This week Rosko chooses some of his favourite tunes from the early days of the Trojan record label…..

In 1968, with a backdrop of rebellions, an unpopular war, demonstrations and  general unrest all around the world, thousands of immigrants were arriving in Britain, many from the Caribbean. 

  That same year Trojan Records was launched in a poky warehouse in Willesden, North London. Formed by Lee Gopthal, who operated the Musicland record retail chain, and Chris Blackwell of Island records, the aim was to showcase the output of one of the most popular and successful producers of the Ska and Rocksteady eras – Duke Reid. The name came from his Trojan truck used as a sound system in Jamaica. 

  The music had a massive political and social impact on the UK. Becoming especially popular with early Skinheads, the working class British Rudeboy, and later through the 70’s with the Punks, Mod & Reggae revivalists alike. Here then is a selection of those first 2 years……….1968/69.

1 Roland Alphonso & Tommy McCook-Never To Be Mine

2 Dobby Dobson-I’m A Loving Pauper

3 Val Bennett-Spanish Harlem

4 Mellotones-Uncle Charlie

5 The Untouchables-Tighten Up

6 The Bleachers-You’re Gonna Feel It

7 Denzil Dennis-Down By The Riverside

8 The Kingstonians-Mix It Up

9 Winston Wright & Harry J All Stars-Liquidator

10 Melodions-Sweet Sensation

11 The Maytals-Monkey Man

12 Karl ‘King Cannon’ Bryan-Soul Scorcher

13 The Beltones-No More Heartaches

14 The Supersonics/Tommy McCook-Third Figure

15 Desmond Dekker-(Where Did It Go) The Song We Used To Sing

16 The Kinstonians-Sufferer

17 Clancy Eccles-Freedom 

18 Jimmy Cliff-Vietnam

19 Don Drummond & Tommy McCook-Don De Lion

20 The Ethiopians/J J All Stars- Everything Crash

21 John Holt-Ali Baba