King Kong
Repatriation

QUEEN IFRICAMontego BayVP US

Keith & Tex are Jamaican Rocksteady icons, with classics for life, such as ‘Tonight’, ‘This Is My Song’, ‘Run To The Rocks’, ‘Goodbye Baby’ and, of course, the song ‘Stop That Train’, worldwide famous tune that was featured in Jimmy Cliff’s ‘The Harder They Come’ original film sound track. Keith Rowe and Phillip Tex Dixon, both originally from Kingston, were introduced by a common friend and soon formed a singing group which contained three other friends singing everywhere possible, trying to get the chance to record fresh material. They auditioned for the most important producers at the time in Jamaica like Duke Reid, Prince Buster and Coxsone Dodd, but were not successful as a five man group, so the group disbanded leaving the duo Keith and Tex. They later auditioned for Derrick Harriott who recognizing their talent, recorded the duo's best moments on 7” by the end of the 60’s. Hits came soon: ‘Stop That Train’ (actually was a Spanishtonians original Ska track), ‘Tonight’, ‘This Is My Song’, ‘Don't Look Back’ (a The Temptations cover) and ‘Hypnotizing Eyes’. Their Jamaican story didn’t last too long, as they stopped recording in 1970 when they both moved abroad: Keith to USA and Tex to Canada. Keith served in the US Army, while Tex worked for the Canadian Government. Keith continued playing the New York scene and also recorded a classic song with Lee "Scratch" Perry titled Groovy Situation. In 1994 they re-joined to play some gigs and to complete an album titled Together Again. That same year Keith started a new radio DJ career with ‘Sounds of the Caribbean’ show, an exciting adventure that lasted nineteen years until his departure for Tampa, Florida. He continues his radio career with his show ‘Reggae Rhapsody’ on Reggae King Radio, an internet radio station by VP Records. Since 2013 they have toured the world, and played some of the most prestigious Reggae/Ska festivals including North America, Europe and Asia. 2017 sees the release of new original music produced and composed by Roberto Sanchez at A-Lone Ark Muzik Studio with this brand new album. Composed exclusively with original material, keeping the Rocksteady essence the duet was known for during the golden period from 1967 to 1969. Also included are Ska and Reggae cuts within these 11 tracks. This album proves that Keith and Tex continues their excellence and with the stunning Roberto Sanchez's production, this new Album is a must for all serious music lovers.

Jamaican trio Israel Vibration are one of Reggae's great vocal groups from the 1970s roots era. The trio re-formed in 1988, signed to the RAS label and set to work on a new album known as 'Strength Of My Life'. Produced by Doctor Dread and backed by the mighty force of the Roots Radics, the I-Vibes returned to form and found a new strength and power. The Radics perfectly complement their songs, laying down bass driven rhythms to create a masterful backdrop over which the harmonies conjure up a wide spectrum of moods. Featuring on this Limited 12" release is the crucial and perhaps more relevant to our current climate 'Middle East' plus 'Greedy Dog' with guest musician Augustus Pablo on melodica duties. Under licence and for the very first time ever with their Dub counterparts this release is one for the fans!

Harlem Shuffle Records only deals in the good stuff and that is certainly the case again here with another killer double sider. This is also a historic first repress of the rare and extremely fine 'Good Time Rock.' A hard to find, much coveted tune, it is a rocking dub rhythm that has never before been on 7" vinyl. On the flip is another hard to find and crucial tune from Hugh Malcom who lays it down heavy and keeps you locked for the duration.