VA - Dance Crasher - Ska To Rock Steady (Trojan)

Probably only of interest to the most diehard reggae fans, "Dance Crasher" traces the Jamaican music scene from fast-paced ska to slower rock steady. These two forms were later to develop into what is now known as reggae. It's a fascinating chronicle with tracks from reggae superstars like the Skatalites, the Maytals, the Ethiopians, and Lee Perry and the Soulettes.

All of the songs were cut between 1962 and 1966, and many such as "Hallelujah," "Doctor Dick" and "Big Bamboo" were produced by the legendary C.S. Dodd, one of Jamaica's early studio pioneers.

Some of the recording quality leaves much to be desired, but it's still a good listen. The most interesting piece is "Shame and Scandal," a hilarious story of Jamaican family life ("your daddy's not your daddy, but your daddy don't know"),  recorded by what was then called Peter Tosh and the Wailers.   

Tracklist:

1. Big Bamboo - Lord Creator

2. Latin Goes Saka - The Skatalites

3. Hallelujah - The Maytals

4. Garden Of Love - Don Drummond

5. Rough And Tough - Stranger Cole

6. Beardman Ska - The Skatalites

7. Shame & Scandal - Peter Tosh & The Wailers

8. Street Corner - The Skatalites

9. Bonanza Ska - Carlos Malcomlm And The Afro Caribs

10. Dance Crasher - Alton Ellis & The Flames

11. Let George Do It - Don Drummond

12. Rudie Bam Bam - The Clarendonians

13. Ska Jam - Tommy McCook & The Supersonics

14. Doctor Dick - Lee Perry & The Soulettes

15. Ball O'Fire - The Skatalites

16. Owe Me No Pay Me - The Ethiopians

17. Independece Ska - Baba Brooks & Band

18. Don't Be A Rude Body - The Rulers

VA - Dance Crasher - Ska To Rock Steady (Trojan)
(256 kbps, front cover included)