20 Rocksteady classics

Here are some classic UK-issued 45s from what was in my opinion the highest point of Jamaican music - the rocksteady era that lasted a mere two years from 1966 to 1968. It bridged the gap between ska and reggae and was hugely influential, but it was short-lived. The artists featured (many of them different on A and B sides) are among the most influential of the period. Rocksteady releases on the labels pictured are hard to find in really good condition and highly collectable. Youtube links are provided and there are some absolutely brilliant tracks here.
1. Stranger Cole & Glady - Just Like A River/ The Leaders - Hope Someday.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCWsnkgDP7A   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iedIdHUJKw

2. Roy Shirley - Get On The Ball/ Johnny Moore - Sound And Soul.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIIuseZlnII   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXV5Ex20Sqc

3. Jackie Mitto & the Soul Vendors - Ram Jam/ Summertairs - You Are Gonna Leave Me.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLNyO38Do2Q   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF8UEQ2lm6U

4. The Cool Spoon - Yakety Yak/ Soul Vendors - Drum Song.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wl_HawbePjE   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcQh3eCctUI

5. Jennors - Pressure and Slide/ Soul Bros - One Stop.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBLYzFKspNI   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlV1If8oCug

6. Alton Ellis & The Flames - I've Got A Date/ Lynn Tait & Tommy McCook & the Supersonics - The Yellow Basket.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvzthjJI9Xg  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ge__0zqJZ9Q  (the King of Rocksteady)

7. Ethiopians - The Whip/ Cool It Amigo.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNs66HoHL9k   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmNKD0ka96o (Classic of the era)

8. Leslie Butler & the Fugitives - Winchester Rocksteady/ Aston Campbell, The Conquerors & Baba Brooks Band - Ramona.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3WocTMlR1g   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijVbnE0R-Pk  (slow B side)

9. Itals - Don't Throw It Away/ Make Up Your Mind.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0LZPOyHkKI   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msqY-onp2g8

10. The Wrigglers - The Cooler/ You Cannot Know.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q3xaJ_S3Q0   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_OmWCFZvXQ

11. Justin Hines & the Dominoes - Rub Up Push Up/ The Ark.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P54FT-ASWPU   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPozwSEBboY (ska, rather than rocksteady)

12. Desmond Baker & the Clarendonians - Rude Boy - Gone Jail/ The Sharks - Don't Fool Me.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbyyHzzKLrY   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjqWLX4Sz4c (doowop B side)

13. Hopeton Lewis - Rock Steady/ Cool Collie.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_J_KvCqSNp4   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UmuaalUGKY (classic double sider)

14. Tennors - Ride Your Donkey/ I've Got To Get You Off My Mind.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYKFQ6BcgOE   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex79QQLs5rs (another classic)

15. Heptones - Gunmen Coming To Town/ Tommy McCook & Supersonics - Riverton City.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KEn1itJac4   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPnMxcCfxJ4

16, Rulers - Don't Be A Rude Boy/ Be Good.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_z5FgCuRYE   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kR1ZPunqBOo

17. Ethiopians - Dun Dead A'Ready/ Bob Andy - Stay In My Lonely Arms.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYORBTWfrcE   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjdQF4GW0UM (great B side)

18. Phyllis Dillon - Perfidia/ It's Rocking Time.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwNVtMwsoiQ   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVhJMRCVhQA  (great double sider by the Queen of Rocksteady).

19. Techniques with Tommy McCook & Supersonics - My Girl/ Drink Wine.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoPq2GMlBsU   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0yrXMmmk3w

20. The Jamaicans - Peace And Love/ Woman Go Home.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Qe9SZLamwI   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-8cNlqnJd4  (another double sided cracker)