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Lee Scratch Perry - the Upsetter - Wonderman Years - TJCCD052 -

Released on 16 September 2002

Now I am a great lover of bluebeat, ska and rocksteady but the early 70's were my formative years so far as reggae is concerned, and this album is right in there. We have reggae, some older rhythms, dub and dj, rasta, some Upsetter madness and a whole lot of style that, in my view, was hugely significant in the emergence of a UK reggae beat as well. A massive 49 tracks in evidence here on a double album set.

CD 1 features a largely vocal selection, moving into Roots or Rasta lyrics and ideology. Kicking of with Keep on Moving by Bob Marley featuring an excellent falsetto part by Bunny, followed by the version by Big Youth and African Herbsman by Bob and the Wailers plus Peter's Brand New Second Hand.

One of the highspots of the album is Beat Down Babylon by Junior Byles followed by 4 versions including some heavy cuts and a toast by Dennis Alcapone. Hard and dangerous, slow and hitting bass line - an awesome selection. Junior is also featured on 'A place called Africa', 'Fever' utilising the 'This World' rhythm and 'King of Babylon'. Versoins galore of course such as Doc Alimantado's Hot and Cold and more Dennis Alcapone of which Africa Stand is the best.

Some great vocal tracks in evidence and I am a sucker for those, The Stingers, Give me Power is great, another Now Generation rhythm, followed by some version cuts. Also by the Stingers is'Preacher Man'.

Lloyd Parks on 'Mighty Clouds of Joy' wrings out the emotion on his sweet strained voice and on 'Professor ironside' his bass is hard and true.

The first part of CD2 continues to feature vocal selections. The Righteous Flames 'One Love One heart' is pleading Jamaican Soul at it's best - sweet. The Willows 'Cool Iron' is so horizontally laid back, and Wesley Germs's 'Whiplash', and two from Chenley Duffus

Concluding with many tracks of Upsetter skanks, rhythms and madness. French Connection and Blackman Time, Black IPA dub being the pick. Some of these dubs still sound strong and fresh.

A superb album for the most part, the vocal cuts are great backed with some excellent version wringing out every last drop and nuance from some great rhythm

 

 

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