THE CONGOS HEART OF THE CONGOS RARE 1978 REGGAE UK LP LEE PERRY EX CONDITION
$
31
Favourite Auctions
To save auctions to your favourites, please login
If you don't have an account, please register
Description
THE CONGOS~HEART OF THE CONGOS~RARE 1978 REGGAE UK LP~LEE PERRY~EX CONDITION
Product Description
THE CONGOS "HEART OF THE CONGOS" GO-FEET RECORDS BEAT 2 RARE UK PRESSING OF THIS 1977 REGGAE CLASSIC! COVER IS IN VG++/EX CONDITION. THERE IS SOME DAMAGE IN THE UPPER RIGHT CORNER WHERE A PRICE STICKER WAS REMOVED. VINYL IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH LIGHT WEAR. Lee Perry is generally acknowledged as a production genius, but on occasion that genius can be destructive, and while there's no disputing his talent, sometimes the results can be less than aurally satisfying. This is especially true when it comes to albums, where Perry's efforts were often erratic. On Heart of the Congos he was brilliant, and across the record's original ten tracks 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 Gate" 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. From the collection of a late music industry veteran who received a generous amount of material from the record labels, and was extremely active during the 1970s. Most of this collection appears unplayed, as they have been filed away remaining untouched for over 30 years. Most are PROMO copies, and are also the earliest pressings. This is a rare opportunity to own the earliest pressings of classic material.The image included with the auction is a scan of the actual item but, due to size limitations of the scanner, the edges of the item may have been cropped.
If you have questions, BEFORE you buy, email us.
In Your Ear has been selling music to the masses since 1982. We carry new and used LPs, CDs, DVDs, 45s, 12" singles, posters and who-knows-what-else! We have 2 physical locations in Massachusetts and 1 in Rhode Island:
957 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA. 02215
72 Mt. Auburn Street, Cambridge, MA. 02138
462 Main Street, Warren, RI 02885
SHIPPING PRICES ARE AUTOMATICALLY CALCULATED BASED ON YOUR GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION. PLEASE NOTE: WE PACK OUR LPs WITH LOTS OF ADDED PADDING, USING OTHER EMPTY LPs SLEEVES TO REINFORCE THE MAILER AND PROTECT THE ITEM BEING SHIPPED. THIS ADDS CONSIDERABLY TO THE WEIGHT AND, THEREFORE, TO THE COST OF SHIPPING.
RECORD GRADING POLICY
MINT = like new or near new with only one or two small insignificant defects, a 9 or better on a 1-10 scale
EXCELLENT = Would be Near Mint, except for a couple of light hairlines or scuffs, which do not affect play
VG++ = still a very nice record with all or nearly all of its original gloss but may have a few more light, surface marks, hairlines, needle tracks or the like which should not materially affect play
VG+ = a nice, but used record that may have a series of light scuffs or scratches. It probably plays with a few pops, but has no serious problems.
VG = a well-used record that still should sound OK when played, but may have moderate surface noise, pops, etc.
VG- = a very well-worn record that plays through without skipping, but will do until a better copy comes along.
Good = not actually good at all but probably will play through but with much in the way of surface noise, pops, crackles, etc. Still, will have no cracks, chips or the like
Fair = you are getting this record just to own but not to play
Poor = the sky's the limit, generally I will discard a record this bad (and sell the cover, jacket or sleeve alone) unless the label holds some particular interest
For listings for our Boston/Cambridge stores, CLICK HERE.
For additional listings for our Rhode Island store, CLICK HERE.
Don't forget to visit our "About Me" page to find out lots more about our online and retail stores!
Bid with confidence at In Your Ear! Check out our customer feedback. CLICK HERE!
inkfrog terapeak
i000000
price rating
