War Ina Babylon [Extra tracks, Import]

Max Romeo | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 25, 1991)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Extra tracks, Import
• Label: Polygram Int'l
• ASIN: B000025XL0
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #122,047 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. One Step Forward

2. Uptown Babies Don't Cry

3. I Chase the Devil

4. War Ina Babylon

5. Norman

6. Stealing in the Name of Jah

7. Tan and See

8. Smokey Room

9. Smile Out of Style

Editorial Reviews

Digitally remastered edition of this classic Reggae album. In 1976, leading UK independent, Island Records secured the services of arguably Jamaica's greatest producer, Lee `Scratch' Perry. This significant event was marked soon after by the release of one of the greatest Reggae albums ever to see issue: Max Romeo's War Ina Babylon. Romeo had been active on the music scene since the Rock Steady era, yet his collection of hard-hitting Roots tracks, spawned in Perry's famed Black Ark studio, was undoubtedly his Magnus Opus, with the title track, `One Step Forward', `Chase The Devil' and `Norman' among its many highlights. Spectrum. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reggae Classic, November 30, 1999

By 

"beachillen" (Detroit, MI United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: War Ina Babylon (Audio CD)

I thought surely when I heard this record that it was a "greatest hits" compilation. It was so consistent and sure. Prior to this record, Max Romeo had a reputation for sexually explicit (for the times) and sexually suggestive lyrics. This record shows his socio-political consciousnes with such tracks as "Uptown Babies Don't Cry," "One Step," and the title track.

The only bad thing about this recording is that it makes me wistful for the days when razor-sharp super tight rhythm sections, wonderful harmonies, activist lyrics and good melodies were standard fare in Jamaican music. Sadly, automation and dancehall simplicity have eaten the music.

Nonetheless, Lee Scratch Perry and the Upsetters put a fine gloss on Max's diamond. Complete with rootsy scratch style guitar and the musicality of the Jamaican patois, this record is a classic example of what reggae used to be at its best.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitive Reissue of Romeo/Scratch Collaboration, February 7, 2006

By 

Dee Sharp "Cruzanson" (Long Beach, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: War Ina Babylon (Audio CD)

This is the best reissue available of Romeo's classic album. The core album is here, featuring the the title track, "One Step Forward," "Norman" and "Chase The Devil," plus the exceptional (but lesser known) cuts "Stealing In The Name Of Jah," "Smile Out Of Style" and "Tan And See."

This reissue is expanded with the single and dub mixes of "One Step Forward" and "War Ina Babylon" (the single mix doesn't have that annoying synthesizer noodling that appears on the album version), plus the crazy extended mix of "Norman" featuring chatter Jah Lloyd and the card game skit at the opening ("Jack a Clubs, Jack a Hearts, Jack a Diamonds, Jack a Spades." "Ya tief, man!").

The best presentation of this album to date, and the only one you'll need.

For more Max, check 'The Ultimate Collection' on Hip-O Select's parent label (?) Hip-O and Blood & Fire's 'Open The Iron Gate.'

For more on Lee 'Scratch' Perry, who co-wrote and produced this album, check The Upsetters' 'Super Ape' and George Faith's 'To Be A Lover' albums on Hip-O Select, Junior Murvin's 'Police & Thieves' (be sure to get the 2002 reissue with the bonus tracks), and Lee Perry's 'Arkology' and 'Ultimate Collection.'

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic, May 7, 2008

By 

The Astonishing Ant-Man "Hank" (Renton, WA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: War Ina Babylon (Audio CD)

This is some seriously classic roots, people! The fun starts with the powerfull one step forward and never really lets. Stealing in the Name of Jah is beathtaking - the first time I heard I couldn't believe a song this good could exist. I Chase the Devil, War ina Babylon and One Step Forward see the album at a fierce boil threatening the incinerate an unattended iPod. I walked into a public restroom belting out the "ahhhhhh's" in the begginning of Tan and See and I swear I was about the get stomped on by some mean looking biker dudes.

Pick this one up at the same time you get Junior Murvin "Police and Thieves."

The albums are companions from one of Lee Perry's strongest periods as Producer and deserve to be heard together.