The last of Trojan's three-record (two-CD) collections of Perry's crucial Black Ark production work of the '70s. And, as was the case with the previous collections (The Upsetter Box and Open the Gate), there's absolutely no good reason not to own this collection too. If you're thinking that three double-CD sets of Lee Perry starts to sound like overkill, look at it this way -- that's like saying you've breathed enough air, and now you don't need any more. As with recordings of Sun Ra, there's always a reason (like amazing music, for a start) to add more Lee Perry to your collection. And with this release you will be able to get your hands on Junior Murvin's amazing "Cross Over" (nearly as good as "Police and Thieves"), Winston Heywood's "Long, Long Time," and Eric Donaldson's "Freedom Street." This is the sound of Black Ark at its most exciting and prolific, and remains a testament to Perry's genius as a producer, mixer, and arranger. A heavy groove indeed.
Build the Ark
Lee "Scratch" Perry / Lee "Scratch" Perry & the Upsetters / The Upsetters
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Build the Ark Review
by John Dougan
