When talking about ska music, one group of musicians whose name always comes to the forefront of the conversation are The Skatalites. Formed around 1965 and named originally after the Soviet space satellite which was big news at the time and with a little help from band member Tommy McCook, making a play on the characteristic "ska" sound made by the guitar when following the "after beat" of the music. The band would have a name to go with its distinctive musical style. Here is a great set of tunes that the band cut at the legendary Treasure Isle Studios. Built out of wood and positioned above Duke Reid's liquor store, it somehow worked in getting a great sound out of the band, or maybe it was the intimidating sight of Duke Reid and his ever-present loaded gun that he carried at all times that provided some inspiration. Whatever the reasons, the band cut some mighty fine tunes, a selection of which are cherry-picked here, for your musical pleasure.