Version City Jamaica

Stubborn Records in conjunction with Freedom Sounds launches Version City label in Jamaica!!

Last year King Django went down to Jamaica carrying the latest riddim from Version City Studios called Fortitude. With a killer vocal from Jamaican dancehall singer Johnny Osbourne on top of this hot Version City Rockers riddim, this is one heavyweight tune. On the strength of this tune he was able to start Version City Records with support and distribution from veteran reggae producer Bertram Brown, who has run his own Freedom Sounds label since the 1970's. They put out a few 45s featuring vocalists from JA and the US on both the Fortitude riddim and Mr. Brown's Ethiopian Kings riddim that have been turning out hits, and in January of this year Django went back to Jamaica and brought back a whole new batch of sides. These 45s are red hot and flying off the shelves like hotcakes!

Written and recorded by Django as the first riddim for the Version City Rockers' Darker Roots sessions. This riddim features the original drum and bass team from Boston's Skavoovie and the Epitones - Ben "Benny Beats" Herson and Rob Jost. The rest of the Version City Rockers crew on this release are King Django on piano and percussion, the Slackers' Vic Ruggiero on organ, Jamaican music legends Sugar Minott and Glen Brown on percussion and guitarists Brett Tubin and Shane Gooding.

Sample it

Rocker T - Dread Inna Mi Heart
No Version City Rockers tune would feel right without Rocker T pon di mic. The guy never disappoints, and on Dread Inna Mi Heart he kills. Drop that needle and prepare yourself for a non-stop lyrical attack of that only Rocker T can bring. Latest news from Version City is that this tune will appear on his upcoming album. What a thing to look forward to!

King Django – The More I Learn
The man returns at the top of his game on this one, putting down some of his greatest lyrics in years. There's a humbling lesson to be had here, teaching us that no matter what we think we know, there's always more to learn. At times it's best to keep our eyes open and our mouths closed. As we grow older we need to value what's truly important. It sounds as though Django has reached a high point in his life, where he "Got everything [he] need and everything is OK." Reminding us why he is the King, not only the lyrics but his flow kills this riddim, and ranks up there with some of his best tunes.

Gideon Blumenthal – Tabernacle
The Westbound Train keyboardist takes the B-Side to The More I Learn, showing his chops on this instrumental, Jackie Mittoo flavored number. The melody sounds like a haunting take on the popular Norwegian Wood melody, and showcases the organist's skills front and center.

Little John - I Feel Good
Another stand out tune, Jamaican singer Little John's voice puts you at ease. His vocal is just right on this riddim, blending in harmoniously. You really get a taste of Django's mixing on this one, listen closely and you will feel good... guaranteed.

Roaring Lion – Terble Sinting
A catchy call-and-response anthem, Roaring Lion sounds like he can mash up any dancehall and carry any crowd along for the ride. This track captures the live vibe best of any of these singles, and it will have you chanting "Terble Sinting" in your head for hours!

Pampidoo - Selassie I Rule
Hard hitting gritty vocals that can't be matched. Jamaica's Pampidoo brings a whole new flavor to the riddim taking complete control of the tune.Chatting up and down like a true champ. When he hits you with the chorus look out! This thing is wicked.

Nigger Kojak - Give Ear

Again a throw back to the early deejay styles, 1970s hit-making artist/producer Kojak, who pioneered the male/female deejay combination, lays down a soothing solo vocal. Just like most of these singles, you get a scorching Dub version on the B-Side that'll leave your neck sore for days.

Prince Allah - We No Want No Bomb
The latest tune to be cut and plated on the Fortitude Riddim, it drops this week!
We heard this on a preview and you better believe this is hot! Singing out "What we need is unity in every community." A message that sends out vibrations the world over. The B-Side features a killer acoustic Niyabinghi version that really makes the Version City Rockers signature sound shine.

Performed by a special lineup of the Soul Syndicate Band, including Earl Chinna Smith and Fully Fullwood. Released by Freedom Sounds in JA, and produced by King Django.

Sample it

Predator One – Back From the Dead
A feel good, uplifting number, NJ reggae veteran Predator One voices thanks and praise to Jah for love and life. If you need a pick-me-up when you're down, or just a little encouragement, this is the tune to play.

Weatherman - Work Hunting

This is a double A-Side to Back From The Dead featuring Jamaican DJ Weatherman from New Jersey. This cut had us wondering is this Channel 1 or Freedom Sounds? It's easy to feel like you’re listening to something from back in the day with Weatherman's style riding this riddim on a subject we can all sympathize with. You can't help but sing along, "No hiring, no hiring; what we gonna do to make some money come in."

King Django – One Finger w/B-Side East Avenue
Updating his classic Nex Finga lyrics to fit this riddim, Django has found yet another outlet to keep this tune fresh and original. Nex Finga is a staple of the King Django cannon, appearing in many forms over the years, but it finds a comfortable new home here on this wicked riddim.
The B-Side East avenue kills and King D says it is one of his favorite tracks he's ever done.



After listening to all these sure fire revolvers, we were blown away and had a ton of questions. King Django was nice enough to answer a few of em'...

In January you went back JA. Can you tell us about the atmosphere during those recording sessions for these new singles? What was the process?

Django: The recording sessions were very wild and crazy. I set up in the office of Freedom Sounds with my new portable voicing rig. We didn't have a mic stand, so they brought out this huge stand from the back that looked like the base of a fan from the 1950s. It was really huge and heavy. Then they brought out a roll of packing tape and proceeded to tape this $150 shockmount and $1000 microphone onto this thing. It was pretty crazy, but super Jamaican and pretty practical in the end. We would voice late at night because we had to wait for the traffic on the street to die down. Surprisingly we only wound up with passing cars on one track and barking dogs on another.


What voices have you brought back with you this time around?
Django: I worked with some really good artists this time, mostly young, up and coming Kingston artists. Blacka Devon is a singer with a very pretty voice and great melodies. My friend Kapaichie did a couple of great numbers, too. He's got more of that modern, rough-tough singjay style, very talented youth. Finnigan is a deejay who's been rocking it since the 80's; Yellowman got some of his lyrics off of Finnigan. I was also very lucky to have the opportunity to work with Prince Alla this time - he's a very underrated singer, but very well respected in deep reggae circles, not to mention a very nice man. Roaring Lion and Pampidoo also did a couple more sides, and a few other assorted guys. I think I came back with about 15 usable sides in all.

Are you planning on laying down some new riddims? If so what do you have in mind?
Django: Actually I have riddims piled up, waiting for voices, so I don't need to do any Version City Rockers sessions for a minute. There are still a load of unreleased ones, and we're only working a couple at a time. For new recordings, I need to focus on finishing up stuff that's piled up in the queue. I'm still trying to finish Roots & Culture 2 and a new King Django EP, aside from all of the projects I am working on for other people.

Any plans to bundle all the singles onto a cd? Maybe something similar to the riddim driven series?
Django: Yes, the original plan was to work towards a one-riddim CD. We still may do that, or we may release a CD with the best tunes on the group of riddims we are currently working. I'm not really decided yet.

How do you feel about the market shifting back to singles and away from albums? Do you see yourself continuing to work in this format in the future?
Django: Honestly I am not sure how it's going to pan out. This is kind of experimental for us at the moment. The 45s are definitely moving well out of Jamaica into the international markets and my partner in Kingston is pressing me to continue sending down more sides. He says that the 45s are more like promotion for the CD when it finally comes out. The reaction seems to be very positive on the whole. Obviously all of the music markets are going through very rapid changes. We have to keep our eye on how things are going and be ready to change with the times as far as the delivery mediums go. I got stuck with a load of cassettes when CDs first came onto the marketplace. For our domestic sales, the vinyl seems to be moving well mostly with collectors and selectors.

Well there you have it folks. Exciting times for Stubborn and Version City, and from the looks of things, this batch of tunes is only the beginning. Get your hands on these tasty morsels while they’re hot! And keep an eye out for more to come from Version City Jamaica! Stubborn Records is has some killer deals on these 45s right now, check em' out! You can also sample more of the singles in their entirety on the Stubborn Records Jukebox. And if you haven’t done so already, join the Stubborn Records Forums where you can get up to the minute news, discussions, and even give your input on upcoming projects to the Stubborn powers that be!


Written by Mike and Gabe

Say a prayer for "The Godfather of Rocksteady"

Say a prayer for 'The Godfather of Rocksteady' Alton Ellis being treated for cancer in London hospital

By Basil Walters Sunday Observer staff reporter waltersb@jamaicaobserver.com Sunday, December 16, 2007

Alton Ellis, the man acclaimed as 'The Godfather of Rocksteady', has, for several weeks now, been in hospital in London undergoing treatment for cancer of the lymph glands and is scheduled to start chemotherapy soon.

"His kids and wife were keeping vigil at his bedside," said the singer's nephew, comedian Owen 'Blacka' Ellis, in an e-mail to this reporter. "It is looking more hopeful now."

Alton Neamiah Ellis was born 63 years ago and is regarded as one of Jamaica's finest musical treasures for almost 50 years.
Born into an artistic family, he is also uncle to another popular comedian, Ity of Ity and Fancy Cat fame; and brother of the late songstress Hortense Ellis, Leslie Ellis (the father of Blacka & Ity Ellis) who used to be a member of the Flames, as well as pioneer steel pannist Irving Ellis.

The legendary singer/songwriter, who began his artistic life as a dancer, is best known for musical jewels such as Cry Tough, Can't Stand It, All My Tears Come Rolling, Tumbling Tears, Can't Stop Now, and Girl I've Got A Date.

Ellis shares the distinction with Eddie Perkins - with whom he formed the duo Alton and Eddie - of scoring a hit with their first recording, Muriel.

Throughout his career, Ellis has recorded a slew of other hits, among them a cover of Chuck Jackson's smash, Williow Tree, If I Could Rule This World, Why (Birds Follow Spring), Dance Crasher, the sentimental I'm Just A Guy, Ain't That Loving You, La La Means I Love You,This Feeling of Love, Breaking Up Is So Hard To Do, I'm Still In Love With You Girl, Pearl, Christmas Coming, the sequel to Sunday Coming and Lord Deliver Us.

Apart from his smooth, soulful, infectious vocal styling, and his slick stage presence, a signature feature of Ellis's musical career is his ability to put his stamp on the songs of other singers in such a way that they become reggae anthems.

His most profound example of this is his treatment of Let Him Try, originally recorded by Rosco Gordon.

Original article can be found here: Jamaican Observer article on Alton Ellis

Another Introduction (a rather long one at that!)

Punk Rock is where it all began for me. Mainly I blame good punk bands like the Clash, the Pogues, Stiff Little fingers, Rancid, Black Flag, Minor Threat, Bad Brains, Sham 69, Cocksparrer, and so many more. It all begins in 8th grade my friend discovered this tape from some band that we had only read about before. It was the Sex Pistols and that summer we listened to that tape until it stopped playing. During high school I began to go to any punk show I knew about. There were 4 or 5 bands from my high school that played together one of those bands were the first ska band I ever saw live, Mobtown Beat. I think around that period I bought Operation Ivy’s Energy, but I do not think it sunk in until I saw Mobtown Beat. They did a mix of original songs and covers one being Dandy Livingstone’s “A Message To You Rudy.” As the ska band played I stood in the room amazed I had never heard this type of music before. I thought what the hell is this? It sounds like punk but it’s sorta more mellow. The horns?!? The very next day I had to find that song the Mobtown Beat had played and I found it (sort of). The only album I could find it on was this double CD called the Two Tone collection. So I bought it and I was sort of perplexed because besides at that show I had never heard this type of music ever. And even in middle school I loved music and everything I listened to I had to read about it. I always loved to study and read about music even from the beginning. The more I read the more I knew the more I wanted.

It took me a year I think before I actually decided I liked what was on this two tone cd. To me it didn’t sound like the punk rock I listened to and it sort of sounded like something my parents would listen to rather than me. As this began I stumbled upon bands like the Bosstones, the Toasters, Fishbone. The more I got into ska the more I found out about its history being related to this little island in the Bahamas called Jamaica. I think a friend of mine one day in my sophmore year brought in these cd’s he just ordered and he told me I had to borrow them. He heard about this label in NYC called Moon Records. I began to learn about all these ska bands from all over the US and eventually all over the world -- like the Scofflaws, Skavoovie and the Epitomes, the Skunks, the Pietasters, the Adjusters, Dr. Ring Ding, and many many more.

During my sophmore year of high school my friends and I also began looking for shows with these ska bands from all over the US and we found this wonderful club that booked ska shows every weekend. Ska really began to blow up right around than and all these bands had to play this small wonderful club in DC called Phantasmagoria. During this time I decided I had to help this small scene and I created a cut paste ska zine called Elevation. It was a big deal because all my friends and I really put our action into words. It was all about Jamaican music and modern ska. Looking back at the articles now I think we were truly ska snobs even as teenagers. Eventually my band got to open up for some of our favorite bands like the Scofflaws, the Skoidats, and King Django. Also when I joined the Ratchet Boys I met Michelle that ran dcska.com and she asked me to write for the site. And I spent years and years writing articles, interviewing bands, and reviewing albums.

Fast forward to a few years later I met this guy named Rudy at a show my band played and we both loved ska and reggae. At this time I had slowly begin to build up this huge collection of reggae and ska. My friend Rudy had a radio show at UMBC and we decided to do a ska/reggae show. This was the creation of Mobtown Ska Sounds. It lasted 3 years and we interviewed tons of bands, played tons of ska bands no one had ever heard of, and became the top rated radio show at our university. We had listeners from Japan, German, California, many places. At this time I also began djing a modern ska night at a local bar in DC. Eventually this led me down a road where I started delving into more original Jamaican ska and reggae. A year later I had suddenly joined one of the largest most popular reggae night in DC (dc soundclash). And now I still dj all over the place. I still play in a ska/reggae band (the Ready Steady Go!). Last year I began reading up on podcasts a friend of mine suggested we bring back the old radio show. So Mobtown Ska Sounds was reborn again via the internet. Before I started the Mobtown Ska Sounds podcast I could not find another podcast around that focused on reggae/ska music.

I wish I could explain what drew me into ska/reggae but I really can’t It is the sort of music that makes me feel alright. I come home from work – kick off my shoes, open a beer, and put on a rocksteady album on my stereo that’s what makes me a happy man. I really can’t see myself listening or being so interested in any other type of music as much as Jamaican music has sort of consumed me. Sorry if this seems rather long winded.