Crucial Cuts From The Heart Of The Ark 1973-1978

Lee "Scratch" Perry: A genius? A madman? A mystic man? There can be no doubt that Lee "Scratch" Perry is one of the most consequential figures in the world of music, creator of countless reggae classics, a mentor to Bob Marley, an architect of dub music, and inspiration to musicians around the world ranging from The Clash to the Beastie Boys.

Though Scratch may have at times seemed crazy, it is worth noting that creative genius appears so because geniuses see things others do not see and inhabit realities unseen. As the music on this album reveals, Lee Perry's Black Ark creations re-arrange the familiar into something new and magical.

Among the many landmark classics cut at Black Ark are such incisive political commentaries as Max Romeo's "War Ina Babylon," and Junior Murvin's "Police and Thieves" (covered by the Clash). The Congos' "Heart of the Congos" album is a roots classic and there are many wonderful obscure singles such as Carlton and the Shoes' "Better Days". Many dub creations made innovative use of Scratch's sonic wizardry via echo, phasing, reverb, flanging, wah-wah and various sound effects.