Customer Reviews

Blackboard Jungle Dub/Scratch Attack

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The real reason to buy this disc is for the nine "chapter 1 The Upsetters" selections, the very best of which is "Little Flute Chant." "Little Flute Chant" is another awesome take on the song "Words (of our mouths)," which Scratch versioned and dubbed over and over due to it's sheer greatness and adaptability. Truth be told, the guy who put out "Scratch Attack" manipulated some of the "chapter 1 The Upsetters" tracks heavily, but since he actually PLAYED the flute on "Little Flute Chant" I will partially forgive him. In the book about Perry, "People Funny Boy," it is meantioned how the producer got these original Scratch tapes in a fairly sketchy way, but that he was also a big fan. Oh well, nobody's perfect. Still, for the money, a much better choice is the disc "Dub-Triptych." Trojan Records released the double disc "Dub-Triptych" in 2004, and it is FANTASTIC. "Scratch Attack" features some of the classic 1973 LP "Blackboard Jungle," but some tracks are missing, the tracks have been mysteriously renamed and taken out of order, and the sound quality is severely lacking. "Dub-Triptych" features "Blackboard Jungle" in the proper order, with all the original tracks (properly named), and with absolutely stunning sound quality. I've owned "Scratch Attack" for a while, and I thought the sound was decent, but hearing "Dub-Triptych" is nothing less than a sonic revelation.

"Dub-Triptych" also features two other complete Scratch albums, 1973's "Cloak & Dagger" (featuring 14 awesome Upsetters instrumentals and dubs) and 1975's "Dub Revolution" (9 tracks of pure dub). "Dub-Triptych" also adds 3 bonus tracks to "Blackboard Jungle," leaving us with 52 tracks total!

There are a handful of tracks from "Scratch Attack" which I am very glad to have, but listening to the mega-classic "Blackboard Jungle" on this disc is unacceptable. I would unreservedly recommend starting with "Dub-Triptych," and then if you are really curious about the songs from "chapter 1 The Upsetters", come back and buy this.

First of all, you get two for the price of one. Second, you get his best work in "Chapter 1." This was my first Lee Perry cd. I have bought about 25 more trying to find more of this magic, but while some come close, this one is the most unique and wonderful! The second half is Blackboard Jungle Dub, which is pretty good, and makes a nice complement to the smoke-blessed wonder that comes first.

Or blissed out dub. However you want to look at it. Lee Perry was as influential a writer and producer as Phil Spector, in as much as he realised the full potential of the studio itself as an instrument. Light years ahead of his time, and never really given his due, especially in America ( THAT doesn't surprise me at all ) Lee Perry is a GENIUS. Thick slabs of echo drenched, effects laden dub reggae. The only thing that "dates" this music is that ever-present analogue tape "hiss" that can never be removed. I LOVE the way this man mixes tunes. Essential listening.

To go on a musical journey with that crazy dub innovator and certified legend: Lee 'Scratch' Perry! Get this cd right here to experience the genius of Lee Perry to the fullest. It has two absolutely classic and must-have records on one cd! 'Chapter 1 -The Upsetters' and 'Blackboard Jungle Dub'. Both are genuine gems from the vaults of roots dub history. I cannot emphasize it enough, this cd is a must-have for anyone and everyone. Please do yourself the favor of pickin up this cd, and you will take one step closer to Jah and Zion.

If for no other reason, get this lp because of the inclusion of "Blackboard Jungle," one of the earliest and most important dub lps ever made, featuring not only "Scratch" but King Tubby, as well. Long out of print, this may be the only way you can obtain "Blackboard Jungle" and not have it be a third rate bootleg.

The first part of the disc, a collection of early Upsetters tracks, is no less important to Perry completists, and is chock full of tasty morsals.

This lp is a must have for any dub or Perry fan.