Lee Scatch Perry / Rise Again

Lee Scratch Perry
Rise Again
(M.O.D Technologies)
* * * *

Lee 'Scratch' Perry pretty much invented the bass-heavy psychedelic dub sound in the 1970s, proving a big influence on acts as diverse as The Clash and Bob Marley, all the while cultivating an eccentric persona - part sooth sayer, part truth revealer - all coated in the smoke of Rasta mysticism.
Now celebrating his 75th birthday, this record sees him working with studio wizard Bill Laswell, himself a collaborator with Iggy Pop and Public Image Ltd. The result is a blissfully arranged, expertly performed album which deserves to see Perry launched back into the public consciousness.
Of the pieces on offer here, 'Wake The Dead' grooves along to slow summery trumpets, 'Higher Level' finds the TV On The Radio frontman Tunde Adebimpe singing along with the aged time traveller, while the title track finds Perry on fine, myth making form; "I rise again to victory / with history, mystery and prophesy".