Originally released more than a decade ago, Chicken Scratch possesses an indisputable ability to make a tangible cross section of Lee Perry fans cringe. Of course, only those fans who can not appreciate a good ska beat will feel that way. Unfortunately, that proportion of fans probably makes up the bulk of Perry listeners. Deep roots, echo chamber sound effects and crashes are expected from any Perry release, regardless of how early the recordings may be. Chronologically, these tracks represent some of the earliest sides from this would be Jamaican musical giant.

Backing him throughout these offerings are graduates of the Alpha Boys School: better known as the Skatalites. Supplementing the historical aspect of Perry’s career, the Skatalites early on in their short lived initial phase were a house band, albeit one of the best ever assembled. And here we are given the chance to listen in on the prototypical motions of the group. “Feel Like Jumping” should be familiar to anyone who has entertained the notion of purchasing a pork pie hat, considering the music is also used for “Fat Man” by Derrick Morgan. Similarly, “Tackoo” is also the Alton Ellis tune “Ska Beat”, from Skatalites and Friends at Randy’s. Given these recycled rhythms, it’s interesting to hear Perry make use of a familiar tune and experience his oddly pleasing voice, though he may not adhere to the singing standards of either Ellis or Morgan.

Again, for those looking for dub, it won’t be located here. What is similar between this and later work by Perry, or anyone else from the island, is the inclusion of religiously themed lyrics. Between “Rape Bait” and the groaning proclamation at the beginning of “Roast Duck” are songs like “By Saint Peter”. Traditional themes of sixties Jamaican music are explored as well: like family trouble and having problems with those damnable rudies.

Outstanding, this release is not. And in-fact, if this happened to be led by another personage, there ostensibly would be little interest. Even with the additional tracks that supplement the re-release and the strength of the solitary standout, “Hand to Hand”, there are incalculable better ska discs to spend that i-Tunes gift card on.