I think we've heard a bit too much from noisy Americans with guitars on here lately, so I'll return to Mr Albini's recollections in due course. Tonight's theme is a rather mix 'n' match tribute to Rocksteady. Rocksteady was a short-lived period in Jamaican music which the excellect Trojan Rocksteady Box Set's sleevenotes places "from the emergence of the genre in 1966 until the development of reggae two years later". The first tune to reflect this new style was Alton Ellis and the title of his song became the name for the dance and the genre. Alton Ellis - Rocksteady 1966 was one of the hottest summers on record in Jamaica and dancefloor the frentic rhythms of ska had to give way to a slower style more conducive to the climate - The Rocksteady. So as the thermometer rose the tempo of the music abated.

The Rocksteady is probably the most relaxed Jamaican dance ever done. How to dance the rocksteady? It's easy!! Just relax the whole body & allow the pulsating rocksteady rhythms to seep into your system. Then under this spell you sway your limp arms and shoulders from side to side accompanied by a one-step foot shuffle going in any direction. Occasionally you may stand in one place and raise your shoulders to the beat. Forget partners, just relax and let your oily body sway in & out the catchy rocksteady beat

The Ethiopians - Engine 54The slower rhythms of Rocksteady allowed the musicians a freeer reign, with the electric bass taking greater prominence. I particularly like a lot of the instrumentals of this time which drew on film and tv themes for inspiration. Ike Bennett & The Crystallites - Illya Kuryakin In 1980 Rocksteady found itself in the British Top 20 thanks to 2-Tone Ska Revivial - The Bodysnatchers - Do The Rocksteady The Bodysnatchers were an all-girl group signed to The Specials 2-tone label. Although they never really capitalised on the success of this their debut single. However, Rhoda, went on to sing for the Special AKA (most notably on the harrowing The Boiler), whilst other members enjoyed considerable success as the Belle Stars. LinksVisit: The Bodysnatchers, Bodysnatchers' 2-Tone page, Alton Ellis, and The Ethiopians.Background: Ska to RocksteadyRecommended Reading : Bass Culture : When Reggae Was King (Lloyd Bradley)