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Native

Native Meets Lee Scratch Perry - Black Ark Showcase 1977

Review by Gary Hill

This isn't a tidy fit under progressive rock. It's not a tidy fit under reggae, either, though. There is a lot of space rock here and some pure prog. I'd say that this is progressive music. Maybe "progressive reggae" would be the best title, but landing it under "progressive rock" works reasonably well. This set is classy no matter how you slice it, though.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2018  Volume 1 at  garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2018.

Track by Track Review
In a Strange Land
Psychedelia and space rock all merge in fine fashion. There is a reggae edge to the piece as it moves forward.
Late September in May
While the reggae meets space vibe continues here, there is a bit more of a real prog rock element at play. This is such a classy, echoey cut.
In the Land of Make Believe
In a lot of ways this is more pure reggae. That said, there is still plenty of space music here.
Meet Mr. Nobody
Echoey reggae merged with psychedelia is the concept here. It is definitely another piece of class and style.
Rockstone

More pure reggae than a lot of the others here, this is rather exploratory and progressive in some ways. The instrumental jam later is one of those ways.

In a Strange Land Version

This remix is even trippier than the original take of the piece. The vocals are dropped way back in the mix.

Late September in May Version
This remix is a full prog treatment for sure. It's one of the coolest cuts here. Again the vocals take a back seat on this, almost eliminated completely.
In the Land of Make Believe Version

The take here is also quite tied to prog rock, but this time more of a space rock vibe. The vocals are dropped way back into the mix.

Meet Mr. Nobody Version

The usual, vocals dropped way out approach is heard on this mix. The cut is more of a pure reggae one. The jam section pulls it up a bit, but of these versions, I think this is my least favorite.

Rockstone Version
The vocals are a bit more prominent here. This is one of the stronger cuts on the disc, too. It's just a classy jam.

 

 
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