Pama records existed from 1967 to the mid 1970’s. Founded by the Palmer Brothers and based in West London they were the only significant competitors to Trojan records in the late 60’s and early 70’s. Alongside the parent Pama label they operated the following subsidiary labels: Bullet, Camel, Crab, Escort, Gas, Nu Beat/New Beat, Ocean, Pama Supreme, Supreme and Unity.
The following is a personal list of our favourite tunes released on Pama and it’s subsidiary labels. It’s intended that the list will be updated every week with the next ten but as anyone who followed the 100 greatest rocksteady tunes list it may take a little longer! Let us know which tunes are your favourites and which ones really deserved a place on this list.
- The 100 greatest tunes released by Pama Records (100-91)
- The 100 greatest tunes released by Pama Records (90-81)
- The 100 greatest tunes released by Pama Records (80-71)
- The 100 greatest tunes released by Pama Records (70-61)
- The 100 greatest tunes released by Pama Records (60-51)
- The 100 greatest tunes released by Pama Records (50-41)
- The 100 greatest tunes released by Pama Records (40-31)
Credits
The following references were used in compiling this list.
- Sleeve notes:
Alton Ellis – Soul Train Is Coming [Rock A Shacka 2008 CD] Sleeve notes by Mandingo.
Various Artists – From Matadors Arena 1968-1969 [Jamaica Gold 1994 CD] Sleeve notes by Dr. Buster Dynamite.
Various Artists – Keep The Pressure Down [FeMeTime/Black Solidarity CD] - Books/Publications:
Boss Sounds: Classic Skinhead Era Reggae – Marc Griffiths and Dave “Oldwah” Sandford [Stregwah 2012]
Lee Scratch Perry; Kiss Me Neck – Jeremy Collingwood [Cherry Red Books 2010]
People Funny Boy: The Genius Of Lee Scratch Perry – David Katz [Payback Press 2000]
Reggae Going International 1967-1976: The Bunny Striker Lee Story – Noel Hawks & Jah Floyd [Jamaica Recording Publishing 2012]
Some People – R.L. “Rupie” Edwards [Self published 2015]
Tighten Up: The History Of Reggae In The UK – Michael DeKoningh & Marc Griffiths [Sanctuary 2003] - Websites:
Roots Knotty Roots
Pama Forum
Audley Rollen interview on Reggae Vibes site
Rougher Yet Jolly Records discography
Junior Byles biography on the DubStore website (Jeremy Collingwood)
Interview with Bobby Kalphat by Peter I on the Reggae Vibes web site - Special thanks to:
Mark Harris
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