BY KEVIN JACKSON —-
LEGENDARY ska band The Skatalites scores its second entry on the Billboard Reggae Album chart this week. Their Foundation Ska debuts at number eight.
The double compact disc is a reissue marking the 20th anniversary of the album on Heartbeat Records. Released on February 24 by Studio One, the new set contains 32 songs, including six not on the original.
The Skatalites previous Billboard entry was Ball of Fire which peaked at number 13 in February 1998.
Formed in 1964, The Skatalites’ original line-up was an all-star cast that included trombonist Don Drummond, keyboardist Jackie Mittoo, and the saxophone troika of Tommy McCook, Roland Alphonso and Lester Sterling.
Songs like Eastern Standard Time, King Solomon and Simmer Down are on Foundation Ska. The week’s highest debut at number two is Rebel Frequency by Australian reggae singer Nattali Rize.
The album was recorded in Jamaica and features guitarist Lamont “Monty” Savory, keyboardist Phillip “Winta” James and Wayne “Unga” Thompson of Notice Productions. Julian Marley, Dre Island, Jah9 and Raging Fyah also appear on Rebel Frequency.
There is a new number one. Last week’s number seven debut, Pyramid (s) by California trio Satsang, has moved into the top spot. Pyramid (s) was released March 20 by Rootfire Cooperative.
Satsang comprises Drew McManus (guitar/ vocals), Karl Roth (bass/ keyboard/vocals) and Keller Paulson (drums/percussion).
Another new entry at number six is the compilation, Soul Jazz Presents: Hustle! Reggae Disco, Kingston, London, New York.
Released by London-based Soul Jazz Records, this 13-track set has covers of popular disco songs by reggae artists.
Songs include Ring My Bell by Blood Sisters, I’m Every Woman by Latisha, and Rappers Delight by Xanadu and Sweet Lady.
Elsewhere, Stick Figure’s Set In Stone moves up to number three, while Rebelution’s Falling Into Place is number four.
Former number one, Lost In Paradise by Common Kings, holds firm at number five, while Fortunate Youth’s self-titled set slips to number seven.
The compilation Get Soca 2017 falls from three to nine. Rebelution’s Live at Red Rocks is number 10.
Last week’s number one, Sacred Sound by Iya Terra, falls to number 13.
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