Eternal Thunder - Radio Scratch

Radio Scratch

Radio Scratch is Eternal Thunder's monthly podcast. Hosted by Mick Sleeper, these 60 minute programs will concentrate on a certain era or theme in Scratch's work. Featuring rare music, commentary, and special guest selecters, Radio Scratch is a must for any serious Scratch fan. Listen for a new program every month.

This month: Double Upsetting (May 2008)

Any Lee Perry fan will notice pretty quickly that he made some pretty strange music over the years. Even when Scratch's sonic experiments were more restrained, they were still interesting. A selection of some of the wildest and weirdest tunes that Scratch has made.

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Make a donation

Radio Scratch and Eternal Thunder cost money to host and maintain every year. Also, Mick Sleeper likes to buy beer and reggae records after all this hard work. If you would like to donate a few dollars via PayPal, it would be greatly appreciated.

Archive editions

Soul Fire (April 2008)
Any serious reggae fan knows the huge debt reggae owes to American soul and funk. Scratch loved soul music, and throughout his career, many of his productions were either covers of soul tunes, or inspired by the sounds of soul. Mick Sleeper selects the most Upsetting, including tunes from Dave Barker, Jimmy Riley, George Earl and more.

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Everyone Have Their Works (March 2008)
Radio Scratch celebrates its second anniversary with a crucial selection of Lee Perry productions from all eras. Includes killer tunes from Mystic I, Alton Ellis, The Heptones and more.

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Upsetters A Go Go (February 2008)
By the mid 1970s, the flood of instrumentals that Scratch was cutting with the Upsetters had slowed to a trickle. However, with the jazz-inspired Musical Bones and Return Of Wax, Scratch and friends proved that they still had some crucial instrumental vibes up their sleeves. A selection of killer and seldom-heard Upsetters instrumentals from all eras.

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Upsetting Version Galore (January 2008)
As any reggae fan knows, it is common practice in Jamaican music for producers to use the same rhythm track more than once. Lee Perry did this perhaps better than any other producer, creating something new and fresh with his versions instead of just a carbon copy. This episode features some killer rhythm showers featuring some of Scratch's best-known rhythms including "Beat Down Babylon", "Words Of My Mouth", "Tighten Up" and more.

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Scratch & His Rainbow Throne (December 2007)
Although Scratch never released a solo album in the 1970s other than Roast Fish Collie Weed And Cornbread, his work as a singer from this era can be very heavy. Mick Sleeper selects some of the best tunes with Scratch behind the microphone.

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Return Of The Midnight Dread (November 2007)
From his secret laboratory in Montana, Doug Wendt AKA The Midnight Dread returns to Radio Scratch with a heavy duty and very eclectic set of music. Featuring rare shots from Tinga Stewart and Brent Dowe, Ras Michael, and the Upsetter himself. You can check out more of Doug's runnings at www.midnightdread.com.

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DJs Upset The Nation (October 2007)
Lee Perry was one of the first producers to hop on the DJ train with the historic "Rightful Ruler" by U Roy. After that, a number of top ranking DJs such as I Roy, Dillinger, Dennis Alcapone, Big Youth, Jah Lion, and Prince Django all cut crucial platters for Scratch. Non stop DJ business with Lee Perry at the controls.

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Leo Graham (September 2007)
Leo Graham's distinctive voice is a favourite with fans. Although he was certainly not as prolific as other reggae artists, Graham's music was always solid. Radio Scratch presents a crucial selection of Leo Graham tunes with Lee Perry in the producer's chair, from his early scorchers with The Bleechers to the heavier Black Ark vibes.

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The Last Days Of The Black Ark (July 2007)
1978 was a crucial year in Lee Perry's career, and not in a good way. As the pressure built, it was the beginning of the end of the Black Ark. However, the final year of the Black Ark produced some dynamite music.

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Chapter 2 Of Barkology (June 2007)
Mick Sleeper is pressed for time this month. So with one eye on the clock, he digs deep into his collection and selects more seldom heard killers from the Black Ark and beyond. Featuring dynamite tunes from The Stingers, Max Romeo, Leo Graham, and more.