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Lee “Scratch” Perry

Rootz Reggae Dub

Review by Gary Hill

I always enjoy Lee "Scratch" Perry. This album continues that trend. While this isn't the kind of thing that lends itself to a track by track review, it flows well as a listening experience. The formula doesn't change all that much a lot of the time, but it just works well if you get into the groove and let it flow.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2021  Volume 5. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2021.

Track by Track Review
Sun Is Shining (Over You)
I really dig the cool reggae groove on this track. The backing vocals bring something special to it, and the whole tune works really well. This is a great opener.
Stir It Up (In The Pot)
Another classy reggae tune, this is a lot of fun.
Some Day Play, Right Now Stay

While not a big change, this is another cool reggae groove.

Evil Man Loose In The World
I love the backing vocal hook on this track. The whole number really stands tall here. This turns out to some killer rocking jams later. It's definitely one of the highlights here.
Punky Reggae Party
I like the bass on this tune a lot. That said, the whole cut works well. I dig the spacey keyboard elements on this later quite a bit, too.
When Will The War Be Over
Another classy reggae tune, I really love some of the spacey vibes here, but the vocals really make the cut.
Like A Megawave
This is more energetic tune. It's a lot of fun.
Speak Easy On A Quiet Moonless Night
There is plenty of cool spacey music built into this number. It really is a reggae meets space rock kind of tune. This really drives out with cool proggy concepts further down the road.
You All Know What To Do
More of a mainstream, traditional reggae concept is at the heart of this cool tune.
Ever Forward
More classy reggae jamming is on the menu here. I really dig the guitar grooves on this tune.
Stop Killing Your Brothers Down
Here we have another slab of cool reggae. While this is not a big change, it is very effective.
Rewind
Some of the backing vocals on this call to mind Frank Zappa, but the whole tune is full reggae. There is a great dropped down movement at the end with just percussion as the backdrop for Perry's vocals.

 

 
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