Saturday 4 August 2012

Saturday Scratch #5

'Love Thy Neighbour' by Ras Michael and the Sons of Negus is an album produced at the Black Ark by Lee Perry and originally released in 1979. That all appears to be straight forward enough, right? Well appearances can be deceptive and it's not as simple as it seems.

Apparently a dozen tracks were recorded by the band with Scratch at the helm in 1978 and over the years several different permutations of these tunes have seen the light of day, released under the 'Love Thy Neighbour' banner. Unfortunately though, so far, there has been no compilation of the complete sessions. So there's a massive opportunity for a label like Pressure Sounds to step in and gather together the definitive version of this great album.

My copy of 'Love Thy Neighbour' boasts just seven tracks and I've managed to track down a couple of others on my journeys around the interweb. The sound is haunting and drenched in echo, even by Black Ark standards, and the nyabinghi drums reverberate like a clattering heartbeat through each tune. The reverb and delay create a claustrophobic, menacing atmosphere throughout. I've read some criticism of the production being too murky and dense, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Here are two tracks from the album. If you dig 'em, check out the rest, or at least those that are easy to find.

Enjoy the tunes and your weekend.





Previously on Saturday Scratch.

6 comments:

Old Pa's Corner said...

Have not heard these before and they are excellent....I must check this out....after the Olympics...Even a big sports fan like myself is being worn down.

effective parenting skills said...

Nice video. Keep sharing more.

The Swede said...

Glad you like 'em OPC. The album has a great atmosphere. (I've managed to avoid the Olympics so far...not long to go now!)

Hello EPS and thanks for dropping by. More on the way next Saturday, all being well!

flycasual said...

Oh yes...strictly roots!! Love dem Nyabingi drums. Not heard any of this stuff but can't beat that Lee Perry smoked out production.

Anonymous said...

Far out. Scratch was definitely brewing something odd here. Will have to look up more of these recordings. On my travels last week I picked up an very smart little double disc compilation of some fine mid to late 70's Black Ark recordings. Didn't have all of them previously by any means so it's added some true delight these past few days. An untouchable producer.

The Swede said...

flycasual, It's a great album and worth investigating further for the cover of 'London Bridge Is Falling Down' alone!

SB, There are still so many new Scratch compilations appearing with unreleased tracks, one wonders how much more there can be left in the vaults, but if Black Ark period tunes are involved - i'll always find the cash!

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