The number one most quintessential riddim from 1967 and the roots of reggae, “Real Rock” was hugely versioned in Jamaica and abroad.
Produced at Studio One by Sir Coxsone and crafted by Sound Dimension, it sparked a musical revolution that influenced multiple genres, spanning seven consecutive decades. It is now also broadening its international appeal to movie soundtracks and gaming.
Legend has it that between 1965 to 1968, Coxsone’s all star in-house band, first named The Soul Brothers, then Soul Vendors and finally Sound Dimension, recorded 9am to 5pm, five days a week, churning out an impressive 12 riddims per day. Most of which represent the foundation of Jamaican reggae and dancehall as we know and love today.
Jackie Mittoo was appointed as the musical director while still in his teens. While the bands line-up changed over time, the cast for “Real Rock” was bassist Boris Gardiner, guitarist Eric Frater, percussionist Denzel Laing, drummer Fil Callender and trombonist Vin Gordon.
This pivotal track marked a move away from rocksteady and evolved into a slower tempo, but with a heavier dancehall style.
Some notable examples versioned in the golden era of the original track are:
- “Armagideon Time” – Willi Williams (1977) and The Clash (1979)
- “Friday Evening” – Joe Tex and U Black (1978)
- “Stop The Fussing And Fighting” – Dennis Brown (1978)
- “Cool Out Son” – Junior Murvin (1978)
- “Nice Up The Dance” – Michigan & Smiley (1979)
- “Pie In The Sky” – Scientist (1982)
- “Lend Me The Sixteen” – Johnny Osbourne (1983)
Subsequently it was also versioned by Tenor Saw, Frankie Paul, Shinehead, Sanchez, KRS-One, Billy Ze Kick, Bounty Killer, 311, Super Cat, Raggasonic, Seeed, Sizzla and Cocoa Tea.
My copy comes care of Soul Jazz Records – Studio One Rockers, a double LP (SJRLP48) released 29 January 2001.
Al Rankin
Whakatū / Waimea based dub reggae dancehall selector. Original badman, blat blat.
