Another stunning collection of Jamaican classics from Soul Jazz Records. Studio One Rocksteady is dedicated to the rocksteady that was coming out of Studio One as well as the reggae soul and the birth of reggae. This is not a collection of rarities, but some of the greatest the genre has to offer. These tunes are still getting played today, they are that good. Studio One's rocksteady is the more experimental cousin of the US soul and R&B influenced sounds coming out of Duke Reid's Treasure Isle label. And while being especially soulful at times, Sir Coxone Dodd always made sure his sounds were big and bass heavy; perfect soundsystem material. Just give a listen to The Eternals' "Stars," or The Heptone's "Party Time." There's plenty of great material here. Double LP pressing housed in a gatefold sleeve, includes extensive liner notes from reggae historian Lloyd Bradley. Quality as usual from Soul Jazz. Recommended.

• music label: Soul Jazz Records 2014

reviewed by Señor Sueño Latino 04/2014