Three Hits from Lee Scratch Perry's Black Ark
Life Is Not Easy - Meditations This is the original 10 minute dub single of Life Is Not Easy that was a big hit for the Meditations in 1978. The dub plate version includes a special appearance by the legenday Black Ark cow. The video opens up with of a joyful Perry at the sound board during the session. Lee always worked the board standing up and dancing.
Fisherman - Congos From the masterpiece album 1978 Heart of the Congos which many reggae enthusiasts consider the best roots reggae album that ever came out of the Black Ark Studios. The duo of Cedric Myton and Roy "Ashanti" Johnson had a unique sound, revolving around the former man's crystalline falsetto, which was set off by the latter's rich tenor. The mighty Meditations provide the background vocals on the track. The video has amazing footage of a community fishing event that looks like it was filmed around Negril.
Beat Down Babylon - Junior Byles This 1972 smash hit complete with Perry's use of the bullwhip effect was a crucial song in the forthcoming dub revolution. It's the first Lee Perry production I ever heard and it blew me away. Sorry about the sound quality but it's this vinyl to digital master was the only copy of Beat Down Babylon on YouTube.
__________________
There are two types of music: the first type is the blues and the second type is all the other stuff.
Townes Van Zandt
|