Juno Recommends Reggae Classics: March 2022

Review: There are many facets to Lee 'Scratch' Perry's indelible mark on music, but his work as The Upsetter is perhaps the truest expression of his affinity for reggae. Of course that's still reggae filtered through one of the most unique minds to change the course of music, but a compilation like Battle Axe serves as the perfect summation of his distinctive touch crafting lilting riddims from the Black Ark. Trojan originally released Battle Axe outside of Jamaica in 1972, gathering together some particular highlights from those heady early years, but 50 years on compilations like these stand more like vital albums in their own right - unique documents of very specific times in artistic development. It's a welcome treat to see it repressed, brilliant cover art intact.

Review: Radiation Records' 'Roots' arm explores only the best in roots reggae, exploring the many classic labels and LPs not normally given the credit they're due. Delroy Wilson's 'True Believer In Love' here gets a vinyl reissue, showing off the now legendary singer's dastardly, dub-delayed drawl (the very same voice that would lift him from the ghettos of Kingston and into stardom). Through hockey charged baseball organs, offbeat trumpet and Wilson's frank vocals, a real picture of complex love is portrayed to emanate from the streets of Jamaica, from the longing 'Come Back To Me' to the charmingly flippant 'Who Cares'.

Review: Smoke + Mirrors Soundsystem are back on the Liquidator label with another couple of superb covers. Opening up on the a-side is a Laurel Aitken tune, 'Mi Vida Sin Tu Amor, 'that is re-performed here by some skilled artists with a distinctive Latin mood woven into the beats. It sways to and fro, packed with sunshines and earthy rhythms that bring the good times. Flip over this limited edition 7" and you will find Smoke + Mirrors Soundsystem's cover of Spencer Davis Group's 'I'm A Man.' It is done so in a heavy reggae fashion with plump and swaggering drums and nice big horn leads to carry it onwards despite the weight of the grooves.

Review: For the hardcore Bob Marley collectors out there this is another essential 7" to add to your shelves. The limited edition yellow wax features an a-side that was produced by the late great Lee "Scratch" Perry. The track's lyrical refrain of "soul adventurer" became something of a lifelong motto for the former welder as he underwent his spiritual revolution. It's also one of the tunes that made him a firm favourite amongst musical mystics everywhere. The flipside 'Lively Up Yourself' is another personal ode to empowerment and enlightenment that rides a nice lazy rhythm.

Review: The Upsetter compilation came on Trojan Records back in 1969 when Lee Scratch Perry's backing band was at the top of its game. It features mostly their own tunes as well as a Busty Brown version of 'To Love Somebody' which was originally written by Robin and Barry Gibb. As any fan will know, the sounds here are as good as reggae and dub gets. It's been reissued and repressed on various formats over the years and this latest one is on orange, high grade, heavy weight and numbered vinyl making it a real collector's piece.