Unmissable singles collection documenting the early days of the man the world will always remember as the "Godfather of Ska". Born in Cuba in 1927 but raised in Jamaica, Laurel Aitken played an important role in the growth of the "Mento" music (indigenous Jamaican folk-based music, blending elements of European melody and African rhythm) phenomenon, while the Jamaican music industry was taking its first, hesitant steps back in 1958. Including such classics as the Day-O'-influenced "Mass Charlie" or the pivotal "Calypso Rock ' Roll", this is a must-have for anyone willing to know more on the origins of Rocksteady and Ska. 

TRACKLISTING:  01. MASS CHARLIE (THE PRISONER'S SONG) 02. THEY GOT IT (GHANA INDEPENDENCE) 03. CALYPSO ROCK AND ROLL, NIGHTFALL IN ZION (AKA ROLL RIVER JORDAN), NEBUCHNEZER 04. SWEET CHARIOT 05. THE WALLS OF JERICHO 06. REGE DEGE DING 07. AITKEN'S BOOGIE 08. CHERRIE 09. WHOLE LOTTA ROCK 10. COME BACK JEANNIE 11. BOOGIE ROCK 12. HEAVENLY ANGEL