Lee Perry
Soul Fire - An introduction to Lee "Scratch" Perry

THE REVIEW

Roots, culture, and traditions. This, I believe, is what we need today more than ever. And a creative awareness towards what we call the future. All of this translated into music has a forefather. Lee "Scratch" Perry. Creator of rhythmic worlds. Producer of timeless songs. Consciousness of a nation-universe. Spiritual guide for different generations. For different kinds of music. For reggae in all its forms but especially for its subversive key: dub. A source of inspiration for various non-Jamaican groups. Many of whom flock to this site. Some names: The Clash, New Order, The Specials, Pop Group, Primal Scream, Massive Attack, Gorillaz, Tricky, The Orb, DJ Shadow, Asian Dub Foundation, Beastie Boys, and so on. The list is updated daily. A giant, to put it briefly.

The album in question, as the title suggests, is an introduction to his infinite world. A dozen d.o.c. sonic roots extracted from the lush greenhouse within the Black Ark Studios. Among which, a goosebump-inducing interpretation of the Arkological anthem "Vampire" by Devon Irons. Three early hits by the Upsetters, Perry's debut band, including the thrilling "Zion's Blood". That vocal monument named Max Romeo who casually stamps songs like "One Step Forward" and "I Chase the Devil". And guess who this Devil to be chased away is. "Go away with your gun. I say, get out of here with your bombs". And then "Roots Train" and "Bad Weed" made famous by the falsetto voice of Junior Murvin. Author of "Police and Thieves" in a version that doubles in beauty that already remarkable one by the Clash. And other yellow-green wonders like "Vibrate On" sung by Augustus Pablo and "Soul Fire".

To put it briefly. Music that illuminates. Thinking vibrations. Audiomagic available at a low price. Capable of changing a mood. For the better. Roots, culture, and traditions. Everyone search for their own. Here you find Lee Perry’s. Without which a good part of the music we've been listening to for at least thirty years wouldn't have grown so well.