My wife's opinion
Comment man | Omaha, Ne | 05/23/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I agree with all these marvelous reviews, this is just such a great CD, but I should tell you a short story. This I fear is how most people will view the great genius, that towering monument to Dub, the fantastic Lee Scratch Perry.
I was on a date with my future wife and we went to an establishment of drink and I introduced her to my former roommate. I happened to mention they had both heard work by the great Lee Scratch Perry, at which point they looked at each other and said, simultaneously--"HE'S A F***ING WIERDO!"
This should be considered the normal opinion. You have been warned."
Scratch Conquers
To Be Simple | 11/13/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Scratch Came Scratch Saw Scratch Conquered" is the second stellar album from Lee Scratch Perry in 2008. The other album of 2008, the excellent "Repentance," is even referenced on the opening track of this album. Perry is certainly showing no loss for musical creativity this year. While "Repentance" meshed a wide array of styles, "Scratch Came..." is pretty much straight-up reggae/dub with a little bit of funk. Compared to recent releases "Scratch Came..." almost sounds minimalist, which will be welcomed by Perry fans who have been put off by his techno-infused music as of late.
I won't go through every song (no weak tracks on this album), but there a few that are more noteworthy than others. "The Game Black" has a dub poetry sound and feel to it, with Perry delivering great vocals backed by beautiful music. The song concludes with the playing of bagpipes. This song is Perry at his absolute best. The following track "Headz Gonna Roll" is a funk song with George Clinton contributing on vocals. "Rastafari Live" sounds as if it could easily have come out of Perry's Jamaican studio in the 1970's. It's a fantastic song. "Saint Selassie" is a bouncy song that also harkens back to the reggae sound of the 1970's. I can't listen to it without smiling.
All in all "Scratch Came..." is proof that Perry is far from finished making wonderful music. Lee Scratch Perry's offerings in 2008 make him the reggae artist of the year in my book. The man is a legend for a reason, and he continues to build upon that legend."