Jamaican E.T.

For a legendary dub pioneer who's as famed for burning down his own studio as for the countless groundbreaking records he's created, THE JAMAICAN E.T. is an appropriate title. Spiritually akin perhaps to the likes of the equally visionary Sun Ra, Perry is generally regarded as equal parts genius and crackpot. This combination has made for an inconsistent discography throughout the '90s, but the 21st century seems to be agreeing with Perry, as this proved to be one of his most solid outings in some time. The opener, which draws on a roots vibe full of celebratory I-Threes-style backing vocals, starts things off on an enthusiastic note. A version of the Staple Singers' "I'll Take You There" is appropriately transfomred into a disorienting, hallucinatory haze. For a dub hero, Perry doesn't go in for many traditional rhythm section breakdowns on this outing, instead preferring to bring elements in and out in a subtly quirky manner that keeps the listener guessing where the source material stops and the dub begins. Those who long for the heyday of the Upsetters won't be comforted much by JAMAICAN E.T.; this is strictly the new stuff. But did you ever imagine Perry would let time stand still around him?|

突如、リー・ペリーの新作がトロージャンからリリースされました。この人の場合、キャラ、音楽性、共に人間国宝のようなもので、この作品でも相も変わらずブッ飛びまくっております。シンプルで暖かみのあるトラックに乗ってボソボソと呟いたり奇声を上げたり……と大忙しのリーさん。バックが比較的まっとうなぶん、彼の奇抜さ、キテレツさが際立っている。老いることを知らない彼による、なんともハジケた一枚。
bounce (C)石　小鉄