Search - Lee Perry :: I Am the Upsetter

FIVE STAR COLLECTION

S. Finefrock | Raleigh, NC | 06/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lee Perry has already been the source of an excellent three disk retrospective, Island's ARKOLOGY. One must wonder how much would be leftover for this four disk set. Lots. I AM THE UPSETTER provides a vivid portrail of the eccentric Reggae producer/artist/singer, that may even illuminate his work more than the already stellar ARKOLOGY collection. While ARKOLOGY provides most of the higher profile songs that Perry was involved with (JUNIOR MURVIN-POLICE AND THEIVES, MAX ROMEO-WAR INNA BABYLON, ETC), this set delves deeper into Perry's work, including more of his early solo work and numerous rare sides, as well as a number of his "hits" not included in the earlier set (THE WAILERS-SMALL AXE, I AM THE UPSETTER and PEOPLE FUNNY BOY by LEE PERRY, CURLY LOCKS, BEAT DOWN BABYLON-JUNIOR BYLES).



The set also seperates the dub tracks into an intoxicating single disk, that shoud please any Perry fan. This highlights the amazing sounds that Perry was able to get out of basic four track production. He weilded a low-fi studio like a true virtuoso. It also includes a taste of the fine work that Perry performed with the Wailers, just as the band was finding it's true voice (Check out AFRICAN HERBSMAN by the Wailers for the whole story).



I would not recommend this instead of ARKOLGY, but as an excellent companion piece that should create the cornerstone in any serious Reggae fans collection. Though there are a few overlaps in the two, they both are essential and I highly recommend them both."

* FOUR DISCS! ESSENTIAL!! BRILLIANT!!! *

Jasper | New England | 06/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Quality and quantity reign on this mind-blowing set. First of all, Lee "Scratch" Perry truly is a musical genius, and all the proof is here. This four disc set gives a comprehensive, compelling overview of Perry's golden years, displaying a wide range of artists and styles in a carefully organized manner. We are treated to many Scratch solo works, as well as plenty of wildly creative production for other artists. We see Scratch's production talents grow from brilliant to absolutely mind-blowing (check out the eight minute "City Too Hot," for example). There is an entire disc devoted to highlighting Perry's dub works, but there is even more great dub spread throughout the entire collection, and Perry's work is profoundly creative and engaging no matter what the medium. Here we have dub, roots reggae, soul, rocksteady/proto-reggae, grooving instrumentals, and all-around wild, unbridled sonic creativity.



The packaging here is beautiful, and the liner notes (really a small hardcover book) are thoroughly researched and enlightening. There is overall commentary on Perry's career, as well as information and commentary for each individual track, and also historical perspective for the musical styles and formats represented. Importantly, sonic quality is absolutely excellent, usually improving significantly upon tracks which are duplicated on existing releases. The price is almost ridiculously low.



I unreservedly and enthusiastically recommend this set to Perry beginners and experts alike. Long story short, this is absolutely essential Upsetter music. Thank you, Trojan Records.



Get it!"