Rootz Reggae Dub, a Record Store Day 2019 offering on vinyl earlier this year, is now seeing release on CD and digital formats. The legendary Lee "Scratch" Perry recorded this album in Negril with backing musicians Speak Easy, percussionist Larry McDonald, and Dames Brown and The Groovematist on backing vocals. The album, mixed by Spacewave, offers a nice collection for fans of Perry's inimitable style of reggae and dub.
"Sun is Shining (Over You)" is lovely, while "Evil Man Loose in the World" is an ominous, but necessary, warning about the wickedness in this world. The cut is set over a sort of throwback skank that is wildly effective. Elsewhere, "Punky Reggae Party" is fun, while "Like a Megawave" is brisk and ska-seasoned. Rootz Reggae Dub is a solid set from Perry, one which offers a nice mix of party songs ("Stir It Up") and numbers that are more prophetic ("Stop Killing Your Brothers Down").
You can order Rootz Reggae Dub here.