Barrington Levy – Shaolin Temple 1979 Jah Guidance Jamaica First Press

Barrington Levy – Shaolin Temple 1979 Jah Guidance Jamaica First Press
**RARE Jamaica Pressing**

Pre-owned 
Visually Graded:
Cover: VG (some fading and corner scuffs, still very good looking cover)
Inner Sleeve: 
Record: VG minor scuff marks and hairlines (plays well no issues.)
Jah Guidance

Barrington Levy – Shaolin Temple (1979) | Jamaica First Press | Jah Guidance | RARE Jamaican Pressing

Collector Summary

Original 1979 Jamaica First Press of Shaolin Temple, released on the legendary Jah Guidance label. One of Barrington Levy’s earliest and most sought-after roots/dancehall-era recordings, this true Jamaican pressing is a hard-to-find island original, pressed in small quantities and rarely found in clean condition today. A top-tier Barrington Levy grail and a staple for serious reggae collectors.

Key Features

• 1979 Original Jamaica First Press

• Jah Guidance label

• Scarce early Barrington Levy release

• Pure Jamaican pressing with authentic island sound

• Deep roots/dancehall crossover classic

• Low-quantity Jamaica production — highly collectible

• Rising demand as early Levy titles become harder to source

Description

Released during Barrington Levy’s formative late-70s period, Shaolin Temple captures the raw energy, youthful vocal power, and rugged rhythm tracks that helped define the early dancehall sound. These early Jamaica pressings were produced in very limited runs, often with hand-assembled jackets and variable vinyl formulas typical of Kingston pressing plants of the era.

The Jah Guidance label is closely tied to the pioneering sounds of early dancehall, and original 1970s pressings on the label have become highly prized. This 1979 Jamaica first edition delivers the warm, bass-forward, analog island mastering that collectors seek — far superior in vibe to later international reissues.

Because Jamaican presses were handled heavily and stored in harsh conditions, locating a genuine first press in solid shape is extremely rare. For serious reggae and dancehall collectors, Shaolin Temple stands as one of Levy’s cornerstone recordings and an essential piece of 70s Kingston vinyl history.

Pressing Identifiers (Authentic 1979 Jamaica First Press – Jah Guidance)

• Jah Guidance labels with period-correct fonts & layout

• Original 1979 Jamaica matrix / etching style

• No barcodes (pre-UPC era Jamaican issue)

• Thin Jamaican jacket stock typical of late-70s island manufacturing

• Early printed labels with Jamaican color/ink variations

• Authentic 1979 Jamaican mastering (warm, bass-heavy profile)

• No modern pressing plant marks or reissue design elements

These details confirm this as a true 1979 Jamaican first pressing.

Great For

• Reggae & dancehall collectors

• Jamaican press enthusiasts

• Barrington Levy completists

• Roots/dancehall vinyl archivists

• Anyone building a premium 70s reggae collection

Searching for rare Jamaican pressings, early Barrington Levy, or 70s dancehall grails? We got you.

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We conservatively grade our records.
Record grading:

• Mint (M): Absolutely perfect in every way, likely never played, and still sealed.

• Near Mint (NM or M-): Nearly perfect. The record shows no obvious signs of wear and looks as if it was just opened. No visible marks or scratches.

• Very Good Plus (VG+): Shows slight signs of use, such as light scuffs or very minor scratches, but plays without any major deterioration in sound quality.

• Very Good (VG): Noticeable wear with some surface noise, light scratches, or groove wear, but still plays through without skipping.

• Good/Good Plus (G/G+): The record plays but with significant surface noise, scratches, and wear. The cover may have visible damage or splits.

• Fair/Poor (F/P): The record may be damaged and is barely playable. Typically used only for highly collectible records.

Cover grading: 

• Mint (M): The cover is flawless, with no signs of wear. Often still sealed with no corner dings, creases, or ring wear.

• Near Mint (NM or M-): The cover looks almost new, with only the slightest signs of handling. There may be very minimal wear, but no significant flaws like writing, splits, or tears.

• Very Good Plus (VG+): The cover shows light wear, such as minor scuffing, small corner creases, or slight ring wear. No major damage, but a well-cared-for album with minor imperfections.

• Very Good (VG): Moderate wear is visible, including ring wear, light edge or corner damage, small seam splits, or slight discoloration. Still presentable but clearly used.

• Good/Good Plus (G/G+): The cover shows significant wear, such as noticeable ring wear, seam splits, heavy creasing, or writing. It may still hold together but looks heavily worn.

• Fair/Poor (F/P): The cover is heavily damaged, with major seam splits, tears, extensive writing, water damage, or severe ring wear. It may barely hold together or be incomplete.