Police & Thieves cover

Police & Thieves

Released

Junior Murvin was a falsetto singer who worked with producer Lee “Scratch” Perry at his Black Ark studio off and on during the 1970s. One result of his efforts was this outstanding roots reggae document, one that had a surprising impact in other genres as well — it’s worth noting that the title track was covered by the Clash on their debut album. Murvin’s voice is a combination of ethereal beauty and declamatory power: when he takes Babylon to task on tracks like “Rescue Jah Children” and “Lucifer,” or asserts his spiritual bona fides on “I Was Appointed,” it’s impossible not to pay attention. His musical vision and prophetic posture are only intensified by Perry’s unique production style.

Rick Anderson

Recommended by

Suggestions
Pleasure Dub cover

Pleasure Dub

Tommy McCook, Errol Brown, The Supersonics
Exodus cover

Exodus

Bob Marley
Jumbie in the Jukebox cover

Jumbie in the Jukebox

Kobo Town, Drew Gonsalves
Selvagem? cover

Selvagem?

Os Paralamas do Sucesso
Build the Ark cover

Build the Ark

The Upsetters, Lee "Scratch" Perry
Helio Parallax cover

Helio Parallax

Helio Parallax
16 Bit Skanks cover

16 Bit Skanks

Robo Bass Hifi
Blackboard Jungle Dub cover

Blackboard Jungle Dub

The Upsetters, Lee "Scratch" Perry
Among Them cover

Among Them

John Brown's Body
Time Has Come cover

Time Has Come

Sylford Walker