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The Skatalites

Essential Artist Collection

Essential Artist Collection

SKU: CD57450 Barcode: 4050538852301
£16.99
£16.99
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Format: CD / Album Digipak

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  • Released Date: 20 Jan 2023

  • Genre: Reggae

Our Take

The Skatalites are not so much a band as a musical phenomenon, a force of nature that effortlessly fuses scintillating ska rhythms with jazz virtuosity and a healthy dose of rocksteady cool. This "Essential Artist Collection" is like a musical time capsule, capturing the essence of a bygone era when the dancehalls of Kingston were alive with the sounds of a vibrant and exciting new genre.

From the opening bars of "Guns of Navarone" to the infectious groove of "Phoenix City", the Skatalites bring an energy and enthusiasm to their music that is impossible to resist. The horn section blazes with fiery intensity, the rhythm section propels the songs forward with relentless momentum, and the solos take flight with a sense of freedom and abandon that is truly exhilarating to behold.

But it's not just the musicianship that makes the Skatalites so special - it's the collective spirit of the band, the sense of camaraderie and shared purpose that shines through in every note. This is music to move your feet, music to lift your spirits, music to make you feel alive.

So if you're looking for a musical pick-me-up, look no further than this "Essential Artist Collection" from the Skatalites. It's a joyous celebration of a time and a place where the music was loud, the beat was infectious, and the dancing never stopped. Get ready to skank, rocksteady and roll your way into a musical paradise unlike any other.

Track Listing
Disc: 1
1. (Music Is) My Occupation [ring of Fire]


Disc: 2
1. Nuclear Weapon


Disc: 1
2. Alley Cat Ska


Disc: 2
2. Corner Stone


Disc: 1
3. Cool Smoke


Disc: 2
3. Knockout Punch (Aka Cotton Tree)


Disc: 1
4. Garden of Love


Disc: 2
4. Don De Lion


Disc: 1
5. Twelve Minutes to Go


Disc: 2
5. Rocket Ship


Disc: 1
6. Girls Town Ska


Disc: 2
6. Feeling Fine


Disc: 1
8. Vitamin A


Disc: 2
7. Mesopotamia


Disc: 1
19. Latin Goes Ska


Disc: 2
19. Eastern Standard Time


Disc: 1
20. Alipang


Disc: 2
20. Thoroughfare (Aka Treasure Isle)


Disc: 1
21. Lucky Seven


Disc: 2
21. Silver Dollar


Disc: 1
22. Musical Store Room


Disc: 2
22. Street Corner


Disc: 1
23. Musical Communion


Disc: 2
23. University Goes Ska


Disc: 1
24. Sandy Gully


Disc: 2
25. Good News


Disc: 1
25. Doctor Dekker


Disc: 2
24. J.F.K.'s Memory


Disc: 1
7. Stampede
9. Melody Jamboree
10. Melody Jamboree
11. Boat Ride
12. Around the World
13. Watermelon Man
14. River Bank Pt. 1
15. Guns Fever
16. Ska Virginia (Virginia Ska)
17. Duck Soup
18. Donkey City Part 1


Disc: 2
8. Donkey City Part 2
9. Independence Ska (El Pussycat)
10. The Rude Boy
11. Jelly Bean
12. Skalarama (The Magnificent Seven Theme)
13. River Bank Pt. 2
14. Country Town
15. One Eyed Giant
16. Twilight Zone (Instrumental)
17. Catch a Fire
18. Spider

Delivery & Returns

Delivery 

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Orders under £20 - £2.99 Postage Fee.

Next Day Delivery and International Shipping Options Available.

When Will My Order Arrive?

Usually dispatched within 24 hours.

Standard Delivery is a Royal Mail Tracked 48 Service and usually arrives within 2-3 working days, including Saturdays.

Express Delivery is either Royal Mail Tracked 24, or DPD service, for delivery within 24 hours.

Order before 2pm for next day delivery.

We’ll aim to dispatch pre-orders so that you receive them on the release date.

For orders back in stock soon, we expect to receive more stock within a week and will dispatch your order as soon as the stock has arrived.

Returns

We’re happy to accept returns for unwanted items provided that they’re returned within 14 days of receipt, unopened, unused and in perfect condition.

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About the artist

The Skatalites

Formed in Jamaica in 1964, The Skatalites are a legendary band credited with pioneering the ska genre. Comprised of a rotating lineup of talented musicians, including founding members like Tommy McCook and Don Drummond, the band's infectious sound has captivated audiences worldwide for over half a century. With their lively horn section, tight rhythms, and high-energy performances, The Skatalites have become a staple in the ska and reggae scenes. Their unique blend of jazz, R&B, and Caribbean influences has given them a sound that is instantly recognizable and impossible to resist. Throughout their storied career, The Skatalites have collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, from Bob Marley to The Wailers to Toots and the Maytals. Their influence can be heard in countless bands that have followed in their footsteps, making them true trailblazers in the world of Jamaican music. Despite numerous lineup changes and tragedies that have befallen the band over the years, The Skatalites continue to tour and record music, proving that they are a force to be reckoned with. Their infectious energy and timeless tunes make them a must-see act for any fan of live music. So grab your dancing shoes and get ready to skank the night away with The Skatalites, because this band shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Let the horns blare and the rhythm section groove as we celebrate one of the greatest bands in the history of Jamaican music. Skank on, Skatalites, skank on.

More about the artist >

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