The reggae pioneer’s final album demonstrates his influence on music history.
In 2021, at the age of 85, Lee “Scratch” Perry, one of the most influential reggae musicians of all time, died, who was not only responsible for the triumph of acts like Bob Marley & The Wailers, but also pioneered achievements in the field of studio production, for example as a co-founder the Dub culture. KING PERRY is the Jamaican’s last work, which he worked on in the months before his death, which appears posthumously. What is immediately noticeable: Even at the very end of his career, Perry did not dwell on the golden past.
Together with producer Daniel Boyle, he developed 14 tracks that take up the dub legacy he created himself and at the same time do not shy away from modern pop influences. “Green Banana” with vocals from Shaun Ryder reminisces trip-hop, “Jesus Life” features heavy synth runs and pairs them with characteristic reggae keys, while on “I Am Dubby” with Marta, heavy bass rolls under massive reverb – one Blueprint illustrating Lee “Scratch” Perry’s immense influence on music history. “Goodbye” then brings the emotional ending.