One of the most important figures in the history of reggae music is Lee “Scratch” Perry. As a songwriter, a performer and especially a producer, Perry has been at the forefront of reggae music since the late 50’s ska movement. Practically the inventor of both dubs reggae (he produced one of the earliest all-dub albums, Blackboard Jungle, in 1974) and the “scratch” turntable effect used by DJ’s (his production of Charlie Ace’s “Cow Theory Skank” in 1973 became the first recording to use the “scratch” effect), Perry’s studio innovations have influenced not only reggae but also rock, punk, pop and dance music. Yet, at 70 years old, Perry, with his new album “Panic In Babylon” (Narnack) to be released in August 2006, proves to be more relevant than ever.
How about listening to a track from his latest album (on the right)