NATIONAL ALBUM DAY 2026 – Essential Artist Collection – Desmond Dekker

A well-curated compilation highlighting Desmond Dekker’s influence on ska, rocksteady, and early reggae. Featuring standout tracks like “Israelites” and “007 (Shanty Town),” it captures the sound that helped bring Jamaican music to an international audience.

This is a more concise version of the 2023 Essential Collection, pressed on Black ecorecord for National Album Day 2026 (10th October 2026) as well as a 1CD digisleeve format with a booklet. This release offers a clear, warm listening experience and serves as a concise overview of Dekker’s most important recordings. A reliable addition for collectors and an easy entry point for anyone exploring classic reggae.

 

CD TRACKLIST:

1. (Poor Mi) Israelites – Desmond Dekker & The Aces

2. You Can Get It If You Really Want – Desmond Dekker

3. 007 (Shanty Town) – Desmond Dekker & The Aces

4. It Mek – Desmond Dekker & The Aces

5. Fu Man Chu – Desmond Dekker & The Aces

6. (Where Did It Go) The Song We Used to Sing

7. Rude Boy Train – Desmond Dekker & The Aces

8. King of Ska – Desmond Dekker & Cherry Pies

9. Intensified ’68 (Music Like Dirt) – Desmond Dekker & The Aces

10. Live and Learn (The More You Live) – Desmond Dekker

11. Unity – Desmond Dekker & The Aces

12. Get Up Edina – Desmond Dekker & The Four Aces

13. Generosity – Desmond Dekker & The Aces

14. Rudy Got Soul – Desmond Dekker & The Aces

15. It Pays – Desmond Dekker & The Aces

16. Licking Stick – Desmond Dekker & The Aces

17. Honour Your Mother and Father – Desmond Dekker

18. Problems – Desmond Dekker & The Aces

19. Young Generation – Desmond Dekker & The Aces

20. Mount Zion – Desmond Dekker & The Four Aces

21. Pretty Africa – Desmond Dekker & The Aces

22. Pickney Gal – Desmond Dekker

23. Sing A Little Song – Desmond Dekker

24. Jamaica Ska – Desmond Dekker & The Specials

 

LP TRACKLIST:

Side A

1.    (Poor Mi) Israelites

2.    You Can Get It If You Really Want

3.    007 (Shanty Town)

4.    It Mek

5.    Fu Man Chu

6.    King of Ska

7.    Intensified ’68 (Music Like Dirt)

Side B

1. Unity

2. Get Up Edina

3. Licking Stick

4. It Pays

5. Pickney Gal

6. Sing A Little Song

7. Jamaica Ska