The Definitive Collection of Federal Records (1964-1982)

In the development of Jamaican popular music, the role played by businessman Ken Lloyd Khouri cannot be underestimated; as a pioneer in the recording of mento in the early 1950s, as the founder of the first major studio/pressing plant, and as the boss of the Federal Records label, his contribution was both immense and pivotal. Before anyone else caught on, he had the vision to see that there could be such a thing as the Jamaican music industry. VP Records has just released ‘The Definitive Collection of Federal Records’ covering 1964- 1982. This collector’s edition compilation is music recorded over the course of two decades at Federal Records. This compilation features the notable tracks, My Daily Food by the Maytals, In The Garden by Eric Morris, and Hi-Life by the Granville Williams Orchestra, who, along with the Byron Lee’s Dragonaires was one of the last of Jamaica’s big bands. Also included are several absolute gems such as Ken Booth’s Everthing I Own, and three Pluto Shervington classics Ram Goat Liver, Dat, and Your Honour. Bob Andy- arguably the best songwriter Jamaica ever produced- is here represented with three tracks also; a very lively version of Joe South’s immortal Games People Play, along with two of his own compositions- The Sun Shines For Me, and the beloved Fire Burning, a beautiful plea for the ‘have-nots’ to be in the place of the ‘haves’.This great collection represents a part of Reggae music history that everyone should be made aware of. Recommended!

TRACK LISTING- DISC 1
1. My Daily Food – The Maytals
2. In The Garden – Eric ‘Monty’ Morris
3. I Don’t Love You Anymore – Keith Lyn and Ken Lazurus
4. Hi-Life – Granville Williams Orchestra
5. Sounds And Pressure – Hopeton Lewis
6. Dance All Night – The Tartans
7. Take It Easy – Hopeton Lewis
8. Talking Love – The Paragons
9. Silent River (Runs Deep)- The Gaylettes
10. Napoleon Solo – Lyn Taitt and The Jets
11. Games People Play – Bob Andy
12. Any Little Bit – Techniques
13. Pum Pum A Go Kill You – Ken Lazurus
14. Dynamic Pressure – The Music Specialists
15. Son of A Preacher Man – The Gaylettes
16. Put Yourself In My Place – Ken Lazurus
17. The Sun Shine For Me – Bob Andy
18. Stagger Lee – John Holt
19. It’s Nice To Be With You – Boris Gardiner
20. Old Beirut – Thunderbirds
21. Pitta Patta – Ernie Smith
22. Alone Again Naturally –The Now Generation

TRACK LISTING -DISC 2
1. Ooh What A Feeling – Johnny Nash
2. This Song Will Last Forever – Funky Brown
3. You Make Me Feel Brand New – Boris Gardiner
4. I Just Don’t Want To Be Lonely – Marcia Griffiths
5. Everything I Own – Ken Boothe and Lloyd Charmers
6. (It’s the Way) Nature Planned It – Ken Boothe and B.B. Seaton
7. Look Over Your Shoulder – Derrick Harriott
8. I’m Still Waiting – Delroy Wilson
9. Fire Burning – Bob Andy
10. Duppy Gun Man – Ernie Smith
11. Ramgoat Liver – Pluto Shervington
12. Play De Music – Tinga Stewart
13. Dat – Pluto Shervington
14. Sweet Bitter Love – Marcia Griffiths
15. Your Honour – Pluto Shervington
16. Creation Medley – Lord Creator
17. Lady – Wayne Wade
18. Irie Tempo – Lord Laro