LEE PERRY Vinyl & CDs

Review: The reissue of Annette Clarke's 'Sinner Man,' produced by the legendary Lee Perry, is a gem for reggae enthusiasts and vinyl collectors. Released on Harlem Shuffle Records, this 7" vinyl brings back the sought-after 1973 track that seamlessly blends reggae with a touch of ska, adding an extra layer of allure for fans of the genre. Side-1 features the original 'Sinner Man,' a track from early reggae days while hinting at the infectious energy of ska. Clarke's vocals are compelling, and Perry's production gives the song a timeless quality. On Side-2, the Lee Perry dub version takes the track to another dimension. With heavy echo effects and the rhythm pushed into the background, Perry's dub creates an immersive experience that highlights his genius as a producer.

Review: Back in 1995, Lee "Scratch" Perry swung by Mad Professor's Ariwa Sounds studio in South East London to add his vocals to a fresh batch of raw, sub-heavy jungle riddims by Dougie Digital and Juggler. The results were released, alongside a quartet of more traditional dub versions built by Mad Professor using the same vocals, on an album called "Super Ape Inna Jungle". As this reissue proves, it was a potent set. Mad Professor's dubs are of course as weighty, echo-laden and inspired as ever, but it's the quality of the crunchy, razor-sharp jungle cuts that most impresses. These may not be considered jungle classics, but in our eyes, they should be considered as such.