About this album
Where they were
By the time 'Time Boom X De Devil Dead' was released in 1987, Lee 'Scratch' Perry was already a pivotal figure in reggae and dub music. This album followed his crucial work in the late 1970s and early 1980s, including collaborations with Bob Marley and The Wailers, positioning him as a vanguard of innovative sound production techniques in Jamaican music.
Why it matters
This album is significant for its experimental approach that helped bridge traditional reggae with emerging electronic sounds and jungle music. It received positive critical reception and is often noted for influencing future generations of artists in both the reggae and electronic scenes, marking Perry's continued relevance in the evolving landscape of music.
Essential tracks
- "S.D.I." — 'S.D.I.' opens the album with a heavy, pulsating rhythm that showcases Perry's signature production style and sets the tone for the sonic exploration throughout.
- "De Devil Dead" — The title track captures Perry's distinctive lyricism and playful experimentalism while exploring themes of spirituality and resilience, making it a standout moment.
- "Kiss the Champion" — 'Kiss the Champion' exemplifies Perry's ability to blend infectious rhythms with deep philosophical musings, representing his artistic depth and versatility.
- "Jungle" — 'Jungle' features complex production layers and serves as a precursor to the jungle genre, illustrating Perry's foresight in music innovation.
Release Date
January 1, 1987
Artist Origin
Jamaica
Tracklist
- 1 S.D.I. 6:27
- 2 Blinkers 4:58
- 3 Jungle 7:33
- 4 De Devil Dead 4:29
- 5 Music & Science Lovers 5:05
- 6 Kiss the Champion 7:13
- 7 Allergic to Lies 3:53
- 8 Time Conquer 4:31
- 9 Jungle (original 7" version) 3:46
- 10 Jungle (Wall of China) 2:52
- 11 Night Train 3:04
