V/A IF I HAD A PAIR OF WINGS: JAMACIAN DOO WOP VOL. 3 Vinyl LP
Third and final volume of Jamaican doo-wop & R&B compiled from the late 50s and early 60s. These records represent a period in which sound-systems were beginning to dominate the island, with Duke Reid and Sir Coxsone Dodd stepping up their rivalry by beginning to make and release their own records rather than rely on US imports for use in their dances. Many of these records are definitely more-or-less imitations of the American records, as the uniquely Jamaican ska sound had yet to take hold. However, many of the future stars of ska, rocksteady and reggae were beginning to cut their teeth in the industry on these records, including Alton Ellis, Derrick Morgan, Derrick Harriott, and more. They provide a unique view into the fledgling independent record industry culture in Jamaica that would prove to be unbelievably prolific and unparalleled for an island of its size.