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In 1985, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry returned to Trojan Records, the celebrated British company which, during reggae’s the formative years, had been instrumental in establishing him on the international scene as one of Jamaica’s most talented, innovative and influential producers.
By this time, he was exploring new musical avenues, having teamed up with the Dub Factory, a British band led by rhythm guitarist and synth player Mark Downie. The first evidence of this new union came towards the close of the year when Trojan released Perry’s seasonal single, ‘Merry Christmas, Happy New Year’, on which he was accompanied by London-based singer, Sandra Robinson. The disc provided an indication of his bold, new sound, which effectively blended Jamaican rhythms with rock sensibilities.
A few months later came Perry’s long-awaited comeback album, with its strikingly designed sleeve perfectly reflecting the wild and unpredictable music within its grooves. An instant big seller for both Perry and Trojan, the LP both dazzled and bemused listeners, paving the way for a full-scale return to music-making for the Jamaican Jenius.
Over the years since, ‘Battle Of Armagideon (Millionaire Liquidator)’ has become widely acknowledged as Perry’s most significant and daring undertakings since the closure of his famed Black Ark studio in Kingston. And now, some 36 years after its original release, this seminal album is finally given the deluxe treatment, with its original track-listing bolstered by seven bonus tracks from the Trojan sessions – a dozen of which make their CD debut.
The result is a must-have collector’s item for all serious Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry; providing a fitting tribute to one of the most innovative, creative and gifted music makers to have made their mark on modern popular music.
Tracklist
1 Introducing Myself
2 Drum Song
3 Grooving
4 All Things Are Possible (LP mix)
5 Show Me That River
6 Time Marches On (In & Out mix)
7 I Am A Madman (LP mix)
8 The Joker
9 Happy Birthday
10 Sexy Lady
11 Time Marches On BONUS TRACKS
12 Merry Christmas, Happy New Year (crossover/radio mix) *
13 Merry Christmas, Happy New Year (the Perry mix) *
14 Merry Christmas, Happy New Year (alt. mix) *
DISC TWO
1 All Things Are Possible (Django ’85) (12” mix) *
2 Rainy Day In London
3 Time Marches On (take 1) *
4 Time Marches On Dubwise *
5 I Am The Upsetter (1985) *
6 I Am A Madman (12” mix) *
7 (I Am A) Madman Dubwise! (10:49) *
8 Merry Christmas, Happy New Year (12” mix)
9 The Perry Christmas Dub *
10 Merry Christmas, Happy New Year (take 1) *
11 Merry Christmas, Happy New Year (take 2) *
* previously unissued on CD