Various Artists — Better Times - The Jamaican Upsetter Singles 1971
Better Times is the second in the series of compilations from Doctor Bird, bringing together singles produced by influential & creative reggae producer Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry in the year 1971. It’s a double CD affair, bringing together forty-five tracks. I’d say this is one of less consistent Perry compilations I’ve heard, as on more than a few occasions when we get different versions of the same tracks played after each other. And the focus is generally on the more straightforward side of producers' output, but there are moments of greatness present.
The two CDs are presented in a slimline jewel case- this comes with a glossy/ colourful sixteen-page booklet. This features an eight-page write-up about the compilation, a good selection of artists' pictures and single labels, as well as track credits.
Disc one takes in twenty-three tracks, and some of the highlights come in the form of the following. The irresistible organ groove, soulful male vocals, and wavering female backing vocals of “Where Love Goes” by Donald Smythe. There’s Max Romeo’s “Ginalship” with its layered mix of laid-back jiving horns, wow-wow reggae strut, and lyrics about crime taking over the city. We have the snaking hip-shaking groove, funky organ lines, and bluesy guitar touches of the instrumental track “Example Part 1” by Winston Wright.
On disc two, some of the highlights are- the tight strutting groove meets wowing dub breakdowns of Dennis Alcapoe’s “African Stand”. We have the sassy horn, sucking-on-a bong like percussive detail, and talky to soulful male vocals of “Coming Again” by Junior Byles. There’s organ swoon, scratching percussion tones, sing-song vocals of “Walking The Streets” by The Hurricanes. Or the wavering to baying keys and steady grooving struts of “Dreamland” by Perry’s own house band, The Upsetters.
It's always wonderful to hear music from Perry’s 70’s period, so while Better Times is mixed/ not so consistent, there are sonic jewels to be found within. I’d say a release for the more seasoned ‘Scratch’ fan.