The Carltons / Lee Perry - Better Days / Station Underground News (7”)

Format: 7" Vinyl
Catalogue No.: HRHSS0039 / HSRSS0039
Barcode: 7141095213333
Release Date: 03 Apr 2026
Genre: Reggae

This is the reissue of the rare 1973 original single with its original tracks as produced by Lee Perry. This original “Better Days” performed by The Carltons aka Carlton And The Shoes, was released on the Jamaican label Underground in 1973 as a B side to the track “Station Underground News” by Lee Perry (under the strange name “King Koba”). It was also released the same year in the U.K. on the Bread label, a Trojan’s sublabel. 
“Better Days” was the only song ever recorded under the name The Carltons. Regrettably, it was also the only Carlton And The Shoes track ever produced by Lee Perry… 
The very much in demand original singles are now quite rare and expensive. The single was reissued only once in 2014 - but with The Upsetters’ track “Tight Spot” on the B side - and this reissue is also quite rare and expensive by now. 
Our release is therefore the first reissue of the original single complete with its original tracks - although we put the gorgeous “Better Days” on the A side where it should be. 
Note: several other versions have been recorded over the years including a 12” version in 1978 under the name Carlton And The Shoes for the D.E.B Music label and another one under the name Carlton Manning on the Jamaican label Quality sometimes in the 1980s. It was also covered by The Heptones in 1978. These later versions are in fact completely different from the superior original track produced by Lee Perry. 
The strikingly beautiful “Better Days” original is in our opinion Carlton & the Shoes best track and is without doubt an early Reggae masterpiece... A must!

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“Better Days” is a strikingly beautiful anthem built around the Carltons’ breathtaking harmonies and a patient, rolling, minimalist Reggae rhythm made of syncopated drums and a gentle horn section in background, hence serving the strong vocal delivery even further. Without forgetting the equally beautiful lyrics delivering a powerful message of resilience, optimism and faith. Beautiful harmonies, minimalist rhythm and uplifting lyrics all together make “Better Days” one of the Shoes most enduring performances and a Reggae masterpiece that invites to both reflection and musical delight...

“Station Underground News” was in fact the A track on the original 1973 single with Lee Perry credited as “King Koba”.

It is a subterranean journey through Perry’s imagination. Built from a skeletal rhythm track, the piece unfolds as a series of musical interventions: echoing vocals, fractured percussion, Funky manipulations and more.

This little know tracks capture perfectly Perry’s trademark blend of Jamaican musical textures, off kilter rhythms, experimentations and unbridled whimsy and creativity…

Enjoy!