Music Review
Panic in Babylon
Lee 'Scratch' Perry
Lee Perry is a giant in the world of reggae, and it is widely understood that he is a bit mad as well.
He is renowned for his wild ways in the studio and his antics when performing live--sometimes its a detriment and it almost always make for a wild and creative ride.
His new recording, Panic in Babylon is a return to brilliant form. What is surprising is that his backing band is Swiss. Yeah, Swiss.
He's teamed up with the White Belly Rats, who stir up some cool, dense grooves and put the focus on Perry, letting his 'mad-genius' shine. And it does seem abit mad at times, his lyrics veer from incoherent to brilliant, from hilarious to just plain mad--invocations of Hindu deities, American presidents, and Babylonian destruction--you name it, he sings it.
Not everything is brilliant -- "Pussy Man" is particulalry thin--but when he invites you to "have a Perry salad/For this is Perry ballad" halfway through the album, you'll be more than willing to belly up to the salad bar.
He is renowned for his wild ways in the studio and his antics when performing live--sometimes its a detriment and it almost always make for a wild and creative ride.
His new recording, Panic in Babylon is a return to brilliant form. What is surprising is that his backing band is Swiss. Yeah, Swiss.
He's teamed up with the White Belly Rats, who stir up some cool, dense grooves and put the focus on Perry, letting his 'mad-genius' shine. And it does seem abit mad at times, his lyrics veer from incoherent to brilliant, from hilarious to just plain mad--invocations of Hindu deities, American presidents, and Babylonian destruction--you name it, he sings it.
Not everything is brilliant -- "Pussy Man" is particulalry thin--but when he invites you to "have a Perry salad/For this is Perry ballad" halfway through the album, you'll be more than willing to belly up to the salad bar.