Track Listing

1. Party Time
2. Crying Over You
3. Now Generation
4. Mr President
5. Serious Time
6. I Shall Be Released
7. Storm Cloud
8. Road Of Life
9. Why Must I
10. Sufferer's Time

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #30357 in Music
• Released on: 2003-07-14
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered

CD Description
The Heptones were still going strong in the 1970s--having evolved out of the ska movement into one of reggae's best vocal acts--and they recorded some of the finest work of their career when they hooked up with Lee "Scratch" Perry. PARTY TIME sports remarkable production, complete with multiple layers of instruments, dubby effects, and a heady wash of soundthat smacks of Perry's infamous knob-twiddling. Interestingly, Perry's avant-garde leanings balance perfectly with the Heptones' old-school vibe, lending their doo-wop-flavoured harmonies a contemporary edge, while never undercutting the group's authenticity.
Unlike some of the Heptones' other '70s material, this album has a bright R&B feel, with Leroy Sibbles's excellent singing and songwriting at its peak and the beautiful vocals of Earl Morgan and Barry Llewellyn floating through the production like a mist. The songs cover romance ("Crying Over You"), social issues ("Serious Time"), political commentary ("Mr. President"), and traditional Rasta themes ("Sufferer's Time"). The carpe diem anthem of the title track and the band's treatment of Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Released" are particular highlights. PARTY TIME was--for good reason--the Heptones' most successful international release.

Customer Reviews

The most marvellous party...
The Heptones had been together since the '60s, and they made some terrific sides for Coxsone at Studio One (the immortal "Pretty Looks Isn't All, perhaps the best). But this is their finest hour. Teaming up their fantastic harmonies and head 'Tone Leroy Sibble's songwriting and arranging skills with the master of the Black Ark, Lee "Scratch" Perry's peerless production is a masterstroke.

Those familiar with the dense, yet soft and sweet Black Ark sound will love this, as will those who love great Jamaican harmony singing. It's a timeless sound. Anyone with any interest in roots reggae at all should own this wonderful record. Particular highlights are the title track, "Mr President", "Sufferer's Time" and "Crying Over You". Their take on "I Shall Be Released" isn't half bad either.