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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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