A Junior Byles – Got The Tip
B I-Roy – Space Flight
This reissue from Skank and Groove offers another glimpse in Jamaica’s golden era of music, featuring two standout tracks from Lee Perry’s pre-Black Ark period.
The A-side features Junior Byles’ excellent 1971 vocal cut, Got The Tip, a song where his raw yet melodic delivery perfectly captures the soulful depth of Jamaican music at the time. With its socially conscious lyrics and hypnotic Upsetters riddim, the track allows Byles’ distinctive voice to take center stage. His vocal delivery conveys an urgency and frustration that mirrors the everyday struggles faced by many Jamaicans during this period.
Flipping to the B-side, I-Roy’s deejay cut, Space Flight, showcases the more experimental side of 1970s reggae. True to form, I-Roy delivers a top-tier talk-over, skillfully navigating a theme that was rare for its time. The dub-infused, outer-space Upsetters riddim elevates the track, turning Space Flight into an immersive listening experience.
This release is a testament to Perry’s early production genius and the artistry of two of Jamaica’s finest artists, offering both historical insight and timeless riddims. A must-have for fans of reggae classics.