Congoes Heart of the Congos Reggae

Lee Perry is generally acknowledged as a production genius, on Heart of the Congos Perry created a masterpiece of music. Many critics consider this 1977 album one of the best roots records of all time, and at the very least, it was Perry's apex — only Junior Byles' Beat Down Babylon is an equal contender. Which is why it's all the more shocking that the record was turned down by Island, and even back in Jamaica it received only a limited release. It took nearly two decades for Heart of the Congos to reappear, finally reissued with a clutch of period bonus tracks by Blood and Fire. The Congos themselves seem the least-likely contenders to record an exceptional album with Perry. The duo of Cedric Myton and Roy "Ashanti" Johnson had a unique sound, revolving around the former man's crystalline falsetto, which was set off by the latter's rich tenor. The pair composed deeply cultural songs, but both men's vocals had a gentle quality that would wither under a typical deep roots arrangement. Still, Perry had proved his worth working with the soft, husky tones of Byles, but few expected him to be able to repeat this feat. In fact, if anything, the producer was even more sympathetic to the Congos' styling and exhibited a musical self-restraint that astonished even his hardcore fans. Every track on the original album is worthy of classic status, and all presented the group and their songs in the best possible light. To this end, Perry was aided by a phenomenal group of sessionmen and guest backing vocalists which included Gregory Isaacs, a pair of Heptones, and the mighty Meditations. But beyond the Congos' superb songs and performance, the superb musicianship, and the exceptional vocal talents, it's Perry's arrangements that brought these numbers to life. Each one was carefully tailored, taking into consideration the mood of the piece and the vocalist. The tribal beats of "Congoman," for example, are just the song's launch pad; its the way the vocals and harmonies weave in and out that makes the piece extraordinary. The 12" and "Chanting" versions give further evidence of Perry's genius. "Ark of the Covenant" is stuffed to the brim with instrumentation, with the vocals soaring overhead, and brings the album to a religious fervor. In contrast, "Solid Foundation" is stripped back, a showpiece for Myton's marvelous falsetto. There's the stirring roots of "Open the Gates" and "Sodom and Gomorrow," while rocksteady echoes across the deeply affecting "Children Crying" and "La La Bam Bam." Every track offers something new: a unique sound, an unforgettable melody and rhythm, an unexpected arrangement. As much work went into the remastering as the recording, and the album sounds as good as it must have at the time it was recorded. Revel in the moment.



This is a copy of the Simply Vinyl 180gm pressing of the Blood and Fire reissue and as such improves on the sound quality of the B&F release.



The best roots album ever?



Maybe along with, Marcus Garvey and Blackheart Man. It depends on which day you ask me.





Vinyl needledrop using:



Linn LP12, Lingo, Ekos and Dynavector XX2 moving coil cartridge.



Via



Naim 62 pre-amp.



Into



Pioneer PDR-609 CDR.



Using



TDK audio CDR.



EAC rip



Covers



FLAC





Tracks



1. Congoman

2. Open up the Gate

3. Children Crying

4. La Bam-Bam

5. Can't Come In

6. Sodom and Gomorrow

7. Congoman

8. Open up the Gate

9. Children Crying

10. La Bam-Bam

11. Can't Come In

12. Sodom and Gomorrow

13. Ark of the Covenant

14. Solid Foundation

15. At the Feast

16. Nicodemus

17. Congoman Chant

18. Solid Foundation [Disco Cork Mix]





Remember I & I seed the weed or Mighty Conqueror coming!