Lee "Scratch" Perry (born Rainford Hugh Perry, on March 20, 1936, in Kendal… Read Full Bio ↴Lee "Scratch" Perry (born Rainford Hugh Perry, on March 20, 1936, in Kendal, Jamaica) is a reggae and dub artist, who has been highly influential in the development and acceptance of reggae and dub music in Jamaica and overseas. He is sometimes known as "Pipecock Jackson" or "The Upsetter."
Career
Perry's musical career began in the late 1950s as a record seller for Clement Coxsone Dodd's ska oriented sound system. As his sometimes turbulent relationship with Dodd developed, he found himself performing a variety of important tasks at Dodd's Studio One hit factory, going on to record nearly 30 songs for the label. Disagreements between the pair due to personality and financial conflicts, a recurring theme throughout Perry's career, led him to leave the studio and seek new musical outlets. He soon found a new home at Joe Gibbs's Wirl records.
Working with Joe Gibbs, Perry continued his recording career, but once again, financial problems caused conflict. Perry broke ranks with Gibbs and formed his own label, Upsetter, in 1968. His first single "People Funny Boy", which was an insult directed at Gibbs, sold very well. It is notable for its innovative use of a sample (a crying baby) as well as a fast, chugging beat that would soon become identifiable as "reggae" (the new sound did not really have a name at this time). From 1968 until 1972 he worked with his studio band The Upsetters. During the 1970s, Perry released numerous recordings on a variety of record labels that he controlled, and many of his songs were popular in both Jamaica and the UK. He soon became known for his innovative production techniques as well as his eccentric character.
In the early 1970s, Perry was one of the producers whose mixing board experiments resulted in the creation of dub. In 1973, Perry built a studio in his back yard, The Black Ark, to have more control over his productions and continued to produce notable musicians such as Bob Marley & the Wailers, Junior Byles, The Heptones, and Max Romeo. With his own studio at his disposal, Perry's productions became more lavish, as the energetic producer was able to spend as much time as he wanted on the music he produced. It is important to note that virtually everything Perry recorded in The Black Ark was done using rather basic recording equipment; through sonic sleight-of-hand, Perry made it sound completely unique. Perry remained behind the mixing desk for many years, producing songs and albums that stand out as a high point in reggae history.
By 1978, stress and unwanted outside influences began to take their toll: both Perry and The Black Ark quickly fell into a state of disrepair. Eventually, the studio burned to the ground. Perry has constantly insisted that he burned the Black Ark himself in a fit of rage, but it was most likely an accident due to faulty wiring. After the demise of the Black Ark in the early 1980s, Perry spent time in England and the United States, performing live and making erratic records with a variety of collaborators. It was not until the late 1980s that Perry's career began to get back on solid ground again, after working with British producers Adrian Sherwood and Neil Fraser, better known as Mad Professor.
Enlarge
Perry now lives in Switzerland with his wife Mireille and two children. Although he celebrated his 70th birthday in 2006, he continues recording and performing to enthusiastic audiences in Europe and North America. His modern music is a far cry from his reggae days in Jamaica; many now see Perry as more of a performance artist in several respects. In 2003, Perry won a Grammy for Best Reggae Album with the album Jamaican E.T.. More recently, he teamed up with a group of Swiss musicians and performed under the name Lee Perry and the White Belly Rats, and made a brief visit to the United States using the New York City based group Dub Is A Weapon as his backing band. The definitive feature length film about his life story entitled "The Upsetter" is currently being made by filmmakers Ethan Higbee and Adam Bhala Lough.
Career
Perry's musical career began in the late 1950s as a record seller for Clement Coxsone Dodd's ska oriented sound system. As his sometimes turbulent relationship with Dodd developed, he found himself performing a variety of important tasks at Dodd's Studio One hit factory, going on to record nearly 30 songs for the label. Disagreements between the pair due to personality and financial conflicts, a recurring theme throughout Perry's career, led him to leave the studio and seek new musical outlets. He soon found a new home at Joe Gibbs's Wirl records.
Working with Joe Gibbs, Perry continued his recording career, but once again, financial problems caused conflict. Perry broke ranks with Gibbs and formed his own label, Upsetter, in 1968. His first single "People Funny Boy", which was an insult directed at Gibbs, sold very well. It is notable for its innovative use of a sample (a crying baby) as well as a fast, chugging beat that would soon become identifiable as "reggae" (the new sound did not really have a name at this time). From 1968 until 1972 he worked with his studio band The Upsetters. During the 1970s, Perry released numerous recordings on a variety of record labels that he controlled, and many of his songs were popular in both Jamaica and the UK. He soon became known for his innovative production techniques as well as his eccentric character.
In the early 1970s, Perry was one of the producers whose mixing board experiments resulted in the creation of dub. In 1973, Perry built a studio in his back yard, The Black Ark, to have more control over his productions and continued to produce notable musicians such as Bob Marley & the Wailers, Junior Byles, The Heptones, and Max Romeo. With his own studio at his disposal, Perry's productions became more lavish, as the energetic producer was able to spend as much time as he wanted on the music he produced. It is important to note that virtually everything Perry recorded in The Black Ark was done using rather basic recording equipment; through sonic sleight-of-hand, Perry made it sound completely unique. Perry remained behind the mixing desk for many years, producing songs and albums that stand out as a high point in reggae history.
By 1978, stress and unwanted outside influences began to take their toll: both Perry and The Black Ark quickly fell into a state of disrepair. Eventually, the studio burned to the ground. Perry has constantly insisted that he burned the Black Ark himself in a fit of rage, but it was most likely an accident due to faulty wiring. After the demise of the Black Ark in the early 1980s, Perry spent time in England and the United States, performing live and making erratic records with a variety of collaborators. It was not until the late 1980s that Perry's career began to get back on solid ground again, after working with British producers Adrian Sherwood and Neil Fraser, better known as Mad Professor.
Enlarge
Perry now lives in Switzerland with his wife Mireille and two children. Although he celebrated his 70th birthday in 2006, he continues recording and performing to enthusiastic audiences in Europe and North America. His modern music is a far cry from his reggae days in Jamaica; many now see Perry as more of a performance artist in several respects. In 2003, Perry won a Grammy for Best Reggae Album with the album Jamaican E.T.. More recently, he teamed up with a group of Swiss musicians and performed under the name Lee Perry and the White Belly Rats, and made a brief visit to the United States using the New York City based group Dub Is A Weapon as his backing band. The definitive feature length film about his life story entitled "The Upsetter" is currently being made by filmmakers Ethan Higbee and Adam Bhala Lough.
Super Ape
Lee "Scratch" Perry & The Upsetters Lyrics
We have lyrics for these tracks by Lee "Scratch" Perry & The Upsetters:
Babylon War Dub It sipple out deh! War inna babylon, tribal war inna Babylo…
Bird in Hand Milte hi aankhein dil hua deewana kissi ka Milte hi aankhei…
People Funny Boy why, why people funny bwoy why, why people funny bwoy now th…
Set 'Dem Free Set me free (x3) Stop tearing up my heart Tearing me…
Set Me Free Set me free (x3) Stop tearing up my heart Tearing me…
Soul Fire Soul fire I got soul fire I got soul fire And we ain't…
Underground Ta da da da Ta da da da Underground roots are collie…
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow Tonight you're mine, completely You give your soul so sweetl…
We have lyrics for these tracks by Lee "Scratch" Perry:
African Herbsman All twinklin' lee Can't see the right roads when the streets…
At The End At the end of the rainbow You'll find a pot of…
Baby Baby Thank you boys…
Babylon It sipple out deh! War inna babylon, tribal war inna Babylo…
Bird in Hand Milte hi aankhein dil hua deewana kissi ka Milte hi aankhei…
Brand New Second Hand You're only acting like You are somebody But i don't no say …
Chase the Devil Lucifer son of the mourning, I'm gonna chase you out…
Curly Locks Curly Locks, now that I'm a dreadlocks Your mama say you…
Disco Devil Lucifer son of the mourning, I'm gonna chase you out…
Dreadlocks in Moonlight A time to sow and a time to reap, yes,…
Duppy Conqueror Yes, me friend, me friend Dem set me free again Yes, me…
Fever Never know how much I love you Never know how much…
Gumma Oh lady, I swear…
Higher Level Let's get it right or let be no more... Let's…
History He got kicked in the back He say that he needed…
I Am The Upsetter Why're you so gravelicious? Yeah-hey Why're you so covetous?…
I Chase The Devil Lucifer son of the mourning, I'm gonna chase you out…
Inspector Gadget I, I, I etc Inspector gadget come back in this rocket Inspec…
Keep On Moving Lord, I've got to keep on moving Lord, I've got to…
Magic Touch Somebody better call a doctor, doctor Or wake me up with…
Mr. Brown (Ooh - ooh - ooh - ooh) (It's Mr Brown) Mr…
My Girl I've got sunshine on a cloudy day When it's cold outside…
One Step Forward Ooh yeah ooh yeah Na na na na na na Ooh yeah…
People Funny Boy why, why people funny bwoy now that you reach the top an'…
Perry in Dub Milte hi aankhein dil hua deewana kissi ka Milte hi aankhei…
Police & Thieves Police and thieves in the streets Oh yeah! Scaring the nat…
Police and Thieves Mmmm yes Police and thieves in the street (oh yeah) Fightin…
Public Enemy Number One Satan is public enemy number one Wanted dead or alive for…
Pussy Man Dancin on the dance floor Girl it's you that I adore Step…
Rastafari Pǎomǎ liū liū de shān shàng, yī duǒ liū liū…
Revelation Dub It sipple out deh War inna Babylon, tribal war inna Babylon…
Rightful ruler Kibir amlak Qedamawi ras fetari Qedamawi iyesus kristos L…
Roast Fish & Cornbread Clip, clop Cloppity cloppity cloppity cloppity high Clip…
Set Me Free Set me free (x3) Stop tearing up my heart Tearing me…
Small Axe Why boasteth thyself, O evil men Playing smart and-a not be…
Soldier And Police War Police and thieves in the streets, oh yeah Scaring the nati…
Soul Fire Soul fire I got soul fire I got soul fire And we ain't…
Soul Rebel I'm a rebel, soul rebel I'm a capturer, soul adventurer I'm …
Stand in Love There you are, cryin' again But your loveliness won't cover …
Stay Red When I seen him in the dance club No lie, boost…
Sufferer Time is slippin' away And I and I no reach high…
Sun is Shining Sun is shining, the weather is sweet Make you want to…
The Upsetter Why you so gravelicious? Yee-heey Why you so covetus? Yee-he…
Throw Some Water In Throw Some Water In Oh ah Oh babbadeeda Oh ah Oh babbadeeda…
To Be a Lover Have I told you lately that I love you? Well, if…
War in a Babylon It sipple out deh War inna Babylon, tribal war inna Babylon…
Why Must I Each day is so hard, please help me, Lord I just…
We have lyrics for these tracks by The Upsetters:
Bird In Hand Milte hi aankhein dil hua deewana kissi ka Milte hi aankhei…
Blackboard Jungle Dub No sun will shine in my day today; (no sun…
Brand New Second Hand You're only acting like You are somebody But I don't love to…
Chase The Devil Lucifer son of the mourning, I'm gonna chase you out…
Curly Dub forget about the lyrics just smoke a bowl, dude forget about…
Dark Moon Blue moon you saw me standing alone Without a dream in…
Dub & Praise Why's this fussing and a-fighting? I want to know, Lord, I…
Forward Ooh yeah ooh yeah Na na na na na na Ooh yeah…
I Chase The Devil Lucifer son of the mourning, I'm gonna chase you out…
jah jah words Stealing stealing stealing Stealing stealing Stealing in the…
Let It Be When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary…
Long Sentence INSTRUMENTAL -Con tanto mal Que tu me has echo En mi vida y…
Love Me Baby Tonight you're mine, completely You give your soul so sweetl…
Magic Somebody better call a doctor, doctor Or wake me up with…
Natural Mystic There's a natural mystic Blowing through the air If you…
Norman Norman the gambler Rides around in a rambler Diamonds and pe…
One Step Dub Ooh yeah ooh yeah Na na na na na na Ooh yeah…
Peace & Dub Why's this fussing and a-fighting? I want to know, Lord, I…
Revelation Dub It sipple out deh War inna Babylon, tribal war inna Babylon…
Set Me Free Set me free (x3) Stop tearing up my heart Tearing me…
smile out a style Don't blame the children Blame the teachers - they taught…
Soul Rebel I'm a rebel, soul rebel I'm a capturer, soul adventurer I'm …
Soul Walk Version I'm a rebel, soul rebel I'm a capturer, soul adventurer I'…
Spinning Wheel What goes up must come down Spinning Wheel got to go…
stealing in the name of jah Stealing stealing stealing Stealing stealing Stealing in the…
Such is Dub Sun is shining, the weather is sweet Make you want to…
Sufferer's Time Time is slippin' away And I and I no reach high…
Three Times Three I went to a party, last Saturday night When I reached…
Underground Ta da da da Ta da da da Underground roots are collie…
Upsetters A Go Go Put your sweet lips a little closer to the phone. Let's…
Version What goes up must come down Spinning Wheel got to go…
War Ina Babylon It sipple out deh War inna Babylon, tribal war inna Babylon …
Who Colt The Game Who colt the game Who colt the game It's not natty dready …
Will You Still Love Me Tonight you're mine, completely You give your soul so sweetl…
Zion's Blood Zion blood is flowing through I vein So I and I…
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Jules L
Lee Perry is one of the most talented musicians of all time. Although relatively obscure, he built one of the most influential and legendary recording studios of all time. It was called the Black Ark. Paul McCartney and his wife recorded there - look up Linda McCartney Sugartime or Mister Sandman... just a great example. The reason why I learned about Lee is because he's used in audio production circles as the ultimate example of efficiency. He used a 4-track reel-to-reel recorder for live recordings, and another to bounce down. Bouncing down means taking his 4 track recording and mixing it down to stereo, then feeding it to another 4 track recorder. You're left with a stereo mix and 2 extra tracks to record on top. So you record two more tracks on top and mix it stereo (2 channel) to the other recorder, back and forth and get two more tracks every time. It was a necessity with the unexpected consequence that it made his music sound like heaven. He was often able to make songs with over 30 tracks mixed in by bouncing his mixes back and forth for hours. Of course the best part of this is the analog tape compression effect; each time he mixed down the instrumental track got fatter and fatter by means of magnetic tape compression. The result was a super saturated, extreme Motown sound with an ultra clean vocal or instrumental track (the last tracks laid on top). Scratch was eccentric but extremely educated even in the early years - for example he decorated the walls of his studio at one time with rubber balls... most people thought he was being weird, but of course it was an excellent way to prevent reverberation. In his time at the Ark Studio he dealt with religious extremists, street thug extortionists, and of course thousands of struggling musical artists. There isn't a more fascinating subject around... along with his local musician associates King Tubby, Prince/King Jammy, and Scientist, his music reached Europe by way of Jamaican immigrants and gave way to modern electronic music using instrument loops, samples, reverb and filter effects. Dub music, this album.
https://youtu.be/B1dYe1CbENA?t=582 - Anecdotal evidence of the power of the MuTron BiPhase that Scratch used for everything.
In this album Super Ape you have highly tape saturated instrumental tracks he had laying around, then he layered them with new tracks. It's one of the best albums I've ever heard, but I'd recommend hearing a good vinyl pressing on a well configured turntable setup or else buy a CD. YouTube audio is bad bad bad for deep listening.
Marlon Hemmings
Very impressed with your knowledge. Learnt a thing or two from your detailed expression as well. Very underrated producer who indirectly along with that era and genre of music, progenated the electronic sound component to music, furthered by King Tubby.
quezadilla865
Cool story
Adam Burt
cool man
Grg Klein
thx for the ed! =)
Admiral Hi Powa
My Dad purchased this album in 1976, it’s rumoured Island Records didn’t want to release this initially, I used to play my Dads copy growing up & it took me elsewhere, pumping through a traditional Jamaican sound system also owned by my Dad. I still have my Dads vinyl copy but I purchased it on CD to, the vinyl blows the CD out of the water. R.I.P. Lee Scratch Perry, your music will live forever.
Christina Schlosser
Rest in Power Mr. Lee "Scratch" Perry 🔥🔥🔥🔥✊✊✊✊... Genius, Legend, wise man, fighting against Babylon!! Your music and message will always be in the Hearts of those who understand your Message! The Legend lives on ✊
Matt Thompson
RIP to an absolute legend
Adam
✊🏼✊🏿✊✊🏽✊🏻✊🏾
TheSuperSonicChronic
As a child I always saw this album on vinyl sat on my dad's shelf and thought the cover was awesome. Now I'm old enough to appreciate music I've just found it, so strange :s