Elly Roberts reviews
Lee 'Scratch' Perry: I Am The Upsetter
(The Story Of The Lee 'Scratch' Perry Golden Years)
Distributed by
Trojan Records (Sanctuary Records Group Ltd)
- Released: February 2005
- Rating: 10/10
- Cat.no.: TJNBX225
- Format: 4-CD Boxset
- Tracks: 83 titles, including Return Of Django (UK No.5 1969),
Keith Rowe - Groovy Situation, Bob Marley and the Wailers - Small Axe
Here comes the ‘Upsetter’ - Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry.
You can now trace the remarkable career of one of the leading lights in the
development of reggae, who also used several other pseudonyms.
This awesome four disc boxset is a must for fans of the genre. It charts his
pioneering work as writer, performer and producer.
Born Hugh Rainford Perry on March 26, 1936 in Hanover Jamaica, he was drawn to
Kingston in the early '60s and worked for another legendary figure, Clement
‘Sir Coxone’ Dodd. Beginning as a gopher, spy, bouncer, record scout, he moved
on to organising recording sessions, then handling songwriting and productions
on Dodd releases at the famous Studio 1.
He left his ‘employment’ with Dodd after a spat over payment, moving to a new
label (Amalgamated) where he recorded an early reggae hit - People Funny Boy
- a nasty jibe at Dodd. Later he was instrumental in the early success of
Bob Marley and the Wailers, a relationship that lasted years despite it’s ups
and downs. Other well known artists include Junior Murvin and Max Romeo (of Wet
Dream infamy).
Each of the four discs captures the cream of his productions from 1968-1971,
from 1972-1974 and 1975-1978, with the fourth disc concentrating on dub
(instrumental remixes of existing recordings), which radically manipulate the
recording through sound effects i.e.studio trickery.
Little known gems are thrown in the mix; previously the preserve of the serious
collector. Behind the ‘sunshine sounds’; derivatives of 50’s American soul music,
there was a strong social and personal commentary levelled at other native
artists and visitors to the sun-drenched beaches, as locals existed in abject
poverty.
By disc three you can see how the styles have evolved into virtual ‘Rock Steady‘
grooves that influenced bands such as Culture Club.
This lavish boxset comes with colour booklet which documents the individual
releases and label images etc.
Just put it on and let it play - all 83 tracks!
Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.
