Max Romeo & The Upsetters: War Ina Babylon (AAA Master, Colored Vinyl) Vinyl LP

Max Romeo's biggest record ever, apart from his early (then) X-rated "Wet Dream." This is the apex of his mid-70s career, combining his unique wailing style with the production hand of Lee Perry. The most famous track is "Chase The Devil," which some of you may recognize from the huge rave hit that sampled it back in the early 90's or Jay-Z's use on the Black Album. The whole first side is crucial though, check classic tracks like "One Step Forward" and "War Inna Babylon." And not to take anything away from this album, but a lot of people who can't get past Bob Marley in terms of reggae progression really like this album. Maybe because his accent is thin? Anyway it's both a heavy roots classic and a fairly accessible album for the casual listener. Quite an accomplishment.

• 'golden sunshine' colored vinyl
• all-analog remaster cut from the original master tapes
• limited edition
• original release year: 1976
• music label: Jackpot Records 2025

reviewed by the mgmnt 06/2018