The Upsetter and the Beat

by John DouganHere's an idea -- go back into the tape files and drag out tracks that were recorded twenty years ago, remove the vocal tracks and let Perry dub in new, mostly weird toasting and singing. What some might call laziness in this instance is pure inspiration, as Perry takes these tracks and injects them with life to the point where, as songs, they are wholly reinvented. Because the basic backing tracks are so old, there is more of a late-era ska feel to them, and at first Perry's verbal gymnastics are off-putting. But as you surrender to the groove (and the concept), tracks like "Welcome Aboard," "Musical Doctor," and "Sex" will light you up like a giant spliff. As it says on the back cover, "Welcome aboard the Scratch attack." Enjoy the ride.