Customer Reviews

Ultimate Collection

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While no collection of Lee "Scratch" Perry will ever be a complete one (even the wonderful 3cd set "Arkology," and its 3cd counterpart "Lost Trasures of the Ark") due to the fact that Perry was so prolific a recorder, this collection is a very nice overview of Perry's heyday, from the late 60's to the infamous burning down of the Black Ark.

All of the tracks on this collection were top hits after their release. Of interest to Bob Marley fans will be early, more raw versions of "Small Axe" and "Duppy Conquerer" (both to re-appear on the "Burnin' lp). Perry's influence is less noticable on these tracks than on later tracks ("War Ina Babylon," "Police and Thieves," "Mr. President," all, for example, have Perry's signature all over them), but are no less crutial listening.

Perry came into his own in the 70's, in his fabled Black Ark studio, where the magic flowed all over most of the tracks on this collection. Max Romeo's "War Ina Babylon," and Junior Murvin's "Police and Thieves" are the most famous tracks recorded there, as was the second to none lp "Super Ape" from which the last track on this lp is taken.

Mere words can not do this music justice, so give this lp a trial run. Perry's style of dub is less accessable than that of King Tubby and others, but more rewarding once you lock into what is happening. A delicious compilation, and great introduction to dub's most important master.

But remember that this is just a taste. If you become a Scratch Junkie like me, you might want to purchase the 3cd collection Arkology. The Ultimate collection is 15 of Scratch Lee Perry's most memorable productions. It's an excellent CD for anyone who has heard of Scratch and want to hear his major hits. But aren't ready to really be adventurous. The collection starts out with the funky dub, enter the dragon. Next up comes Max Romeo's War in a Babylon another Perry classic. Then there's the two of Perry's early Wailers productions. Small Axe and Duppy conqueror have become staples for early Wailers music. Junior Marvin brings his highpitched, disctinctive falsetto voice to two of tracks on the Ultimate, Roots train and the classic Police and thieves. The great music doent stop there because on to be a lover (have some mercy) George faith and Perry create a reggae soul song that not only is jammin but also soulful. Augustus Pablo meets the upstepper on the hypnotic Vibrate on. The Congo's appear on the congoman another funky Scratch Dub. But by far my favorite song on the ultimate is the infectious curly locks by the enigmatic Junior Byles. The combination of the Perry'y production and Byles soft and delicate singing are nothing short of perfect. Like I mentioned earleier this is just a small sampling of perry's VAST amount of work. This is worth the purchase if you are want to sample the great musical genius that is Lee 'Scrartch' Perry.

This latest compilation in the Hip-O Record series which celebrates noteworthy artists brings - Lee "Scratch" Perry:The Ultimate Collection to the many fans and listeners who have enjoyed his work.

Born in the rural Jamacian village of St. Mary's in 1936, Perry began his surrealistic musical odyssey in the late 1950's, wound up being a major architect of Bob Marley and the Walers, Junior Murvin, Junior Byles, The Upsetters and others. For the first time appearing on one CD is the essential compilation for reggae and ska fans alike. This album contains 15 selections which are crowning achievements and groundbreaking collaborations, each produced by Perry and digitally remastered.

In closing, this is one album you can enjoy, enjoy and enjoy.

Total Time: 76:58 on 15 Tracks/ Hip-O Records - 314 541 301 2 (2000)

Everything on this collection is excellent. "Roots Train" by Junior Murvin is a neglected masterpiece.

The best songs on this cd are: Roast Fish and Cornbread, and Police and Thieves and,War ina Babylon, Mr President. I keep these four on repeat play, even my brother who is "rasta",jumped on this and bought his own copy. How I missed the talents and the music of Lee "Scratch" Perry, is beyond me considering his talent extends to Bob Marley and The Wailers.He needs to be heard again and again, if this is the type of reggae you like.