End Of An American Dream

Lee "Scratch" Perry

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 9, 2009)
• Original Release Date: September 25, 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: MEGAWAVE RECORDS
• ASIN: B000U6II5S
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #225,471 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The End of an American Dream is the new album by the legendary Lee "Scratch" Perry. For the uninitiated, Lee "Scratch" Perry is one of the most important figures in the history of reggae music. Not only did he help develop the early reggae sound captured in a number of important recordings, but as an engineer, producer, songwriter, and performer he pioneered a number of innovations, including dub reggae and the "scratch" turntable effect used by DJ's today. Here, Lee Perry brings forward a timely narrative drawn from his spirituality and today's global events, setting a seductive lyric and counterpoint to a post-modern dub rhythm provided by multi-instrumentalist Steve Marshall and producer John Saxon. Ever observant and at times playful, Lee Perry's commentary touches us all.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars long live the true king of reggae, January 4, 2008

By	Rosa Jordan (UK) - See all my reviews

The title track of The End Of An American Dream is the killer for me. That's a very heavy track. It's like a heartfelt lament - brings the tears to your eyes, for real. I also like 'Disarm' - it's a good anti-war song. The album starts and finishes with the same mantra - 'Disarm, Disarm, Drop Arms...' Then there's 'Memories' which is really dark. Are those crows in the mix? It's amazing how Lee Perry keeps coming up with new stuff. The production is nice and Lo-Fi - I'm playing this one on the big blasters. Let the neighbours hear it! Lee Perry takes Reggae to a new dimension (AGAIN!), and manages to stay true to his roots at the same time. Listen carefully to the words - Lee Perry tells the News, Lee Perry conquers Sin, Lee Perry sings love songs, Lee Perry condemns The Unrighteous, and Lee Perry sets the guest list for the Great Punky Reggae Party in the sky! This album is true rebel music - that's what Reggae is all about. "As it was in The Beginning, so shall it be in The End". Imitators beware - the King is Here!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another masterpiece from The biggest artist on the planet , February 8, 2008

By	Matjaz "LtcH" (SLovenija) - See all my reviews

The end of an American dream - could the title fit more to the times we are all into it?! The latest creation released from Lee 'Scratch' Perry (personally the most influentual artist on the planet right now) sounds completely spontaneous although it was recorded inna longer period (as i read between 2004 - 2007). A proper listen of this album is strictly! - from beginning 'til end; every single track fits in the context of album and it cannot be separated from it...Perry's strong messages clears out more and more with more and more listening..it is produced with no plastic hi-tech sound -inna more simplistic approach who can open the gate to feel higher regions of our Being..for me definitely the number one album in the year 2007 who (without any doubt) deserves a grammy (it is also nominated for it inna reggae section - even if its Beyond reggae music)..JAH RASTAFARI LIVES..

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars major disappointment from a genius, March 16, 2008

By	Y. Beauvais (NY, NY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

While it's always lovely to hear Mr. Perry's trademark croak, here the croak in question is not sadly framed by his mind-blowing sonic tricks. The king of reggae producers did not produce this effort. instead, we get a background of utterly pedestrian loops, the kind you hear on every yuppie dance mix. The kind that sounds tired today. And that will sound so dated in a couple of years. Nylon sting guitars (so Gipsy Kings) and loops so rote is almost painful to hear. Stay away. Kinda sad. What was he thinking? Why?
Let's hope it's not the end of Lee Perry...get back to work, Upsetter. You've upset me!