Lee "Scratch" Perry

Jamaica

"His music radiates with dense layers of rhythm and echoing effects that create a hypnotic pulse, inviting movement through space and time."

Quick Start

A good place to start with Lee "Scratch" Perry is…

Time Boom X De Devil Dead

1987

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Career Arc

Lee "Scratch" Perry's discography from 1978 to 2024

1978 2001 2024

Roast Fish Collie Weed &... (1978) The Return of Pipecock Ja... (1980) Heart of the Ark (1982) Heart of the Ark Vol. 2 (1982) Mystic Miracle Star (1982) History, Mystery & Prophe... (1984) Battle of Armagideon (1986) Time Boom X De Devil Dead (1987) Satan Kicked the Bucket (1988) Shocks of Mighty 1969–197... (1988) Chicken Scratch (1989) Excaliburman (1989) Mystic Warrior (1989) Open the Gate (1989) Spiritual Healing (1990) From the Secret Laborator... (1990) Message from Yard (1990) Lord God Muzick (1991) Soundzs from the Hot Line (1991) The Upsetter and the Beat (1992)

Lee "Scratch" Perry redefined the sonic landscape of reggae and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on music that resonates well past his own genre.

Lee "Scratch" Perry redefined the sonic landscape of reggae and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on music that resonates well past his own genre. He transformed the way sound was manipulated in the studio, turning production into a creative art form where echoes, effects, and rhythms became tools for expression. This approach not only shaped reggae but also influenced countless genres, from hip-hop to electronic music, making him a pivotal figure in the evolution of modern sound. Perry's innovative techniques included layering sounds and experimenting with unconventional recording methods, which helped establish dub as a distinct genre. His studios became sanctuaries for sonic exploration, often marked by an unorthodox yet instinctual approach that encouraged spontaneity and play. This spirit of innovation paved the way for future producers who sought to push the boundaries of what music could be. Lyrically, Perry often delved into themes of spirituality, mysticism, and social consciousness, frequently weaving personal narratives with broader societal observations. His storytelling is marked by a playful yet earnest tone that oscillates between irony and sincerity, inviting listeners into a world where the profound meets the whimsical. The textures of his lyrics align seamlessly with his soundscapes, creating immersive experiences rich in atmosphere.

Full discography

Lee "Scratch" Perry's albums in order, from earliest releases to latest.

59 releases • 59 albums • 1978–2024

Discography may be incomplete (63 of ~103 albums indexed)

Type:

Albums ()

King Perry

2024

Scratch Came Scratch Saw Scratch Conquered

2008

Repentance

2008

The Upsetter Selection: A Lee Perry Jukebox

2007

The End of an American Dream

2007

Alive, More Than Ever

2006

I Am the Upsetter

2005

Panic in Babylon

2004

Earthman Skanking

2003

Cutting Razor

2003

Alien Starman

2003

Jamaican E.T.

2002

Trojan Upsetter Box Set

2002

The Upsetter Shop, Vol. 3: Baffling Smoke Signal

2002

Divine Madness... Definitely

2001

Scratch Walking

2001

Son of Thunder

2000

Enter the Ark

2000

On the Wire

2000

Techno Party!

2000

The Upsetter Shop, Vol. 2: 1969-1973

1999

Wizdom

1999

Dub Fire

1998

Lost Treasures of the Ark

1998

Lee Perry Archive

1998

Produced and Directed by the Upsetter

1998

Dry Acid

1998

Arkology

1997

Presenting Dub

1996

Voodooism

1996

Who Put the Voodoo 'pon Reggae

1996

Words of My Mouth Vol. 1

1996

Experryments at the Grass Roots of Dub

1995

Larks from the Ark

1995

The Upsetter Shop, Vol. 1: Upsetter in Dub

1995

Upsetters A Go Go

1995

Black Ark in Dub

1993

The Upsetter and the Beat

1992

Lord God Muzick

1991

Soundzs from the Hot Line

1991

Spiritual Healing

1990

From the Secret Laboratory

1990

Message from Yard

1990

Chicken Scratch

1989

Excaliburman

1989

Mystic Warrior

1989

Open the Gate

1989

Satan Kicked the Bucket

1988

Shocks of Mighty 1969–1974

1988

Time Boom X De Devil Dead

1987

Battle of Armagideon

1986

History, Mystery & Prophesy

1984

Heart of the Ark

1982

Heart of the Ark Vol. 2

1982

Mystic Miracle Star

1982

The Return of Pipecock Jackson

1980

Roast Fish Collie Weed & Corn Bread

1978

Spaceship to Mars

2024

Reggae Greats: Lee "Scratch" Perry

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Timeline

How their sound evolved over time

Roast Fish Collie We... (1978)

The Return of Pipeco... (1980)

Heart of the Ark (1982)

Heart of the Ark Vol... (1982)

Mystic Miracle Star (1982)

History, Mystery & P... (1984)

Battle of Armagideon (1986)

Time Boom X De Devil... (1987)

Satan Kicked the Buc... (1988)

Shocks of Mighty 196... (1988)

Chicken Scratch (1989)

Excaliburman (1989)

Mystic Warrior (1989)

Open the Gate (1989)

Spiritual Healing (1990)

From the Secret Labo... (1990)

Message from Yard (1990)

Lord God Muzick (1991)

Soundzs from the Hot... (1991)

The Upsetter and the... (1992)

Black Ark in Dub (1993)

Experryments at the... (1995)

Larks from the Ark (1995)

The Upsetter Shop, Vol. 1: Upsetter in Dub

The Upsetter Shop, V... (1995)

Upsetters A Go Go (1995)

Presenting Dub (1996)

Voodooism (1996)

Who Put the Voodoo '... (1996)

Words of My Mouth Vo... (1996)

Arkology (1997)

Lost Treasures of th... (1998)

Lee Perry Archive (1998)

Produced and Directe... (1998)

Dub Fire (1998)

Dry Acid (1998)

The Upsetter Shop, V... (1999)

Wizdom (1999)

Son of Thunder (2000)

Enter the Ark (2000)

On the Wire (2000)

Techno Party! (2000)

Divine Madness... De... (2001)

Scratch Walking (2001)

Jamaican E.T. (2002)

Trojan Upsetter Box... (2002)

The Upsetter Shop, Vol. 3: Baffling Smoke Signal

The Upsetter Shop, V... (2002)

Earthman Skanking (2003)

Cutting Razor (2003)

Alien Starman (2003)

Panic in Babylon (2004)

I Am the Upsetter (2005)

Alive, More Than Eve... (2006)

The Upsetter Selection: A Lee Perry Jukebox

The Upsetter Selecti... (2007)

The End of an Americ... (2007)

Repentance (2008)

Scratch Came Scratch Saw Scratch Conquered

Scratch Came Scratch... (2008)

King Perry (2024)

Spaceship to Mars (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Lee "Scratch" Perry sound like?

His music radiates with dense layers of rhythm and echoing effects that create a hypnotic pulse, inviting movement through space and time. Rooted in reggae and ska. Start with Roast Fish Collie Weed & Corn Bread.

What is the best Lee "Scratch" Perry album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Roast Fish Collie Weed & Corn Bread" (1978). It's the most representative of what makes Lee "Scratch" Perry worth hearing.

Who is Lee "Scratch" Perry for?

If you're into reggae and ska, Lee "Scratch" Perry is worth your time. His music radiates with dense layers of rhythm and echoing effects that create a hypnotic pulse, inviting movement through space and time.

How many albums does Lee "Scratch" Perry have?

Lee "Scratch" Perry has 59 releases in their discography, including 59 albums.

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