Various Artists - Ska Authentic (2018) [Hi-Res]

The original Ska Authentic LP was released in 1964 and after the first pressing sold out it was not reissued, becoming one of the rarest albums in the catalog. In 1967, an English version of the album was released, but bore little resemblance to the original 1964 Jamaican release, sharing only two songs. The English version is distinguished by the orange box around “Authentic,” a redesigned back cover, and the red and white hanging mic label. This album was basically a Skatalites affair and became the version that was reissued for over thirty years. In the mid-1990s, a new version of the album was released, sharing tracks from both earlier issues as well as adding four new tracks. To further complicate matters, in 2000 a Ska Authentic Vol. 2 was released that included two songs from the very first album.

This new Studio One release marks the first time in fifty-four years that the original landmark album has become available again. Featuring top instrumentals like “Freedom Sounds” and vocals from the Gaylads, Lee Perry, the Maytals, and Jackie Opel, this release showcases the power of the Studio One ska recordings. It also gives a glimpse into the selections that drove the ska fans wild and fueled the dances.

Tracklist:
01. Tommy McCook - Freedom Sounds (03:51)
02. The Gaylads - Brown Skin Gal (02:52)
03. Tommy McCook & The Skatalites - Full Dread (03:29)
04. Andy & Joey - You're Wondering Now (02:09)
05. Jackie Opel - Turn Your Lamp Down (03:18)
06. Lee Perry - Mother In Law (03:13)
07. The Skatalites - Bridge View (02:40)
08. The Gaylads - Rolling Down (02:11)
09. The Skatalites - Lee Harvey Oswald (02:59)
10. Toots and The Maytals - Heaven Declare (03:03)
11. Tommy McCook - Ska Ba (02:57)
12. Delroy Wilson - Sammy Dead (02:08)