VA - Strictly Breaks Vol. 01-11 [1997-2005] (11 x CDs)

DEFINITIVE COLLECTORS BOX

VA - Strictly Breaks Vol. 01-11 [1997-2005] (11 x CDs)

The Strictly Breaks series, launched in the late 1990s, is a foundational crate-digging anthology, an unofficial but deeply influential set of vinyl compilations that spotlight rare grooves, open drum breaks, and sample-rich tracks across funk, soul, jazz, disco, and rock. Modeled after the legendary Ultimate Breaks & Beats series, Strictly Breaks expands the palette, offering DJs and producers a deeper, more eclectic reservoir of loopable moments and sonic textures.

Across its volumes, the series favors obscurity over familiarity. While a few well-known cuts like Bernard Herrmann’s Psycho Theme sneak in, most selections are drawn from under-the-radar LP tracks, B-sides, and forgotten album cuts, each chosen for its rhythmic potency or sample potential. The curators clearly understood the alchemy of the break: not just isolated drum passages, but grooves with emotional weight, tonal character, and room for reinterpretation. That ethos made the series a go-to for hip hop producers in search of fresh loops and for collectors chasing the DNA of their favorite beats.

What sets Strictly Breaks apart is its refusal to settle into genre orthodoxy. You’ll find psychedelic soul next to cinematic jazz, Latin funk rubbing shoulders with obscure pop, all unified by a shared “funkiness” that defies easy categorization. The sequencing across volumes is loose but purposeful, encouraging discovery rather than dictating narrative. Each LP feels like a private stash cracked open for public use.

Though unofficial, the series has become a reference point in sample culture, influencing beatmakers, archivists, and reissue labels alike. It’s not just a collection—it’s a toolkit, a listening ritual, and a sonic map of the grooves that shaped underground music. For those who build from the past, Strictly Breaks remains essential. (B)

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Track lists

Vol. 01

01 Mort Stevens and His Orchestra - The Long Wait 2:09

02 Sylvia Striplin - You Can't Turn Me Away 5:22

03 David Axelrod - The Smile 0:24

04 Jeff Lorber - Rain Dance 4:35

05 Cal Tjader - Morning 3:23

06 Quincy Jones - Summer in the City 4:00

07 Lonnie Liston Smith - Garden of Peace 2:19

08 David Porter - I'm Afraid the Masquerade is Over 5:13

09 Shelly Manne - Mask 0:40

10 Joe Williams - Get Out My Life Woman 3:14

11 Tyrone Davis - In the Mood 4:04

12 Drums of Death - Bonus Beat 1:00

Vol. 02

01 Main Ingredient - Summer Breeze 3:07

02 Dynasty - Adventures in the Land of Music 3:14

03 Grace Jones - My Jamaican Guy (skit) 1:29

04 Milt Jackson - Enchanted Lady 5:03

05 John Klemmer - Free Soul 3:12

06 Marva Whitney - Unwind Yourself 2:15

07 Ramsey Lewis - The Mighty Quinn 3:09

08 Jean-Jacques Perrey - E.V.A. 3:03

09 Brick - Fun (skit) 2:02

10 Ohio Players - Funky Worm 2:42

11 Jeff Lorber - Night Love 3:23

12 Roy Ayers - Searching 4:02

Vol. 03

01 Seals & Crofts - Sweet Green Fields 4:10

02 Love Unlimited Orchestra - I Did it for Love 2:16

03 Screamin  Jay Hawkins - I Put a Spell on You 2:25

04 Barry White - Killers Lullaby 1:36

05 Unlimited Touch - I Hear Music in the Streets 3:24

06 Meters - Just Kissed My Baby 3:02

07 Steely Dan - Black Cow 3:13

08 Kool & the Gang - Hollywood Swinging 3:12

09 Carl Carlton - She's a Bad Mama Jama 3:25

10 Diana Ross - I'm Coming Out 3:23

11 The Treacherous Three - The Body Rock 0:38

12 Charmels - I'll Never Grow Old 2:36

13 Leon Haywood - I Want 2 Do Something Freaky 2 U 3:13

14 Monk Higgins - Little Green Apples 3:16

Vol. 04

01 Bob James - Shamboozie 2:56

02 Labi Siffre - I Got the Blues 5:35

03 Buddy Baker - Sign Song 1:01

04 Extra T s - E.T. Boogie 2:53

05 Les McCann - Vallarta 0:39

06 Ann Peebles - I Can't Stand the Rain 2:21

07 Rhythm - The World is a Place 2:01

08 Zulema - American Fruit, African Roots 2:40

09 Delfonics - Ready or Not 1:53

10 Ahmad Jamal - Pastures 0:59

11 Ohio Players - Little Lady Maria 1:07

12 Curtis Mayfield - Tripping Out 6:43

13 Eddie Harris - Lovely is Today 4:19

14 Jack Bruce - Born to Be Blue 1:03

15 Lalo Schifrin - Danube Incident 1:49

16 Brother  Jack McDuff - Strolling 1:36

Vol. 05

01 Curtis Mayfield - Right on for the Darkness 2:57

02 Cecil Holmes - Call Me, Come Back Home 2:31

03 Al Green - Love and Happiness 2:25

04 Joe Simon - Drowning in the Sea of Love 2:37

05 B.T. Express - Everything Good to You 2:48

06 Willie Mitchell - Groovin' 2:53

07 Nona Hendryx - Transformation 3:13

08 Bill Conti - Going the Distance 2:36

09 George Duke - Reach for It 2:53

10 Bobby Caldwell - My Flame 2:53

11 Cal Tjader - Django 0:57

12 Stevie Wonder - Too High 3:00

13 Larry Young - Turn Off the Lights 2:57

14 Chocolate Milk - Action Speaks Louder Than Words 2:52

Vol. 06

01 Brenda Russell - A Little Bit of Love 3:04

02 Tami Lynn - Light My Fire 3:02

03 Dexter Wansel - New Beginning 3:26

04 Thom Bell - Moses Theme 3:45

05 Earth, Wind & Fire - On Your Face 3:09

06 Jacques Brel - Vieillir 1:04

07 Troggs - Rolling Stone 2:05

08 Talking Heads - Once in a Lifetime 3:17

09 Gwen McCrae - I've Got Nothing to Lose but the Blues 3:31

10 Dells - Free and Easy 3:11

11 Jerry Butler - I'm Your Mechanical Man 3:19

12 Dee Felice Trio - There Was a Time 2:48

13 Harold Wheeler - Black Cream 2:44

Vol. 07

01 Ramon Morris - Don t Ask Me 2:52

02 Love Unlimited Orchestra - Midnight Groove 3:32

03 Steve Arrington - Weak at the Knees 3:16

04 Jean Carne - Don t Let it Go to Your Head 3:08

05 Steve Khan - Darling, Darling Baby 3:45

06 Roy Ayers - Life is Just a Moment, Part 2 2:26

07 Charles Strouse - It s the Hard Knock Life 2:20

08 Love Childs Afro Cuban Blues Band - Somethings Got to Give 4:02

09 Parliament - Come in Out of the Rain 2:41

10 Supremes - It s Time to Break Down 3:17

11 Love Unlimited - Under the Influence of Love 3:01

12 Diana Ross - My Hero is a Gun 3:13

Vol. 08

01 Enoch Light - Hi-Jack 3:05

02 Ronald Stein - Pigs Go Home 0:40

03 Barry White - I Wanna Stay 3:07

04 J.B. s - Blow Your Head 4:40

05 Don Randi - The Fox 3:40

06 Les McCann - The Morning Song 2:19

07 Buster Williams - Vibrations 3:43

08 George McCrae & Gwen McCrae - The Rub 3:35

09 Bernard Herrmann - Psycho 1:32

10 Pablo Today - Love Till Tomorrow 3:17

11 Coasters - Down Home Girl 3:11

12 Big John Hamilton - Big Bad John 2:27

Vol. 09

01 Claudja Barry - Love for the Sake of Love 5:05

02 David McCallum - The Edge 2:48

03 Jos  Feliciano - Esto es el guaguanc 3:43

04 John Taylor - Notorious 2:44

05 Graham Nash - Chicago 2:37

06 Al Wilson - My Song 3:40

07 Lionel Bart - Anything 2:31

08 Dr. Buzzard s Original Savannah Band - Cherchez La Femme 3:22

09 Kool & the Gang - N.T. 2:52

10 J.B. s - (It's Not the Express) It's the J.B.'s Monaurail 3:10

11 Joe Thomas - Polarizer 3:21

12 Barry De Vorzon - Nadia's Theme 3:21

Vol. 10

01 Detroit Emeralds - You're Getting a Little Too Smart 3:31

02 Michael Quatro - Stripper 2:32

03 Paul Butterfield - I Don't Wanna Go 4:29

04 Dorothy Ashby - Cause I Need It 2:53

05 Ripple - It Sure is Funky 3:12

06 John Kasandra - Down Home Up's 2:33

07 [unknown] - Under the Cherry Moon 1:30

08 Bernard Wright - Hoboclabotribin 3:10

09 Donald Byrd - Dominoes 4:23

10 Dr. John - Right Place, Wrong Time 2:47

11 Fatback - How to Dance 2:48

12 Idris Muhammad - Crab Apple 3:23

Vol. 11

01 Trammps - Rubberband 3:43

02 Meters - Oh, Calcutta! 2:50

03 Shirley Brown - Diamonds Are Forever 2:38

04 Jerry Butler - No Money Down 3:02

05 Supertramp - Crime of the Century 3:02

06 Toshoyuki Honda - Thunder Kiss 3:05

07 Johnny  Guitar  Watson - Lovin' You 2:58

08 Boney M. - Sonny 3:08

09 Gong - Mandrake 4:44

10 Main Ingredient - Let Me Prove My Love 2:58

11 Franck Pourcel - Diamonds Are Forever 3:19

12 John Scott - Tearaway 1:32

13 Best of Both Worlds - Naked Truth 2:40

14 ManDrill - Movement 4 3:05

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Music weaves itself into the fabric of our emotions, dances through the corridors of memory, and whispers to the soul of who we are. Sharing these stories deepens the connection, turning the experience into something timeless and profound.

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VA - Cold Heat, Heavy Funk Rarities 1968-1974 Vol. 1 [2004]

FUNK

VA - Cold Heat, Heavy Funk Rarities 1968-1974 Vol. 1 [2004]

Released in 2004 by Now-Again Records, Cold Heat, Heavy Funk Rarities 1968–1974 Vol. 1 is a crate-digger’s dream, an expertly curated compilation that unearths raw, regional funk from the golden age of independent soul. Compiled by Egon and Peanut Butter Wolf, the set sidesteps polished studio fare in favor of gritty, groove-heavy obscurities that once lived on dusty 45s and vanished labels.

The opener, Carleen & The Groovers’ “The Thing,” sets the tone with breakbeat-ready drums and a locked-in rhythm section led by Carleen Jean Butler. Amnesty’s “Free Your Mind” follows with psychedelic flair and socially conscious lyrics, while Detroit Sex Machines’ “The Stretch” delivers stripped-down funk with a garage-band edge. Other standouts include Michael Liggins & The Super Souls’ “Loaded to the Gills,” Kenny Smith & The Loveliters’ “Go For Your Self,” and the Dayton Sidewinders’ cover of “Slipping Into Darkness.”

Features is a James Brown medley by The Apollo Commanders, and Lil’ Lavair & The Fabulous Jades’ “Cold Heat” the compilation’s namesake, burns with brass and attitude. The Soul Seven’s “Mr. Chicken” appears in alternate take form, and Kashmere Stage Band’s “Scorpio” adds high school band swagger with professional-level chops.

Many tracks were previously unreleased or issued in micro-pressings, making this set essential for funk archivists. The mastering preserves analog grit, and the gatefold packaging includes liner notes that trace each band’s origin story. Cold Heat isn’t just a compilation; it’s a rescue mission for the forgotten pulse of American funk. (B)

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Track list

01 Carleen & The Groovers - The Thing 2:40

02 Amnesty - Free Your Mind 5:50

03 Detroit Sex Machines - The Stretch (edit) 5:01

04 Michael Liggins & The Supersouls - Loaded to The Gills (edit) 4:41

05 Kenny Smith & The Loveliters - Go for Your Self (edit) 5:17

06 Dayton Sidewinders - Slipping Into Darkness 4:33

07 Apollo Commanders - James Brown Medley ('I Made A  Mistake/Lowdown Popcorn' edit) 4:43

08 Lil' Lavair and The Fabulous Jades - Cold Heat 2:44

09 Soul Seven - The Cissy's Thang 2:22

10 L.A. Carnival - Color (original 7' version) 2:35

11 Aristocrats - Don't Go 2:23

12 Ebony Rhythm Band - Drugs Ain't Cool (instrumental) 2:45

13 Soul Seven - Mr. Chicken (alternate take) 4:40

14 Leon Mitchison - Street Scene 2:48

15 Kashmere Stage Band - Scorpio 4:39

16 Leroy & The Drivers - The Sad Chicken 3:00

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Music weaves itself into the fabric of our emotions, dances through the corridors of memory, and whispers to the soul of who we are. Sharing these stories deepens the connection, turning the experience into something timeless and profound.

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VA - The Mighty Mellow Vol. 1 - 3 [1997-1999] (3 x CDs)

FOLK FUNK

VA - The Mighty Mellow Vol. 1 - 3 [1997-1999] (3 x CDs)

Released between 1997 and 1999 across Yellowstone, Drive, and Future Records, The Mighty Mellow trilogy is a foundational document in the folk-funk revival, decades ahead of its time. Subtitled A Folk-Funk Psychedelic Experience, these Italian compilations blend rare groove, cinematic soul, jazz-funk, and psychedelic folk into a genre-fluid listening arc that shaped curatorial approaches for years to come. With minimal liner notes and bootleg-style presentation, the series relies on sequencing, mood, and deep crate-digging to tell its story.

Volume 1 (Yellowstone Records) opens with Stringtronics’ “Tropicola” and David Axelrod’s “Holy Thursday,” immediately establishing its cinematic scope. Christine Harwood’s “Never Knew What Love Was” and Ronnie Foster’s “Mystic Brew” anchor the folk-funk axis, while Annette Peacock’s “Pony” and Fifty Foot Hose’s “Rose” push into avant-garde terrain. The selections span UK psych, US soul-jazz, and European library music, unified by their emotional depth and analog grit.

Volume 2 (Drive Records) continues the journey with a slightly more soulful and jazz-inflected palette. Barbara & Ernie’s “Somebody to Love,” Nancy Priddy’s “You’ve Come This Way Before,” and Hugo Montenegro’s “Higher Ground” offer lush arrangements and introspective vocals. André Previn’s “Executive Party Dance” and David Snell’s “Crab Apple Jam” add orchestral funk textures, while the sequencing moves from acoustic intimacy to groove-laced sophistication.

Volume 3 (Future Records) shifts the emphasis toward cinematic funk and library rarities. Francis Coppieters’ “Funky Chimes,” Tonio Rubio’s “Bass In Action No. 2,” and Ester Byrde’s “Touch Me Take Me” showcase rhythmic depth and lush production. Alice Coltrane’s “Los Caballos” and Maxayn’s “Doing Nothing, Nothing Doing” stretch the series into spiritual jazz and psychedelic soul. Though less folk-oriented, Volume 3 retains the series’ crate-digging ethos and emotional resonance.

Together, The Mighty Mellow Volumes 1-3 form a curatorial manifesto, mapping the outer edges of folk-funk before the term had cultural currency. These compilations don’t just mellow, they mesmerize. For archivists and deep listeners, they remain essential, raw, radiant, and revelatory. (B)

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Track lists

CD1

01 Stringtronics - Tropicola 2:42

02 David Axlerod - Holy Thursday 3:51

03 Ronnie Foster - Mystic Brew 4:03

04 Bill Conti - Reflections 3:19

05 Henry Mancini - Here's Looking 2:50

06 Keef Hartley Band - Imitations From Home 3:35

07 Manzell - Midnight Theme 2:07

08 Heath Brothers; Albert Heath, Jimmy Heath and Percy Heath Featuring Stanley Cowell - Smilin' Billy Suite Part II 4:28

09 Jayson Lindh - Your Own House 3:25

10 David Snell - Crab Apple Jam 3:10

11 Prophets of Soul - Changing Things 5:35

12 André Previn - Executive Party Dance 1:45

13 Annette Peacock - Pony 6:17

14 Annette Peacock - You've Come This Way Before 2:50

15 Fifty Foot House - Rose 5:05

16 Nancyn Priddy - You've Come This Way Before 2:49

17 Barbara & Ernie - Somebody to Love 4:38

18 Christine Harwood - Never Knew What Love Was 2:36

CD2

01 Keith Mansfield - Hot Property 1:48

02 Alan Tew - The Rub 2:20

03 Davis Matthews - Sandworms 4:51

04 Mary Lou Williams - Ode to Saint Secile 5:40

05 Mystic Moods - Cosmic Sea 2:46

06 Pete Jolly - Plummer Park 3:41

07 Armin Rush - Canadian Sunset 2:53

08 Nick Ingman - Tense Preparation 1:40

09 Tonio Rubio - Bass in Action No. 1 3:20

10 Performance - Nights is Blues 3:57

11 P.A. Dahan & M. Camison - Rythmiques No. 8 3:35

12 Sight & Sound - Fragments of Fear 3:34

13 Pool-Pah - Sour Soul 2:43

14 Brian Bennet - Name of The Game 3:43

15 Orchestra Gary Pacific - Soft Wind 1:55

16 Moody - Lonely Jelly 4:16

17 Big Group - Heavy Lift 4:01

18 Bob Elger and His Orchestra - A Woman is Born 2:23

19 Ramsey Lewis - My Love for You 4:47

CD3

01 Francis Coppieters - Funky Chimes 3:04

02 D. Mensah - Fine & Funky 4:59

03 Sound Prospect - Al's Blues 2:24

04 Unknown Artist - Title Unknown 2:45

05 Anesis - Funky Teahouse 3:22

06 Jay Richford & Gary Stevan - Feeling Tense 4:00

07 Returners - It Seems That Way 5:04

08 Johnny Pearson - Head in The Clouds 3:09

09 Mary Lou Williams Trio - Rosa Mae 3:59

10 Tonio Rubio - Bass in Action No.2 3:12

11 Bob Azzam and His Orchestra - Rain Rain Go Away 2:42

12 Maxayn - Doing Nothing, Nothing Doing 6:07

13 Laurindo Almeida & Ray Brown - Brazilian Greens 2:18

14 Invaders - Latin Lips 3:08

15 Floyd Morris - Mellow Funk 2:16

16 Ester Byrde - Touch Me Take Me 3:08

17 Alice Coltrane - Los Caballos 3:23

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Music weaves itself into the fabric of our emotions, dances through the corridors of memory, and whispers to the soul of who we are. Sharing these stories deepens the connection, turning the experience into something timeless and profound.

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VA - We Are the Children of the Sun Vol. 1 & 2 [2022 - 2023] (2 x CDs)

FOLK FUNK

VA - We Are the Children of the Sun Vol. 1 & 2 [2022 - 2023] (2 x CDs)

Curated by British DJ and vinyl archivist Paul Hillery, We Are the Children of the Sun Volumes 1 and 2 (Once Again We Are the Children of The Sun) released by BBE Music in 2022 and 202, form a radiant diptych of folk funk, soft psych, and Balearic soul. These compilations are not genre exercises but mood documents: warm, introspective, and deeply rooted in the emotional resonance of overlooked recordings from the 1970s and early ’80s. Hillery’s selections, drawn from private pressings, obscure 45s, and forgotten LP cuts, offer a sonic landscape where acoustic intimacy meets groove-laced optimism.

Volume 1     "We Are the Children of The Sun" opens with Jim Lamarche’s “Make Believe,” setting a tone of gentle wonder and melodic ease. The compilation includes 18 tracks, such as Pixie Lauer’s “Sunday Morning,” White Feather’s “Summer Days Golden Haze,” and Ron Drago’s “Phase Dance.” These selections span North American and European sources, unified by their mellow textures and spiritual warmth. 

Volume 2      "Once Again We Are The Children Of The Sun" continues the journey with another 18 tracks, expanding into jazz-folk, cosmic soul, and Balearic-inflected AOR. Highlights include Marti Caine’s “Love The Way You Love Me” (originally issued by BBC Records in 1980), Randy Boudreaux’s “You’re The Best,” and Aria Rostami’s “Golden Hour.” The sequencing is cinematic, moving from acoustic balladry to groove-rich euphoria. Hillery’s curatorial voice remains consistent, emotionally resonant, historically grounded, and sonically adventurous.

Both volumes are available on CD, digital, and vinyl formats, with artwork that reflects the compilations’ radiant tone. Hillery doesn’t just collect; he reanimates. "We Are the Children of the Sun" and "Once Again We Are the Children of The Sun" are a celebration of the margins: artists who never chased the spotlight but left behind gold. It’s music for the soul, the sunset, and the seeker. (B)

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Track lists

Vol. 1

01 Jim Lamarche, Theresa Moylan & Music Industry Arts - Make Believe 4:35

02 Mike Baumann & Tom Huntington - Man of Misery 5:01

03 David Datunashvili - ?????????? (Wonders) 3:34

04 Pixie Lauer - Sunday Morning 3:42

05 Ron Drago - Phase Dance 7:35

06 Guy Schwartz - Ride That Train 2:19

07 Marla Fant - Land of Wonder 4:49

08 Diana Pequeno - Mistérios 5:45

09 Airborne - Marie 3:22

10 Scott McGregor Moore - So Good When it Comes 3:35

11 Checkpoint - I Send You All My Love 4:27

12 Gabriel Gladstar - Flow 4:55

13 White Feather - Summer Days / Golden Haze 3:56

14 Philip John Lewin - Fear of Flying 6:51

15 Monica Rypma - Let Love Flow 2:43

16 Alex Crispin - Effert 6:03

17 Michael Welch - Phone Home 4:18

18 Guy Maxwell - You Never Sang This Song 3:27

Vol. 2

01 Will & James Ragar - As the Day Grows Tired 2:35

02 Forest - Crazy Days 5:14

03 Cunningham Corner - Free and Easy 5:10

04 Wendy Grace - More Than Hope 4:18

05 Bengt Liedman - Tight Tonight 4:32

06 Corill - Soul Shadow 4:35

07 Varela - Come and Take Me by the Hand 6:11

08 Just Us - Just a Thought 4:52

09 Mike Baumann & Thom Huntington - Time 4:51

10 Darrell John - Write Your Lucky Number 4:06

11 Freeze Band - Going Back in Time 5:52

12 Godspeed - Ice Cold 3:08

13 William Eaton Ensemble - Kayenta Crossing 5:07

14 Orion - Moonshine 4:44

15 Greg Foat Group - Milk and Honey 5:07

16 Aria Rostami - Golden Hour 4:10

17 Bugatti & Musker - Fate (Demo) 3:26

18 Garth Fletcher - Peace Train 4:14

19 Mark Capanni - If Life Was a Ferris Wheel 3:22

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Music weaves itself into the fabric of our emotions, dances through the corridors of memory, and whispers to the soul of who we are. Sharing these stories deepens the connection, turning the experience into something timeless and profound.

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VA - A BOX of JAMAICA (10 x CDs)

JAMACIA

VA - A BOX of JAMAICA (10 x CDs)

This suite of compilations, spanning 10 CDs, isn’t just a collection of albums. It’s a living archive of Jamaica’s sonic evolution, from ska’s final echoes to rocksteady’s golden hour, roots reggae’s spiritual rise, and the funk-infused experiments that defied genre boundaries.

Spanning two decades of Jamaican musical innovation, BOX OF JAMAICA is an anthology that traces the island’s sonic evolution from ska’s final echoes to the deep pulse of roots reggae, the velvet sway of rocksteady, and the unexpected funk and soul infusions that emerged from Kingston’s studios. These ten volumes, drawn from rare 45s, producer archives, and genre-defining compilations, offer not just a listening experience but a cultural excavation. Each set offers a distinct lens.

The journey begins with Original Jamaican Classics Volume 1 [1963], where early ska rhythms still dominate, but hints of soul phrasing and R&B structure begin to seep into the arrangements. By Come Rock With Me in Jamaica [1968] and From The Grass Roots Of Jamaica [1969], the shift toward rocksteady is unmistakable, basslines slow, vocals deepen, and harmony groups like The Techniques and The Paragons bring a romantic melancholy that would define the genre’s golden age.

The Kings & Queens of Rocksteady [1999] serves as a crown jewel, showcasing the genre’s most iconic voices, Phyllis Dillon, Alton Ellis, and Ken Boothe alongside lesser-known gems that highlight the emotional depth and melodic sophistication of the era. Meanwhile, Listen to The Music, Caltone's Jamaican 45's 1966-69 [2012] dives into the catalog of one of Jamaica’s most adventurous labels, revealing a cross-section of ska, rocksteady, and proto-reggae with raw vocal takes and dubwise experimentation.

The two-disc set Arise Rootsman, Jamaican Roots 1965–1983 [2003] anchors the box with spiritual urgency and political consciousness. Here, roots reggae takes center stage, Burning Spear, Culture, and lesser-known chanters deliver meditations on identity, resistance, and Rastafari, often backed by deep Nyabinghi rhythms and militant horn lines.

But the box also surprises. Jamaica Funk, Original Jamaican Funk and Soul 45's [2007] and Jamaican Rare Groove [2023] uncover a parallel universe where Jamaican artists channeled Curtis Mayfield, James Brown, and Stax Records, crafting gritty, syncopated grooves that blur the lines between island soul and American funk. Jamaican Soul Kings [2008] ties it all together, spotlighting vocalists who could croon, cry, and testify with equal conviction.

Together, these sets form a mosaic of Jamaica’s musical soul, rhythmic, rebellious, romantic, and relentlessly inventive. It’s a box of spirit. (B)

Included in this set are the following albums:

VA - Arise Rootsman, Jamaican Roots 1965-1983 CD1+CD2 [2003]   A deep roots compilation spanning nearly two decades, Arise Rootsman captures spiritual, militant, and meditative reggae from Studio One, Channel One, and obscure imprints. Featuring Ras Michael, The Royals, and obscure Nyabinghi cuts, it’s a richly sequenced set that bridges ska’s twilight with roots reggae’s rise.

VA - Come Rock With Me in Jamaica [1968]   Released by Treasure Isle, this LP blends rocksteady soul with cinematic instrumentals. Joya Landis, Alton Ellis, and Phyllis Dillon shine alongside Tommy McCook’s lush arrangements. A warm, romantic snapshot of Kingston’s golden hour, sequenced with emotional precision and rare vocal-instrumental interplay.

VA - From The Grass Roots Of Jamaica [1969]   A field-recorded ethnographic compilation curated by Olive Lewin, with liner notes by Edward Seaga, documenting traditional Jamaican folk forms. These are oral folk traditions, often performed by unnamed villagers, elders, and ritual groups. The album was recorded and mastered at Dynamic Sounds Studios, but it’s more of a cultural document than a commercial release.

VA - Jamaica Funk, Original Jamaican Funk and Soul 45's [2007]   Soul Jazz Records compiles rare 45s blending Jamaican rhythm with American funk and soul. Featuring Glen Adams, Cedric Brooks, and The Heptones, it’s a groove-heavy set that reveals Kingston’s deep connection to Black Atlantic sound. Essential for collectors of crossover gems.

VA - Jamaican Rare Groove, Rare Funky Songs From Jamaica [2023]   Wagram Music’s 2LP set unearths obscure funk, soul, and reggae-pop hybrids from Jamaican 45s. Featuring Denroy Morgan, Jamaica Girls, and Tommy McCook, it’s a vibrant, genre-blurring compilation that showcases the island’s sonic versatility beyond roots and dub.

VA - Jamaican Soul Kings, Roots Era Rare Tunes [2008]   Privately issued in France, this CD features rare soul-inflected reggae cuts from Ken Boothe, Stranger Cole, and Slim Smith. With bilingual liner notes and emotional depth, it’s a collector’s gem that reimagines American soul through Jamaican phrasing and rhythm.

VA - Listen to The Music, Caltone's Jamaican 45's 1966-69 [2012]   Pressure Sounds compiles 21 rare singles from Ken Lack’s Caltone label. Featuring The Clarendonians, Tommy McCook, and The Kingstonians, it’s a soulful, transitional set bridging ska and rocksteady. Remastered from original tapes, it’s a vital document of Kingston’s studio culture.

VA - Original Jamaican Classics Volume 1 [1963]   A foundational Studio One compilation, Original Jamaican Classics Volume 1 captures the early soul of Jamaican music. Featuring Alton Ellis, The Heptones, Jackie Mittoo, and The Melodians, it blends ska, rocksteady, and proto-reggae with heartfelt vocals and timeless melodies. Remastered from original tapes, it’s a warm, essential snapshot of Kingston’s golden age.

VA - The Kings & Queens of Rocksteady [1999]   A harmony-rich compilation spotlighting vocal legends like The Techniques, The Sensations, and Phyllis Dillon. Released in Japan, it’s sequenced with care and includes rare B-sides and alternate takes. A melodic, emotionally resonant tribute to rocksteady’s golden voices.

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Track lists

VA - Arise Rootsman, Jamaican Roots 1965-1983 [2003]

CD1

01 Justin Hinds & The Dominoes - After A Storm 2:34

02 Ethiopians - Train to Glory 2:51

03 Bob Andy - Weep 2:14

04 Nora Dean - Peace Begins Within 2:54

05 Little Roy - Hard Fighter 3:10

06 Maytones - Babylon A Fall 2:58

07 Alton Ellis - Black Man's Pride 2:59

08 Wailing Souls - Harbour Shark 2:04

09 Greyhound - The Pressure is Coming On 2:14

10 Keith Hudson & The Chuckles - Satan Side 2:11

11 Rocking Horse - Hard Time 3:04

12 Roman Stewart and Dave Barker - Changing Times 2:49

13 Soul Syndicate - Riot 2:58

14 Rad Wilson and Tommy McCook - Tubby's Control 2:30

15 The Heptones - Hypocrite 3:05

16 Djago - Rebel Train 2:29

17 Busty Brown - Throw Away Your Gun 2:28

18 I Roy - Black Man Time 3:41

19 Carlton & The Shoes - Better Days 3:27

20 Ken Boothe - Black, Gold and Green 3:07

21 I Roy - Red, Gold and Green 3:07

22 Glen Brown - 2 Wedden Skank 3:06

23 Big Youth - The Killer 3:23

24 Lee Scratch Perry - Justice to The People 3:09

CD2

01 Dennis Alcapone - Rasta Dub 2:43

02 Silvertones - Rejoice Jah Jah Children 3:09

03 Silvertones - Rejoicing Skank 3:19

04 Big Youth & Keith Hudson - Can You Keep A Secret 2:01

05 Heptones - Suffering So 3:31

06 I-Roy - Tip From The Prince 2:53

07 Gregory Isaacs - Bad Da 3:12

08 Augustus Pablo - Eli's Move 2:21

09 Bobby Melody - Jah Bring I Joy 4:00

10 Lizzard - Jah Jah Bless I 2:58

11 Michael Robinson - Mother and Father 3:54

12 One Love - The Slave Trade 3:35

13 Knowledge - Sentry 4:14

14 Jimmy Riley - Give Thanks and Praise 3:45

15 Sugar Minott - Strange Things 4:16

16 Ras Michael & The Sons of Negus - Where is Your Goldmine 5:39

17 Viceroys - We Must Unite 3:57

18 Leroy Smart - Too Much Pressure 2:34

19 Anthony Johnson - Dreadlocks 3:14

20 Wayne Jarrett - Satta Dread 3:13

VA - Come Rock With Me in Jamaica [1968]

01 Joya Landis - Angels of The Morning 3:07

02 Alton Ellis - Willow Tree 2:47

03 Tommy McCook - Heat Wave 3:17

04 Phyllis Dillon - Out The Light 2:17

05 Paragons - My Best Girl 2:30

06 Tommy McCook - The World Needs Love 2:12

07 Alton Ellis - I Can't Stand It 2:24

08 Phyllis Dillon - Long Time 2:27

09 Tommy McCook - Ride Mi Donkey 2:31

10 Alton & Phyllis - Love Letters 2:43

11 Jamaicans - Woman Go Home 2:27

12 Tommy McCook - Flying Home 2:12

VA - From The Grass Roots Of Jamaica [1969]

01 Unknown - You Tell A Lie 3:02

02 Unknown - Ziambey 1:38

03 Unknown - Done Baby, Don't Cry 1:11

04 Unknown - Dig Under Mine 1:24

05 Unknown - Mary Gone A Rose Hall 2:08

06 Unknown - Fife & Drum Band 2:14

07 Unknown - Cuban Lady 1:12

08 Unknown - Jubilee 1:07

09 Unknown - Jo Jo 0:54

10 Unknown - Ku Kah Yan Yah 0:42

11 Unknown - Martilda 3:01

12 Unknown - What A Wonderful Thing 1:38

13 Unknown - Keyman 3:55

14 Unknown - Bethlehem Schoolroom 2:25

15 Unknown - Malid A Leddi 4:34

16 Unknown - Moore Town A Fe Me 1:44

17 Unknown - Bam O Sa, Take Us Back to Ethiopia 5:03

VA - Jamaica Funk, Original Jamaican Funk and Soul 45's [2007]

01 Earl Brown - Get Together 2:50

02 Derrick Harriott - Brown Baby 4:08

03 Jah Lloyd - Lama 3:38

04 Chosen Few - I Love The Way You Love 3:51

05 Cedric 'im' Brooks - Silent Force 6:22

06 Glen Adams - You Can't Hide Love 3:06

07 Herman and The Aquarians - Dunce Cap 2:04

08 Heptones - Do Good to Each Other and Everyone 2:53

09 Studio Sound - Give Me Some More 5:12

10 Winston Wright and The Upsetters - Jam#1 3:21

11 Now Generation - People Make The World Go Round 3:18

12 Jackie Paris - Make Me Smile 2:54

13 Sidney, George and Jackie - Papa Was A Rolling Stone 4:21

14 Rebels - Rhodesia 2:59

15 Big Youth - Ride On 2:53

16 Augustus Pablo - Lightning Chap 2:21

17 Augustus Pablo - Lightning Chap Version 2:18

18 Ansel and The Meditations - Tricked 3:14

VA - Jamaican Rare Groove, Rare Funky Songs From Jamaica [2023]

01 Jimmy James - Come to Me Softly 2:54

02 Norma Lee - Hurt 2:49

03 Laris Mclennon - Turn Me Loose 2:54

04 Downbeats - Thinkin' of You 1:55

05 Jiving Juniors - Sugar Dandy 2:17

06 Chico Booth and The Upsetters - The Shimmy 2:26

07 Owen Gray - Something to Remind Me 3:25

08 Stranger and Patsy - Give Me The Right 3:11

09 Vernon Vermont - Too Late 3:57

10 Pat Kelly - Try to Remember 2:17

11 Ronald Russell - Rhythm Hips 2:44

12 Adiche - Chuka-Ja (Get Ready) 6:58

13 Norma Lee - Rolling On 3:17

14 Hoagy Benson - Kangaroo 2:33

15 Sugar Simone - Take it Easy 3:05

16 Maynell Wilson - Motown Feeling 3:30

VA - Jamaican Soul Kings, Roots Era Rare Tunes [2008]

01 John Holt - Time is The Master 3:00

02 Cimarons - Didn't I Fool You 2:46

03 Stranger Cole - These Eyes (Crying Every Night) 2:33

04 Ken Boothe - Freedom Street 2:47

05 Tennors - Weather Report 2:25

06 Desmond Decker - Sing A Little Song 3:03

07 Jubilees - I Need Your Loving 2:31

08 Invaders - Cradle Days 3:08

09 Alton Ellis - What Does it Take to Win Your Love 2:51

10 Paul - You're Going to Love Somebody 3:30

11 Justin Hinds & The Dominoes - Say Me Say 2:22

12 Slim Smith - I Need Your Loving 2:17

13 Ethiopians - I Want You My Baby 3:42

14 Gladiators - Sweet Soul Music 1:55

15 Jamaicans - Ba Ba Boum Time 2:59

16 Melodians - Lonely Night 2:40

17 Paragons (feat Rosalyn Sweat) - Blackbird (Singing) 2:32

18 Sensations - Every Day is Like A Holiday 2:31

VA - Listen to The Music, Caltone's Jamaican 45's 1966-69 [2012]

01 Peter Austin & The Clarendonians With The Ernie Ranglin All Stars - I'm Sorry 3:01

02 Lloyd & The Groovers With Tommy McCook & The Supersonics - Listen to The Music 2:15

03 Tommy McCook & The Supersonics - Killer Joe 2:42

04 Devon & The Tartans - Making Love 2:57

05 Alva Lewis With Lynn Taitt - Return Home 1:48

06 Chuck Jacques With Lynn Taitt & The Comets - Dial 609 2:27

07 Uniques With Tommy McCook & The Supersonics - The Journey 2:29

08 Kingstonians - Why Wipe The Smile From Your Face 2:56

09 Clarendonians - I’ll Never Try 2:41

10 Tommy McCook & The Supersonics - Smooth Sailing 3:02

11 Kingstonians - Love is The Greatest Science 3:08

12 Clarendonians With The Aubrey Adams All Stars - Lonely Heartaches 2:14

13 Cool Cats - Hold Your Love 2:16

14 Uniques With The Caltone Studio Orchestra - Do Me Good 3:03

15 Diplomats & Tommy McCook & The Supersonics - Going Along 2:35

16 Lloyd & The Groovers With Lynn Taitt Band - My Heart and Soul 2:38

17 Chuck Jacques & The Supersonics - Now That You’ve Gone 2:15

18 Eric "Monty" Morris - Hear Them Say 2:10

19 Honey Boy Martin & The Voices With Tommy McCook & The Supersonics - Dreader Than Dread 2:36

20 King Rocky & The Willows - You Are The One 2:48

21 Emotions With Lynn Taitt Band - Gypsy 2:31

VA - Original Jamaican Classics Volume 1 [1963]

01 Sensations - Everyday is A Holiday 2:22

02 Ernest Wilson - Undying Love 3:21

03 Heptones - Give Me The Right 2:26

04 Alton Ellis - Breaking Up 3:30

05 Winston Francis - Mr. Fix It 2:13

06 Silvertones - Smile 3:17

07 Jackie Mittoo - Drum Song 3:55

08 Leroy & Rocky - I Am Falling in Love 3:04

09 Jamaicans - Things You Say You Love 2:41

10 Melodians - Come on Little Girl 2:18

11 Alton Ellis - Let Him Try 2:31

12 Abyssinians - Declaration of Rights 3:16

13 Melodians - Little Nut Tree 2:43

14 Jackie Mittoo - Man on Spot 2:40

VA - The Kings & Queens of Rocksteady [1999]

01 Paragons - The Tide is High 2:44

02 Alton Ellis - Girl I've Got A Date 2:31

03 Phyllis Dillon - Perfidia 2:23

04 Hopeton Lewis - Boom Shaka Laka 2:27

05 Techniques - Queen Majesty (Aka Minstrel and Queen) 3:32

06 Joya Landis - Moonlight Lover 2:23

07 Melodians - Come on Little Girl 2:15

08 Jamaicans - Ba Ba Boom 2:48

09 Freddie Mckay - Love is A Treasure 2:38

10 Paragons - On The Beach 2:32

11 Conquerors - I Fell in Love 2:17

12 Phyllis Dillon - Don't Stay Away 2:28

13 Ethiopians - Pirate 2:27

14 Techniques - There Comes A Time 2:20

15 Three Tops - It's Raining 3:10

16 Jamaicans - Things You Say You Love 3:07

17 U Roy - Everybody Bawling 2:19

18 Melodians - I'll Get Along Without You 2:47

19 Sensations - Every Day is Like A Holiday 2:22

20 Tommy McCook - Heat Wave (Moving) 3:15

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Music weaves itself into the fabric of our emotions, dances through the corridors of memory, and whispers to the soul of who we are. Sharing these stories deepens the connection, turning the experience into something timeless and profound.

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