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Desmond Dekker

Essential Artist Collection

Essential Artist Collection

SKU: CD58424 Barcode: 4050538869309
£16.99
£16.99
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Format: CD / Album Digipak

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  • Released Date: 02 Jun 2023

  • Genre: Reggae

Our Take

Ah, Desmond Dekker, the undisputed king of ska! If you've ever found yourself dancing uncontrollably to the infectious beats of "007 (Shanty Town)" or "Israelites," then you already know what kind of legend we're dealing with here.

The Essential Artist Collection brings together some of Dekker's most iconic tracks, serving as a perfect introduction to the man who brought Jamaican music to the masses. From the soulful crooning to the upbeat rhythms, every song in this compilation is a showcase of Dekker's unmatched talent.

Tracks like "You Can Get It If You Really Want" and "Rude Boy Train" demonstrate Dekker's versatile range, effortlessly blending elements of ska, rocksteady, and reggae into a unique sound that is undeniably his own.

But it's not all sunshine and rainbows in Dekker's world. The raw power of his lyrics, especially in songs like "The Harder They Come" and "Pickney Gal," offer a sobering look at the struggles and injustices faced by the working class in Jamaica.

In the end, Desmond Dekker's music is a celebration of life, love, and unity. So go ahead, put on this album, turn up the volume, and let Dekker's infectious energy sweep you off your feet. Trust us, you won't regret it.

Track Listing
Disc: 1
1. Israelites (With the Aces)


Disc: 2
1. 007 (With the Aces)


Disc: 1
2. It Mek (With the Aces)


Disc: 2
2. The First for a Long Time


Disc: 1
3. Fu Man Chu (With the Aces)


Disc: 2
3. Rude Boy Train (With the Aces)


Disc: 1
4. (Where Did It Go) the Song We Used to Sing


Disc: 2
4. Honour Your Mother and Father


Disc: 1
5. Beautiful and Dangerous (With the Aces)


Disc: 2
5. It Pays (With the Aces)


Disc: 1
6. King of Ska (With the Cherry Pies)


Disc: 2
6. Problem (With the Aces)


Disc: 1
7. Intensified '68 (With the Aces)


Disc: 2
7. Wise Man (With the Aces)


Disc: 1
19. You Can Get It If You Really Want


Disc: 2
19. Sing a Little Song


Disc: 1
20. Unity (With the Aces)


Disc: 2
20. Mother Pepper (With the Aces)


Disc: 1
21. Live and Learn


Disc: 2
21. Mount Zion (With the Four Aces)


Disc: 1
22. Rudy Got Soul (With the Aces)


Disc: 2
22. Licking Stick (With the Aces)


Disc: 1
23. Get Up Adina (With the Four Aces)


Disc: 2
23. Young Generation (With the Aces)


Disc: 1
24. Generosity


Disc: 2
24. Pickney Gal (With the Aces)


Disc: 1
25. Pretty Africa (With the Aces)


Disc: 2
25. Jamaica Ska (With the Specials)


Disc: 1
8. Sabotage (With the Aces)
9. Sugar Dumpling (With the Aces)
10. Don't Blame Me (With the Aces)


Disc: 2
11. Coconut Water (With the Aces)
12. Soldering (With the Aces)
13. Busted Lad
14. Sweet Music (With the Aces)
15. Labour for Learning
16. No Place Like Home
17. Writing On the Wall (With the Aces)
18. Parents


Disc: 1
11. Perserverance
12. It's a Shame (With the Aces)
13. Jeserine (With the Cherry Pies)
14. Bongo Gal (With the Aces)
15. Pick Up the Phone
16. Mother's Young Gal (With the Aces)
17. This Woman (With the Four Aces)
18. Shing a Ling (With the Aces)

Delivery & Returns

Delivery 

FREE UK delivery on orders over £20.

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.

From the same artist

About the artist

Desmond Dekker

Desmond Dekker, a pioneer of Jamaican music and one of the most charismatic performers to ever grace the stage, effortlessly blends infectious melodies with socially conscious lyrics that have made him a true icon in the world of reggae. With his distinctive voice and infectious energy, Dekker has captivated audiences across the globe, earning him a reputation as one of the most influential artists in the genre. Born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1941, Dekker first rose to prominence in the early 1960s with his band The Aces, scoring hits with tracks such as "007 (Shanty Town)" and "Israelites." His music transcends language barriers, connecting with audiences on a visceral level that few artists can match. Dekker's music is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of music to transcend cultural boundaries. His infectious grooves and uplifting messages have made him a beloved figure in the world of reggae, and his influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who have followed in his footsteps. Dekker's music is a potent blend of ska, rocksteady, and reggae, infused with his signature energy and creativity. His songs are timeless anthems that speak to the universal themes of love, unity, and social justice, resonating with listeners of all ages and backgrounds. In a world that can often feel divided and chaotic, Desmond Dekker's music serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of music to bring people together and inspire positive change. His legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of music lovers everywhere, a testament to the enduring power of his music and the indelible mark he has left on the world of reggae.

More about the artist >

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