Various - The Blue Beat Explosion Volume 2 - CD Album

Featuring tracks from the late 1950s and the early 1960s this period was integral for the legendary Blue Beat label as it began increasing its musical output to offer the rabid music fans more of the developing, new Rhythm & Blues sound that was then becoming known as Ska. One such artist whose name is synonymous with this emerging scene is the now renowned Lauren Aitken aka "the Godfather of Ska", who featured/collaborated with artists and groups including Clement 'Coxsone' Dodd, Arthur 'Duke' Reid, The Bluesbeat , The Boogie Cats and Ruddy & Sketto.
Lauren Aitken, who during the late 1950s was Jamaica's first real recording star was also amongst the first to release a Ska record. Aitken's collaboration with music producer Chris Blackwell allowed his 1958 single "Boogie in My Bones" b/w "Little Sheila" to be the first Jamaican popular music record to be released in the United Kingdom. Other more Jamaican rhythm and blues orientated singles from this period include "Low Down Dirty Girl" and "More Whisky" both produced by Duke Reid. Additionally, Aitken recorded for several prominent producers, including Reid, Leslie Kong, and Ken Khouri. In 1960, spurred by the popularity of his records in England, Aitken moved to London. There he began recording for Blue Beat, the first British-based label to cater to Jamaican immigrant tastes. Blue Beat's first single was a reissue of "Boogie Rock," and not long after, "Mary Lee" became the first song Aitken recorded specifically for the label. Aitken cut more than 15 singles for Blue Beat then temporarily returned to Jamaica in 1963.
To be issued on 25 track CD and 180 gram 16 track vinyl, "˜The Blue Beat Explosion vol.2' features the early, essential Lauren Aitken influenced tracks from some of the major names in Ska and Reggae music aimed at those interested in the beginnings of these timeless genres.

CD

1. Little Sheila - Laurel Aitken and The Caribs
2. Boogie In My Bones- Laurel Aitken and The Caribs
3. Honey Girl - Laurel Aitken and The Caribs
4. Jeannie Is Back - Laurel Aitken
5. Boogie Rock - Laurel Aitken and The Boogie Kats
6. Judgement Day - Laurel Aitken with Ken Richards & His Harmonisers
7. Railroad Track - Laurel Aitken and The Blue Beats
8. More Whisky - Laurel Aitken With Juke Reid Group
9. Mary Lee - Laurel Aitken and The Blue Beats
10. Heavenly Angel - Laurel Aitken and The Boogie Cats
11. If It's Money You Need - Laurel Aitken
12. Yea Yea Baby - Laurel Aitken with Ken Richards and The Harmonisers
13. Tell Me Darling - Laurel Aitken and The Blue Beats
14. Lonesome Lover - Laurel Aitken and The Blue Beats
15. Low Down Dirty Girl - Laurel Aitken with Juke Reid Group
16. Nursery Rhyme Boogie - Laurel Aitken and The Blue Beats
17. Mighty Redeemer - Laurel Aitken and The Blue Beats
18. Bouncing Woman - Laurel Aitken and The Blue Beats
19. Please Don't Leave Me - Laurel Aitken and The Blue Beats
20. Bar Tender - Laurel Aitken and The Blue Beats
21. Mabel - Laurel Aitken and Hyacinth
22. Mash Potato Boogie - Laurel Aitken and The Blue Beats
23. Weary Wanderer - Laurel Aitken with Ruddy and Sketto
24. Going To Kansas City - Laurel Aitken
25. Lucille - Laurel Aitken