RELEASED ON 18.7.2025 ON SHANACHIE VIA PROPER
CATALOGUE NUMBER SHANLP45076
Now taking orders for the latest offering from Lee "Scratch" Perry. "Crucial Cuts From The Heart Of The Ark 1973-1978)" is released on the 18th July on Black Vinyl LP at £28.99
Lee "Scratch" Perry: A genius? A madman? A mystic man? There can be no doubt that Lee "Scratch" Perry is one of the most consequential figures in the world of music, creator of countless reggae classics, a mentor to Bob Marley, an architect of dub music, and inspiration to musicians around the world ranging from The Clash to the Beastie Boys.
Though Scratch may have at times seemed crazy, it is worth noting that creative genius appears so because geniuses see things others do not see and inhabit realities unseen. As the music on this album reveals, Lee Perry's Black Ark creations re-arrange the familiar into something new and magical.
Among the many landmark classics cut at Black Ark are such incisive political commentaries as Max Romeo's "War Ina Babylon," and Junior Murvin's "Police and Thieves" (covered by the Clash). The Congos' "Heart of the Congos" album is a roots classic and there are many wonderful obscure singles such as Carlton and the Shoes' "Better Days". Many dub creations made innovative use of Scratch's sonic wizardry via echo, phasing, reverb, flanging, wah-wah and various sound effects.
1. Vibrate On ft. Lee "Scratch" Perry, Augustus Pablo
2. Fisherman Dub ft. Lee "Scratch" Perry, Congos
3. War Ina Babylon ft. Max Romeo
4. Sufferers Time ft. The Heptones
5. Fever ft. Jr. Byles
6. Scratch The Dub Organiser ft. The Upsetters, King Tubby, Dillinger
7. Better Days ft. Carlton & The Shoes
8. Police & Thieves ft. Jr. Murvin
9. Traveling In Dub ft. Lee "Scratch" Perry/Upsetters
10. River ft. Zap Pow
11. Dreader Dub ft. Lee "Scratch" Perry/Upsetters