Sorry for the delayed response. Yes, the Skatalites are very cool. As AMG says, they "didn't merely define the sound of Jamaica, they were the sound of Jamaica across the '50s and '60s." The Skatalites play on many of the albums that I mentioned. Though they were a band in their own right, they were also a backup band for a lot of ska singers. I tend to prefer vocals, which is why I didn't list an individual Skatalites album - they tend to be strictly instrumental. I hear the best one is:

The Skatalites "Foundation Ska"

my favourites up till now:
Ziggy Marley : Higher Vibration
Ziggy Marley : Reggae Revolution
Toots & The Maytals : Sweet & Dandy
The Specials : Ghost Town
The Specials : Gangsters
The Specials : Monkey Man
The Skatalites : Baby Elephant Walk
Selecter : On My Radio
Lee Scratch Perry : I Am A Madman
Max Romeo : Chase The Devil
Jimmy Cliff : Rivers Of Babylon

and Bob Marley of course

Well, I especially love the Morgan Heritage's production!
Do you know them?
I love their album and I especially love "Jah Jah city", "Never", "Liberation", "Jump Around"...they are FANTASTIC! Don't u think?
Anw...I love too Capleton and Beenie Man and Buju Banton!

I've never head of Morgan Heritage...

As far as the other artists are concerned, they're all dancehall, which is completely different from ska and rocksteady. But yeah, they aren't bad.

Trojan Ska Box Set
Trojan Roots Box Set
Trojan Rocksteady Box Set
Trojan Rastafari Box Set
Trojan Dub Box Set

for christmas time

I'm a jealous b*tch. I don't have those, but I have some of the tracks on other CDs, and they're really good. It's hard to go wrong w/ Trojan.

Btw, do you typically buy yourself expensive box sets and such for Christmas? I actually think that's a good idea. I'd rather spend the money on myself. At least I would know that I'm getting stuff I like.

actually.. these all have 3 cd's and are only $14 each @ cduniverse.com .. glad to hear i made good selections.. i only listened to 1 or 2 samples from each and had to have 'em .. . . on the dub tip .. ?4u. . . i know there is a collection called 'high explosion', but is there one titled 'dj explosion' out there somewhere?
i have something i think is called that on tape, but i have to replace it (too much tape wobble (jah) _late

Never heard of it. Sorry.

finally a forum with reggae fans...

i also like almost all forms of jamaicen music, especially this early dancehall stuff from the 60ies and 70ies.
Ther are so many rare tracks that are so good you cant believe they are not famous or popular. But first of all you must see the movie "the harder they come" !! with jimmy cliff.

And i am still looking for good stuff, and i know there is a lot.
Some of my favorites Artists and DJ's:

Dennis Alcapone
Ken Boothe
Al Campbell
Alton Ellis
Junior Murvin
Dillinger
Lone Ranger
Prince Jazzbo
Prince Francis
Count Machuki
King Tubby
Congos
Heptones
Max Romeo
Jackie Mittoo
Gaylads (strange name but nice band)
Junior Delgado
Pablo Moses

Hey... I just wanted to say thank you for starting this thread! I am completely clueless about Jamaican music, although I've always wanted to give it a shot. There's just so much I hardly know where to begin! This thread looks like a good education for a newbie like me.