Back catalogue: Roots/Lovers Rock

Review: Mercy is a collaborative work between the late great Lee "Scratch" Perry (during his post-Black Ark Studios era), Peter Harris and Fritz Catlin, the drummer from the industrial funk dub act 23 Skidoo. What they cook up is unashamedly experimental outsider works that collide mad mixing desk trickery, Perry's trademark vocal mutterings and plenty of occult sound designs. Melodies are smeared and smudged, rhythms are drunk and off balance and moods range from balmy to bonkers, often within the same damn track. A maverick collage, for sure.

Review: Scratch Came Scratch Saw Scratch Conquered is the 2008 album by Lee 'Scratch' Perry, legendary Jamaican producer, composer and singer known for his innovative studio techniques and pioneering contributions to dub music. From his Black Ark Studio in Kingston, Perry produced for artists like Bob Marley and the Wailers, Junior Murvin, and The Congos. Relocating to Switzerland later in his career, Perry continued to innovate, collaborating with The Beastie Boys, The Clash, and George Clinton. This album is the second in a trilogy created with English musician and producer Steve Marshall, also known as John Saxon. Featuring guest appearances by George Clinton and Keith Richards, Scratch Came Scratch Saw Scratch Conquered showcases Perry's enduring influence and creativity. The 2LP limited edition is pressed on translucent green vinyl and housed in a gatefold sleeve, with only 1500 individually numbered copies available. This release is ideal for fans of Perry's groundbreaking work in dub and beyond.

Review: Dub innovator, celebrated smoker of the herb and much-loved nutter Lee Scratch Perry has been gone a while now but his musical legacy will never fade. Partly, of course, because he made so damn much of it during a prolific career, most of it at his own iconic Black Arc studios. Not so much of it was solo work but Heaven is, and is also the final album he wrote before passing in late 2021. His contribution to Jamaican music knows no bounds and took the form of him being producer, arranger, writer and artist. His unique take on the island's signature sound is present and correct here.

Review: Lee "Scratch" Perry, a Jamaican record producer, singer, and songwriter, is largely acclaimed for his innovative and experimental production techniques. His Black Ark Studio, established in the mid-1970s, became a renowned hub for reggae music production, fostering the talents of numerous artists. Perry's Black Ark studio was not merely a recording space but an alchemic laboratory where he conjured sonic masterpieces. With his use of tape loops, heavy reverb, and other unorthodox techniques, Perry created a distinct and hypnotic sound that transcended conventional reggae boundaries. Artists such as Bob Marley, the Wailers, and Max Romeo flocked to Black Ark to collaborate with Perry. In his studio, Perry's intuitive approach to music making blurred the lines between producer and artist. He considered himself a "musical doctor" whose role was to guide and inspire the musicians. The Black Ark became a sanctuary for musical experimentation, where artists were encouraged to explore their creativity freely. This vinyl has been out of print and completely unavailable until now.

Review: Being the prolific maverick he was known and loved for, we're still catching up with the output of the mighty Lee Scratch Perry long after his passing. Amongst the posthumous releases coming to light of late is this album on Tricky's False Idols label, in which Perry linked up with UK producer Daniel Boyle for a follow-up to their double hits of Back At The Controls and Black Album. It's a wide-ranging affair taking the dub approach to many different genres, with some noticeable contributions from artists like Greentea Peng, Shaun Ryder and Tricky himself. It's another fine reminder of what a gift of inspiration Perry was to the world of music, restlessly creative well into his later years.

Review: Legendary reggae artist and snooker of the smoke Lee Perry left us a few years ago but his legacy will always live on through the vast amounts of music he was involved with. Originally released in 1984 on Island/Mango, this album History Mystery Prophesy gets a welcome reissue and features an array of his most weed-worshipping songs. Recorded across multiple studios in Jamaica and at Compass Point in Nassau, it delves into the funky electro-pop sounds of the era and highlights include tracks like 'Heads Of Government' and 'Mr Music.'

Review: This third volume of the Disco Devil Black Ark series pulls together 6 classics from Lee "Scratch" Perry's studio. 4 discomixes and 2 vocal/dub edits - the audio on these tracks has been extensively restored from original pressings yet it allows Perry's bizarre and wonderful tricks and techniques to shine through while maintaining the raw quality that made them so real in the first place. Jamaican roots music that's imbued with plenty of ganja spirit, from tricked out and cosmic to deep and more insular, brought about by one man's brilliant work behind the boards.