Lee Perry Roast Fish Collie Weed & Corn Bread
Introduction
Lee Perry’s album “Roast Fish Collie Weed & Corn Bread” has become an emblem of Jamaican music culture. Released in 1978, the album is a reflection of the social, political, and cultural situation of Jamaica at the time. It features a mix of genres, from reggae and dub to rock and blues, and its title references the Rastafari faith and Jamaican cuisine.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the background behind this iconic album, its influences, and its impact on music worldwide.
The Birth of a Musical Genius: Lee Perry
Lee "Scratch" Perry was born in Jamaica in 1936. Perry started his music career as a record seller before beginning to produce music. He worked with Bob Marley and the Wailers, The Skatalites, and other popular Jamaican artists. He became known for his unique sound and experimental approach to music production. Perry is credited with creating the genre of dub music, a subgenre of reggae that features heavy bass, drums, and reverb effects.
Perry's music was influenced by his experiences and his faith. He was a follower of the Rastafari movement, which emphasized African spirituality, Black liberation, and the use of marijuana as a sacrament. The Rastafari movement had a significant impact on Jamaican culture, including its music.
The Making of "Roast Fish Collie Weed & Corn Bread"
Lee Perry’s “Roast Fish Collie Weed & Corn Bread” was produced in his own studio, Black Ark Studios, which he built in his backyard. The studio was known for its unconventional recording techniques, including using all sorts of objects as instruments, such as metal sheets, bottles, and kitchen utensils.
The album’s title itself reflects Perry’s Rastafari beliefs and Jamaican cuisine. Roast fish is a staple dish in Jamaica, while collie weed is a slang term for marijuana. Corn bread has roots in African American cuisine and is a staple dish in Southern cuisine.
The album was recorded during a difficult time in Jamaica’s history. The country was experiencing political turmoil, social unrest, and economic struggles. Perry channeled these difficulties into his music, creating an album that was both reflective and uplifting.
The Impact of "Roast Fish Collie Weed & Corn Bread"
“Roast Fish Collie Weed & Corn Bread” was a commercial success in Jamaica and has since become an iconic album in the reggae and dub genres. The album showcased Perry’s unique sound and experimental approach to music production, which influenced many artists.
One of the biggest impacts of the album was its influence on Bob Marley. Marley was a close collaborator of Perry, and Perry’s experimental approach to music production had a significant impact on Marley's music. The distinctive sound of Perry's music can be heard in many of Marley's later albums.
The album also had a broader impact on music worldwide. Perry’s experimental approach to music production inspired artists in various genres, from hip hop to electronic music. Perry’s influence can be heard in the work of artists such as The Clash, Beastie Boys, and Massive Attack.
Conclusion
Lee Perry’s “Roast Fish Collie Weed & Corn Bread” has become an iconic album in Jamaican music culture. It showcases Perry’s unique sound and experimental approach to music production and reflects the social, political, and cultural situation of Jamaica at the time. The album's impact on music can still be felt today, inspiring artists in various genres around the world.
Whether you're a fan of reggae, dub, or experimental music, “Roast Fish Collie Weed & Corn Bread” is an album that should not be missed.