Repentance

Lee "Scratch" Perry | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 19, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Narnack Records
• ASIN: B001CITQM2
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #193,954 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

The legendary Jamaican crazy producer Lee Perry releases his 2008 album Repentance on Californian based label Narnack Records.His latest set is the result of the collaboration between The Upsetter and American rock musican and producer Andrew W.K. Repentance features 12 new tracks, from hip hop to electronic sounds, and includes the debut single `Pum Pum'. A Perry and Andrew W.K production alongside musicians as Moby, guitarist Chris Stein of Blondie, producer Don Flemming and drummer Brian Chippendale of Lightning Bolt, with tracks from artists like M.I.A, american rappers of Spank Rock and UK based electronic band Hot Chip. At 72, Perry delivers a new album, full of contemporary music influences, far from his deep roots Black Ark productions.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not a reggae record...., November 17, 2008

By 

S. McCallum - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Repentance (Audio CD)

But does it need to be? The Upsetter has been making dub records longer than I have been on god's green earth. This is a departure for him for sure. Having Andrew W.K. (yeah that Andrew W.K.) produce the record definitely has brought a strange meal to the table. The songs are harsh and edgy as Perry's vocal incantations float through the tracks like a cloud. There are flitting elements of hip-hop, electro, dub, and just plain wierdness through out the record.
A couple of the standout tracks for me? Party time for sure. Its a slowed down soca/electro number that'll have your hipster roommate jumpin' all over the place. Shine is another stand out track. It has probably the closest thing to a "dub" sound on the whole album. It easy and flowy and dances around your noggin when you wear your headphones. If your ready for something slightly different than the reggae records he "should" be making this will fulfill that rather nicely.
I saw Lee Perry here once in my home town of Philadelphia. People milled about in the darkness doing what they generally do at a reggae show (i.e. smoking weed) Suddenly a thunderous bass shook the whole building as a spot light shone through the darkness. Perry walked out onto stage in a track suit covered in small mirrors. He illuminated the whole hall with his presence. His every move shimmered with light as he floored the whole crowd for an hour. As well as whipping out his junk at one point and telling the crowd to "witness God." You have not lived until you have seen a then 65 year old man wave his privvies at you while blasting your head with deep, rolly bass. He is a man that does things the way he wants to.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Mad Genius Brings it Hard, August 28, 2008

By 

To Be Simple - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Repentance (Audio CD)

It would be interesting to be able to spend the day inside of Lee Perry's head. Some of the stuff he comes up with is so far out there that you have to scratch your head then laugh. "Repentance" is the latest release of Lee Perry. It's impossible to categorize this album into any single genre. At its core it is a reggae album, but with a heavy dose of synthesizers and an overall funky vibe.

Overall the album works and is a fun listen. Perry has released material in the past that has a lot of synthesizer in it, however "Repentance" is heavier on the electronic sound than most of his previous albums. For example, "Santa Claus" is essentially a techno song with Perry doing his signature "babbling" in the background. The album from start to finish is full of energy and is really solid dance music. There are a lot of musical layers in the songs, which may turn off reggae purists looking for a sound more akin to the early years of Perry.

"Repentance" has a unique sound and is my favorite Perry album in recent years. It is creative, well-produced, and just a plain fun musical romp. It's actually quite ridiculous that a man over 70 years old is still making music of this kind of quality and energy. Perry hasn't lost his touch at all. There's a genius at work here, maximum respect.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Repentance? More like utter despair!, October 21, 2008

By 

Rosa Jordan (UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Repentance (Audio CD)

This album shows the worst side of Lee Scratch Perry. Track after track of aimless and empty grooves. This is awful! The lyrics of some of the tracks are also completely offensive to women.
This is Lee at his worst. Why does he do it? It seems to me that this was a thrown together, quick job without any quality control.I cannot understand why the talented Mr Perry lets himself be exploited in such a way,letting people like this cash in on his repected status. There is no love or understanding whatsoever in the making of this album. It's disposable and heading straight for the trash can!