Arkology cover

Arkology

Lee "Scratch" Perry · 1997

234 min · 52 tracks · reggae · ska · drum and bass

A rich tapestry of dub, reggae, and rocksteady that echoes through the ages with playful experimentation.

Why this album works

Best for
dynamic journey with peaks playful experimentation throughout tracks for extended listening
Context
Released in 1997, 'Arkology' came during Lee 'Scratch' Perry's later career phase, a period marked by a revival of interest in his groundbreaking work. By this time, he was celebrated as a pioneer of dub music, having already influenced countless artists and genres since his initial rise in the late 1960s. This compilation reflects both his extensive catalog and his continuing evolution as an artist.
If you like
reggae, ska, drum and bass

Arkology is an album by Lee "Scratch" Perry, released in 1997. A rich tapestry of dub, reggae, and rocksteady that echoes through the ages with playful experimentation. 'Arkology' is significant for its comprehensive showcase of Perry's innovative sound, breathing new life into classic tracks while highlighting his influence on the reggae and dub genres. The album received critical acclaim upon release and is often referenced in discussions about the evolution of reggae music, reinforcing Perry's legacy as a transformative figure in music history. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Arkology sound like?

A rich tapestry of dub, reggae, and rocksteady that echoes through the ages with playful experimentation. Rooted in reggae and ska.

What makes Arkology by Lee "Scratch" Perry notable?

'Arkology' is significant for its comprehensive showcase of Perry's innovative sound, breathing new life into classic tracks while highlighting his influence on the reggae and dub genres. The album received critical acclaim upon release and is often referenced in discussions about the evolution of reggae music, reinforcing Perry's legacy as a transformative figure in music history. Released in 1997, 'Arkology' came during Lee 'Scratch' Perry's later career phase, a period marked by a revival of interest in his groundbreaking work. By this time, he was celebrated as a pioneer of dub music, having already influenced countless artists and genres since his initial rise in the late 1960s. This compilation reflects both his extensive catalog and his continuing evolution as an artist.

Who is Arkology for?

Arkology works well if you're into dynamic journey with peaks, playful experimentation throughout tracks and for extended listening.

How many songs are on Arkology?

Arkology has 52 tracks, running approximately 234 minutes.

Tracklist

52 tracks·234:07

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Dub Revolution, Part 1 4:44
  • 2 One Step Forward 3:52
  • 3 One Step Dub 4:06
  • 4 Vampire 3:17
  • 5 Vamp a Dub 3:16
  • 6 Sufferer's Time 3:55
  • 7 Sufferer's Dub 4:17
  • 8 Sufferer's Heights 4:32
  • 9 Don't Blame on I 4:05
  • 10 Much Smarter 3:56
  • 11 Much Smarter Dub 4:42
  • 12 Life Is Not Easy 4:46
  • 13 Life Is Not Easy Dub 5:07
  • 14 Tedious 5:04
  • 15 War in a Babylon 4:51
  • 16 Revelation Dub 5:01
  • 17 Mr. President 4:13
  • 18 Chase the Devil Standout 3:28

Disc 2

  • 1 Dreadlocks in Moonlight 3:47
  • 2 Dread at the Mantrols 3:47
  • 3 In These Times 4:39
  • 4 In These Times Dub 3:25
  • 5 Norman 8:42
  • 6 Police and Thieves Standout 3:40
  • 7 Magic Touch 4:04
  • 8 Soldier and Police War 4:09
  • 9 Grumblin' Dub 3:18
  • 10 Bad Weed 4:03
  • 11 John Public 4:21
  • 12 John Public (version) 4:24
  • 13 Roots Train 9:00
  • 14 No Peace 3:30
  • 15 No Peace Dub 4:20
  • 16 Rasta Train 4:55
  • 17 Party Time (Part 2) 4:34

Disc 3

  • 1 Vibrate On 4:40
  • 2 Vibrator 4:35
  • 3 Bird in Hand 3:30
  • 4 Congoman Standout 5:52
  • 5 Dyon Anasawa 3:39
  • 6 Rastaman Shuffle 5:16
  • 7 Why Must I 4:57
  • 8 Make up your Mind 3:45
  • 9 Closer Together 6:15
  • 10 Groovy Situation 3:26
  • 11 Groovy Dub 3:33
  • 12 To Be a Lover 7:56
  • 13 Soul Fire 3:58
  • 14 Curly Locks 4:09
  • 15 Feast of the Passover 3:36
  • 16 Roast Fish and Corn Bread 4:26
  • 17 Corn Fish Dub 4:26

Release Date

January 1, 1997

Genre

drum and bass, reggae, ska

More albums in drum and bass

Artist Origin

Jamaica

Runtime

234 min 7 sec