skatalites themselves and singers such as The Wailers, Jackie Opel and a host of others.

Here are the hits that fueled their legendary status in Ska circles and have made them favorite’s the world over more than forty years later. Foundation Ska brings the picks of the past to life again. Fire Hot Ska!

Produced by Clement S. Dodd.

Executive Producer: Carol Dodd for Studio One

Reissue Coordination: Chris Wilson for Studio One.

Research by David “Dro” Ostrowe. A light gone too soon.

Recorded at Federal Records and Studio One, Kingston Jamaica.