Soul Jazz Records’ Down Beat Special is a roller-coaster ‘greatest hits’ ride through many of the all-time classic tunes hand-picked from across the mighty vaults of, without doubt, Jamaica’s finest ever record label and pioneering powerhouse of reggae music. // Seminal tracks such as Michigan and Smiley’s ‘Nice Up The Dance’, Dawn Penn’s ‘No, No, No’, The Wailers’ ‘Simmer Down’, The Eternals’ ‘Queen of the Minstrels’… and on it goes. Non-stop BIG tunes. Down Beat Special is an essential primer to Studio One Records. // Originally released as a one-off pressing limited edition (long-since deleted) 7” box set, this new edition is fully remastered and expanded to a massive 18 super rare and killer cuts from the Studio One empire. // Featuring the Skatalites, Jackie Mittoo, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Horace Andy, Alton Ellis, Lone Ranger and many more, the album features rare and classic tracks throughout. // Newly commissioned sleevenotes by Noel Hawks (History of the Jamaican Recording Industry) features a track by track historical and musical analysis, label scans and more added to this fantastic collection.
Release date:
May 10, 2024
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
HumminGuru: Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner
Advanced ultrasonic technology with customizable cleaning cycles and a large tank capacity to thoroughly remove dust, dirt, and contaminants
-
Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner
Thoroughly clean and restore your vinyl records, removing dust, dirt, and grime from every groove without damaging the surface
-
Phono Preamps - Top Picks
A selection of the best phono preamps for your turntable setup
-
Nobsound Little Bear T7 Tube Preamp
Delivers rich, warm audio through its high-quality vacuum tubes, featuring multiple inputs and adjustable gain
-
Ortofon 2M Blue Premounted
Mounted on the SH-4 Black Headshell, this setup delivers exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and accurate sound reproduction.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Signs of the Swarm To Rid Myself Of Truth
Century Media
August 22, 2025 -
Billianne Modes of Transportation
No Wonder Inc.
August 15, 2025 -
Various Artists Look at All the Love We Found: A Tribute to Sublime [3xLP]
Sublime Recordings
August 29, 2025 -
Scissor Sisters Scissor Sisters 20th Anniversary [2xLP]
Republic Records
July 18, 2025 -
Nick Leon A Tropical Entropy
Tra Tra Trax
July 25, 2025 -
Idina Menzel Original Broadway Cast of Redwood Redwood Original Broadway Cast Recording [2xLP]
Masterworks Broadway
July 25, 2025 -
Dylan Gossett Westward [2xLP]
Mercury Records/Republic
July 18, 2025 -
Vicious Rumors The Devil's Asylum
Steamhammer
August 29, 2025 -
Rhys Fulber Memory Impulse Autonomy
Artoffact Records
September 12, 2025 -
GWAR THe Return Of Gor Gor (Semi-Transparent Purple)
Pit Records
July 25, 2025 -
Jordan Davis Learn The Hard Way [2xLP]
Mca Nashville
August 15, 2025 -
Solence Angels Calling (Red)
Better Noise Music
October 3, 2025 -
Cory Hanson I Love People
Drag City
July 25, 2025 -
Flyte Between You and Me
Nettwerk Records
August 29, 2025