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Sunday, July 24, 2011

MAX ROMEO & The Upsetters - War Ina Babylon (1976)

*Max Romeo & Lee Scratch Perry*

Jamaican singer Max Romeo was previously known in reggae for his sexually suggestive lyrics (e.g. the song "Wet Dream" - was it REALLY supposed to be about a leaky roof??). But Romeo found his stride when he teamed up with producer Lee "Scratch" Perry and produced the classic album "War Ina Babylon". Backed by Perry's band, The Upsetters, this track has a nice a dark groove (is that a distorted guitar in the background?). The verse and chorus are exceptionally catchy, and repetitive enough to get into your skull and lodge there for weeks (personal experience). Unfortunately, Romeo & Perry had a falling out after this, and Romeo never really produced another album of this caliber.
Song : "War Ina Babylon" by Max Romeo & The Upsetters
From the LP "WAR INA BABYLON" (Island) 1976

Link in title.