Scratch and Company – The Upsetters Chapter 1

Description

Originally released in 1981 on the Clocktower label, this killer compilation does a fine job of harnessing the raw magic of Lee “Scratch” Perry’s legendary Black Ark era. Although the sounds are mostly drawn from mid-70s sessions, it also features two standout early cuts from the late 60s, namely Perry’s gritty versions of ‘Tighten Up’ and ‘Serious Joke’. Elsewhere, highlights include Johnny Lover’s deep DJ take over Devon Irons’ ‘When Jah Come’ and the rootsy energy of Ricky and Bunny’s ‘Bush Weed Corn Trash.’ This reissue is a crucial document of Perry’s genre-defining production, masterful take on vintage dub, toasting and spiritual reggae heat.

Tracklist

1. The Upsetters – Strach The Dub Organizer
2. Johnny Lover & The Towerchanters – Who You Gonna Run To
3. Lee & The Blue Bell – Tighten Up
4. Val Bennett & The Upsetters – A Serious Joke
5. Brad Osborne & The Towerchanters – Little Flute Chant
1. Devion Iron – When Jah Come (extended version)
2. The Upstetters – Strach Walking
3. Lee Perry & The Black Arks – Come Along
4. Ricky & Bunny – Bush Weed Corn Trash
5. The Upsetters – Curley Dub