Arkology
Lee "Scratch" Perry · 1997
234 min · 52 tracks · reggae
A sonic tapestry of dub, reggae, and experimental soundscapes that encapsulates Lee Perry's innovative spirit and eclectic vision.
Top tracks — play these first
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Dub Revolution, Part 1 Start here — This track encapsulates the essence of Perry's dub style with its heavy basslines and intricate effects, setting the tone for the album's exploration of sound.
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Chase the Devil — A standout track that showcases Perry's lyrical prowess and ability to blend social commentary with infectious rhythms, making it a classic in his discography.
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Police and Thieves — This iconic track reflects the socio-political tensions of its time while demonstrating Perry's unique fusion of reggae with rock influences.
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Congoman — Known for its haunting melody and deep-rooted themes, this track highlights Perry's spiritual ethos while pushing the boundaries of reggae music.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with peaks
- playful experimentation throughout tracks
- for extended listening
- rich layers for headphone detail
- wave-like pacing encourages immersion
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer concise, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — A comprehensive retrospective showcasing Perry's innovative contributions to reggae and dub.
- Themes
- Jamaican sound revolution· spiritual reggae roots· socio-political commentary· experimental dub landscapes
- Career context
- Released in 1997, Arkology is a comprehensive retrospective showcasing Lee 'Scratch' Perry's contributions to reggae and dub music throughout his career. At this point, he had already established himself as a pioneering figure since the 1960s, known for his work with The Wailers and as a solo artist. This album serves both as a celebration of his legacy and an introduction to his influential sound for new listeners.
- Stylistic neighbors
- King Tubby· Scientist· Augustus Pablo
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Dub Revolution, Part 1 Start here 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 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 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 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
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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