In 1976, Max Romeo released War Ina Babylon, an album produced by Lee "Scratch" Perry that would become one of the hallmarks of the Black Ark Studios-era, and reggae music as a whole. Forty years later, Romeo has reunited with Perry on a new album called Horror Zone, on which you'll find "Give Thanks To Jehovah." The song's music video, premiering above, is a charming stop-motion animation directed by Adam Cutts and Mark Swell, tracking Perry's singular talents. Namely, that his ability to take a song to the next level resembles a magic carpet ride to another planet.
Daniel Boyle, who produced Horror Zone, described Max Romeo's influence and unhindered abilites in an email to The FADER. "Max has a unique and instantly recognizable voice. The way he starts so many of his songs's opening lines with the highest and hardest note to hit proves his singing talent is still as strong today in his 70's as it was back in his youth. Artists like Max, who were on the ground during the struggle of the 1970's golden era of reggae in Jamaica; are the foundation of so much modern music we take for granted. We owe them a lot."
photo by Nick Caro
