Compilation Jamaica 1968, Year of Reggae

It was not only in France that 1968 was a year unlike any other. Alongside social and political uprisings just as violent as in France if not more so, in Jamaica the word “reggae” was invented that year. Hence the natural choice of “Do the Reggay”, the hit by Toots and the Maytals and the first appearance of the word, as the kick off to this compilation album. Following their boxed set dedicated to record label Treasure Isle, the magnificent Queens of Jamaica and Lee Perry’s Collectorama, Jahslams commemorates this 40th anniversary with a hefty 20-track selection. All released in 1968, these tracks contributed to the success of already well known artists or stars-to-be such as Slim Smith, the Ethiopians, the Paragons (the hit “On The Beach”), Alton Ellis (the amazing “La La Means I Love You”), Desmond Dekker (the highly charged "Intensified", winner in 1968 of the 3rd Jamaican Festival Contest) and of course the young Bob Marley, just 23 years of age, who presented along with his Wailers a brilliant ‘Hypocrites". An all-round winner selection of early reggae.

Translated by Marushka Vidovic