Lee "Scratch" Perry presents: Black Man's World; The Jamaican Upsetter Singles 1972- Chapter 1

Since his death in the summer of 2021, there seems to have been a steady stream of Lee "Scratch" Perry [who I interviewed inTape Op #136] releases. These are largely compilations, and it's hard to know if they have been approved by his estate or not. 

The latest is Lee "Scratch" Perry presents: Black Man's World; The Jamaican Upsetter Singles 1972- Chapter 1.  The 49 song collection is production work that predates the period at his Black Ark studio. There are hints of the "signature sound" of Perry's dub stylings, but for the most part these are tight, well-recorded reggae songs from artists like Max Romeo, The Heptones, Junior Byles, Jah T, Augustus Pablo, and of course, Perry's band The Upsetters, who are from what I can tell, the backing band on the bulk of, if not all of, the album's songs. 

It also showcases the "recycling" of tracks that was a feature of Perry's career output. An example is "Pharaoh Hiding" by Junior Byles, and "Hail to Power" by The Upsetters, and "Lick the Pipe, Peter, Pt. 4" by Jah T, and "Hold and Cold" by Augustus Pablo. Same track, different name. One with vocals, the others instrumental. This practice continued well into Perry's Black Ark period, on tracks that appeared on the monumental Super Ape album, and as instrumentals on others, with vocals and a different title on others still. "Croaking Lizard" featuring Prince Jazzbo from Super Ape, and Max Romeo's "Chase The Devil" are good examples of this practice. Early versions of the remix? You could certainly make that case. At the end of the day, all of the iterations are based on undeniable grooves and interesting production, with enough different elements to make it its own universe. 

Do not expect music heavily dusted with the psychedelic haze of echoes and the loads of reverb that Lee Perry's Black Ark period produced. These tracks are focused, catchy, and worthy of the "singles" title. Infectious grooves, soulful vocals, great horn hooks, and signature background vocals make this well-curated collection worth a listen. Jah Love.