Aggrobeat Singles! JUDGE DREAD MEMORIAL & WINSTON GROOVY 7 inches

First new single in decades by Pama and Trojan Records legend WINSTON GROOVY! Remake of The Pioneers song ‘Reggae Fever’ produced by Sidney Crooks from The Pioneers. The song ‘Reggae Fever’ was originally recorded in 1974 by the members of The Pioneers and gained a cult status over the years because of its references to the skinhead subculture.  His beautiful and distinctive soulful voice still sounds incredible to this day! Includes extensive historical liner notes, big hole DJ 45 single.  Not to be outdone is this debut double a-side single from “The Prince Of Rudeness” featuring The Upessions (aka The Judge Dread Memorial) on side A and The Rocksteady Conspiracy featuring Boss Capone at the other side! Continue reading Aggrobeat Singles! JUDGE DREAD MEMORIAL & WINSTON GROOVY 7 inches

Hot Singles! THE HOTKNIVES Mick Clare & Gary Marshall 7 inch for Specialized Charity

The SPECIALIZED charity in the UK issued a tremendous tribute CD to one of the best bands from the late 80s Ska Explosion scene – yes we are talking about THE HOTKNIVES! One of our favorite bands of ALL TIME, we have kept the band’s classic albums in stock for well over 30 years! This two track DJ 45 has GARY MARSHALL’s wonderful and uplifting ska tune “She’s A Lady” from the “Live And Skanking” album, a soulful tune that we believe might have been inspired by Tom Jones? The the flip sees MICK CLARE doing an acoustic tune “If You Don’t Know Me”.  Limited edition of 500 copies, half on custard yellow and half on white. If you’re  in the UK please order your copies from the SPECIALIZED Charity.

Hot Singles! LOLLYPOP LORRY “You’re Wondering Now” b/w “Jamaica Ska” 7 inch

Our favorite traditional ska band from Russia is back with a wonderful homage to the original freedom sound of Jamaica! Two of the most beloved songs from 60’s done in Lollypop style:  Andy & Joey’s “You’re Wondering Now” b/w the Byron Lee & The Dragonaires “Jamaica Ska”.  Originally issued as a very limited Mexican import which sold for ridiculous money (and the band never saw copies!)  – we’ve swooped in to make this available to the world!  Limited to 500 copies, half on white and half on antique green. Big hole 45s for DJs!

MANGO WOOD “In The Beginning: A Sides & B Sides” LP vinyl – top Spanish band’s singles collected

Grover Records issues a must-have collection of early 7 inch singles (on the band’s Respect Records imprint)  from top-shelf Spanish Rocksteady/Early-Reggae/Ska band with members from Upsttemians, Einstein, Ready Getters, Rude Pride, The Crepitans, Free Mode. You’ve loved their 2020 debut on Liquidator, and the band is so good in concert that 2023 saw a Live album too! We have limited edition red vinyl (250 copies) and classic black vinyl for the audiofile heads! Continue reading MANGO WOOD “In The Beginning: A Sides & B Sides” LP vinyl – top Spanish band’s singles collected

THE DOWNSETTERS “Chainsaw Lullabies” LP vinyl – Modern British 2-Tone with an edge!

One of today’s most beloved British ska bands finally gets their latest album on vinyl – limited edition yellow from Grover Records! THE DOWNSETTERS are top shelf modern 2-TONE, and “CHAINSAW LULLABIES” is arguably their best release to date. Capturing the feel of THE SPECIALS but without ripping the sound off – trombone and keys lead the way with good ol’ RODDY RADIATION influenced guitar riffs. THE DOWNSETTERS take a piece from today’s ska-punk pie, with modern chant heavy vocal breaks, occasional distortion and visits to ska-punk Hellcat related rhythms, along with “fake” radio intermissions. Continue reading THE DOWNSETTERS “Chainsaw Lullabies” LP vinyl – Modern British 2-Tone with an edge!

BAD MANNERS = BUSTERS ALL STARS “Skinhead Luv Affair” LP vinyl

Ultra rare album from Buster Bloodvessel and Bad Manners spin off group, in recent years this has become one of the most sought after modern Ska releases. On the collectors market the original vinyl album is valued at over $300 and even the re-issued House Of Ska Records CD fetches $100+. This Mad Butcher German import re-release is a limited edition of 500 copies, and includes many songs that BAD MANNERS still perform live today – and you’ll hear at the Supernova Ska Festival! In a post 2-Tone mood? Add recent “2-Tone & Beyond” 7 inches for only $5 each – pick up RODDY RADIATION (THE SPECIALS) “Sea Cruise” Continue reading BAD MANNERS = BUSTERS ALL STARS “Skinhead Luv Affair” LP vinyl

SKANKING LIZARD “Original Chicago Reggae 1978-1996” LP anthology – Back In Print!

Skanking Lizard originated in Chicago in 1978 by a group of friends who had a deep love for reggae music, and by the 80’s this line up of northside musicians became Chicago’s original performing reggae band. Skanking Lizard was no island tribute band, they concentrated on developing their own sound which incorporated American roots rock with reggae rhythms. In the 1980’s, they became one of Chicago’s favorite festival bands and toured with the likes of Toots and the Maytals, Mighty Diamonds, Steel Pulse, Neville Brothers, and the B-52’s. They released the “Jesse James/Mushroom” 7 inch single in 1983, charting on Jamaica’s Top 40 List. In 1984 lead singer Alan “Blood” Lery released “Kingston Meets Chicago” 12” EP, which was recorded at Channel One Studios in Kingston and featured Jamaican legends Santa Davis on drums, Ranchie McLean on bass, Skully on percussion, Ansell Collins on organ, Howard Yukon of the Blue Riddim Band on guitar, and Shay Jones on backing vocals. The producer was Jimmy Becker of Blue Riddim band, a famed studio harmonica player who also was a member of Skanking Lizard in the early 1980’s. Both original vinyl releases appear on the band’s first ever anthology “Original Chicago Reggae”, out now in celebration of Record Store Day! Eleven tracks including never before released studio gems, including two ska tunes from 1988 recorded as a tribute to 2-Tone! Second Pressing on Yellow Vinyl out now! Continue reading SKANKING LIZARD “Original Chicago Reggae 1978-1996” LP anthology – Back In Print!

THE TOASTERS “2 TONE ARMY” LP (JUMP099LP) + “DUB 56” LP (JUMP098LP) back on vinyl

Two classic 90’s album from American ska pioneers THE TOASTERS are once again back on vinyl! “DUB 56” from 1994 is a Moon Ska NYC classic, back in print on random color  vinyl! A fantastic album, a highlight of the “third wave” – influenced heavily by British 2 Tone yet distinctly American.  14 tracks on vinyl: Direction, Freedom, Mona, Dancin’, Dub 56, Sweet Cherie, Tunisia, Little Hidden Secrets, Marlboro Man, Ain’t Huthin’, Razor Cut, Legal Shot, Midnight Hour, Goody Goody. A couple years ago when we were chatting to Bucket from THE TOASTERS, we realized that there were a handful of albums that NEVER appeared on vinyl including the amazing 2 TONE ARMY collection which included their biggest MTV2 video hits!  The artwork is a tribute to iconic NYC SKA artist STEVE HEX who we lost a few years ago,  this must have album includes the hits “I WASN’T GOING TO CALL YOU ANYWAY” and the title track “2 TONE ARMY”. 10 tracks, on dark grey marble vinyl. A truly fantastic record, one we are so proud to have our name on!

If you’re a manic collector make sure you pick up these two albums on limited edition cassette tape too!

THE PRIZEFIGHTERS “Punch Up” LP vinyl / CD – Vintage Jamaican Shots from Minneapolis

THE PRIZEFIGHTERS are back with their third full-length full of vintage Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae full of socially conscious lyrics coupled with fantastic retro vocal harmonies. The band formed in the twin cities in 2006, and by the time of their 2010-2011 debut full length “Follow My Sound” they were already making trips to Chicago to back Jamaican legends at our Mayne Stage series, first Stranger Cole then Roy & Yvonne, soon followed by Charlie Organaire which lead to an album and European tour with the harmonica legend. In 2016 the band got the nod to back Derrick Morgan at Reggae Fest Chicago, playing in front of 4000+ people on a sweltering summer day! Fast forward to 2019 and their second full length “Firewalk” was released, an instant international sensation that has gone through many represses in it’s short lifespan! Now it’s time to unleash twelve new songs, ranging from manic early reggae (“Kick The Can”, “What Are You Going To Do”), scorching ska (“Company Time”, “Think & Pray”), the jumping reggae of “Close To Your Chest” and dark murderous Upsetters style on “The Hand At The Door”. Whatever your flavor of old school Jamaican music, THE PRIZEFIGHTERS have studied and mastered it with help from the originators – they are once again ready to unleash a new modern day traditional classic. Vinyl in two colors, red and gold, both limited to 250 copies. Compact Disc available too!

EASTERN STANDARD TIME “Clockwork” LP vinyl / CD – new album from Wash DC ska jazz champs!

It’s always an incredible day when EASTERN STANDARD TIME return with a new album! Traditional ska fans  worldwide have been waiting for “Clockwork” for years, a dozen tracks that range from ska-jazz soundtrack-esque instrumentals that sting, hand-clappin’ call-and-response feel good ska soul dancers, sultry night time Latin fueled numbers, and downtempo bubbly reggae soul groovers! The tempos on “Clockwork” keep you engaged and energized, long time fans will also be pleased to hear live favorites “The Dragon”, “Miles & Miles” and “Call Me Crazy” make appearances! Pick up the new record and you’ll hear why EST is huge in Europe after decades of festivals backing top Jamaican legends – now lets get these guys around the USA in 2023!? Two colors of vinyl, burgundy red and orange, both limited to 250 copies each. Compact Disc too to jam in your car!