Studio One Rockers

Various Artists (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 2, 2003)
• Original Release Date: March 20, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Soul Jazz
• ASIN: B000050XFU
• Also Available in: Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #183,069 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

1. Real Rock - Sound Dimension

2. Feel Like Jumping - Marcia Griffiths

3. Bobby Bobylon - Freddie McGregor

4. Skylarking - Horace Andy

5. Soul Village - Lennie Hibbert

6. Greedy G - Brentford All Stars

7. Truth and Rights - Johnny Osbourne

8. Surfin' - Ernest Ranglin

9. Eye of Danger - Michigan & Smiley

10. You Don't Love Me (No No No) - Dawn Penn

11. Phoenix City - The Skatalites

12. Crab Walking - Prince Jazzbo

13. Hot Milk - Jackie Mittoo

14. Badder Dan Dem - Lone Ranger

15. Ethiopia - Cedric Brooks

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Bringing together the original cuts of classic tracks such as "Skylarking" and Dawn Penn's instantly recognizable "No, No, No," Studio One Rockers showcases not only the talents of influential artists that were to become synonymous with reggae but also the styles, sounds, and, above all, rhythms that were to dominate Kingston studios into the 1970s and beyond. There are a number of rock-steady classics (hence the name), with tracks like Hammond-Organ maestro Jackie Mittoo's "Hot Milk" and the legendary Marcia Griffiths's "Feel Like Jumping" highlighting the then-dramatic change in style away from the faster beats of ska towards heavy, bass-led tracks with a much slower tempo. But Studio One Rockers is not restricted to this. The semi-instrumental track "Phoenix City" pounds along at a breakneck pace with trumpets belting and, along with "Greedy G," shows the importance a faster beat, a funky take, or a big-band sound also had within the Studio One fold. There are tracks from DJs like Lone Ranger with his "Badder Dan Dem" vocal rhythms and dancehall sounds. Roots artists include one of its biggest stars, Horace Andy, whose then unique falsetto was later emulated by many looking for a similar pop success. Then a preteen, reggae star Freddy McGregor also appears on "Bobby Babylon." Freddy, like many of the artists here, was to produce some of his best work under the watchful eye of Studio One's equally famous producer--Clement "Coxsone" Dodd. In many ways a tribute to Coxsone's production skills and rhythms that continue to be rediscovered and recut, Studio One Rockers is essential listening for anyone with even a passing interest in Jamaican music. --Caroline Butler

Product Description

An incredible compilation of artists and styles from the Studio One label - the most important label in Jamaican music history. Winner of 'Compilation of the Month' from Seven and Muzik magazines. NME called it, 'a perfect intro into Jamaican music'. 15 tracks from such artists as Michigan & Smiley, Dawn Penn, Skatalites, Prince Jazzbo, Jackie Mittoo, Lone Ranger, Cedric Brooks and Sound Dimension. 40 page special edition booklet. Digipak housed in a slipcase.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars classic reggae, February 18, 2005

A Kid's Review

This copilation of reggae from the original label in jamaica is one of the best selections you will ever hear on one disc. With or without spliff you will enjoy the trip. Just sit back, listen with a cool drink in you hand and envision a warm beach sunset view. Remember to turn up the bass and be transported. You won't be disappointed. If you can convince others, than better, it is for all to enjoy.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Skankable !, July 22, 2001

By	P. D. Laffey (Hitchin) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a collection of storming classic's cut for Clement " Coxsone " Dodd's legendary Studio One record label ( the most important label in Jamaica's history ) . The Ska , Rocksteady , organ driven instrumentals , Roots Reggae , and DJ-ing that are represented on this disc will have you skanking around your living room floor , such is the dancability of all the tracks .
Any record that contains seminal tracks like Marcia Griffiths - " Feel Like Jumping " , Johnny Osbourne's - " Truth And Rights " , Michigan and Smiley's - " Eye Of Danger " , Dawn Penn's classic - " No , No , No " , and Cedric Brooks majestic - " Ethiopia " , has to be a must buy cd . It also comes with a nice booklet that has an interview with the great man himself , Mr C.S. Dodd .
I'd also recommend the Dynamite series of reggae compilations released on the Soul Jazz label , as they are also essential .

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a real find, September 3, 2003

By	Harper (SF, CA) - See all my reviews

MMMM. After I had thought that I had acquired all the good studio one stuff, I took a chance on this and was duly rewarded.

Some familiar stuff (to me, at least), such as Johnny Osbourne, the Skatalites, but it mixes in nicely.

For those who aren't familiar, the best way I can think of to describe Johnny Osbourne's sound is Marvin Gaye singing reggae. That same silky smooth voice and enormous range, backed by a soulful organ and floating tempo. This track is a good example of his sound and a true classic.

The Skatellites use a lot of horns and are largely instrumental. But classic. More of a choogling, ska-type beat (ie faster) than Osbourne. The Phoenix City song on this album has got to be my favorite Skatalites song - and that's really saying something, because they have made a lot of classic tracks.

Similar for Horace Andy - probably my new favorite Horace Andy song. This track does not have much of his trademark screeching and instead has him singing much more like an early Jimmy Cliff style (circa the harder they come).

Dawn Penn's track is smooth, sultry and a godsend. I played this at a bar and most of the patrons asked who it was. Almost recalls something by the Cowboy Junkies or Mazzy Star in terms of the vocal style. Just beautiful.

Other high points are the Freddie MacGregor & Lennie Hibbert tracks. All in all, the only track I'm not completely sold on is the crabwalking track by Prince Jazzbo, simply because its just rapping over the Horace Andy track and the cuts aren't all that crisp. But a lot of other people would probably like it.