2017 repress - The Soul Jazz label once again proves how smart they are with excellent Studio One Groups, an almost overwhelming set of killer cuts from bands and singing groups affiliated with Clement "Coxsone" Dodd's "University of Reggae." Clement Seymour "Sir Coxsone" Dodd's record label and sometimes studio was alive from the mid-'50s to the early '80s and saw the Jamaican sound go from ska to rocksteady to roots reggae. There's an amazing, deep history to be explored and even when you focus on just the groups, one disc isn't enough to tell the whole story, but this collection functions as both a killer mixtape and exciting introduction for novices. Rob Chapman's liner notes are informative, the design is up to the label's usual high standards, and there's a wonderful mix of tracks you might know, tracks you should know, and a couple of wonderful rarities that should have never fallen through the cracks.
The sweet harmonies, spiritual roots music, and soul-influenced ballads are all intoxicating and you can't even began to claim a familiarity with Jamaican music history until names like the Maytals, the Heptones, and, of course, the Wailers are firmly in your back pocket. Whether you're being introduced or getting reacquainted, Studio One Groups is an easy recommendation.
| A1 | –The Wailing Souls* | Mr Fire Coal Man |
| A2 | –Righteous Flames* | Solid Foundation |
| A3 | –The Gaylads | Give A Helping Hand |
| A4 | –The Bassies | Things A Come Up To Bump |
| A5 | –The Mad Lads (2) | You Will Never Know |
| B1 | –The Clarendonians | You Can't Be Happy |
| B2 | –The Consumates | What Is It |
| B3 | –Carlton And The Shoes | Happy Land |
| B4 | –The Viceroys | The Struggle |
| B5 | –The Maytals | I'll Never Grow Old |
| B6 | –The Heptones | Get In The Groove |
| C1 | –The Royals | Pick Up The Pieces |
| C2 | –The Gladiators | Jah Jah Go Before Us |
| C3 | –Bob Marley And The Wailers* | Love And Affection |
| C4 | –The Stingers | Down Presser International |
| C5 | –The Cables | Baby Why |
| D1 | –The Ethiopians | Owe Me No Pay Me |
| D2 | –The Purplelites | The Pressure Is On |
| D3 | –The Silvertones | Cheating And Lying |
