Review | The Upsetters – Haunted House

In tandem with the reissue of Dennis Walks’ 7-inch Belly Lick single (review here), Harlem Shuffle Records from the UK has unveiled a rare recording by The Upsetters. Initially issued in 1970 in Jamaica under the Upsetters banner and later in the UK via Trojan Records’ offshoot, Spinning Wheel, the scarcity of titles on this label continues to attract collectors, evidenced by the exorbitant sums found in the resale market.

The 1970 Spinning Wheel release credits Melanie Jonas as the producer—although she was one of Lee Perry’s many girlfriends, the reasoning behind her producer credit remains unclear. It is very likely that Lee Perry himself was behind the production. Additionally, the single is featured in the Trojan box set, Haunted House – The Skinhead Sevens Boxset, which also commands high prices on the second-hand market.

The single’s A-side and B-side both showcase reinterpretations of Spinning Wheel, the hit song that propelled Blood, Sweat & Tears to global acclaim in 1969. Lee Perry’s unmistakable style transforms these covers into radical departures from the original’s smooth, jazzy vibe. In particular, Haunted House stands out with its wildly eccentric reimagining, as though an alien force had taken over Perry’s creative process, featuring a driving bassline and unconventional drum pattern that veers away from traditional reggae riddims. Meanwhile, the B-side, Double Wheel, remains more grounded, courtesy of the organ that reintroduces recognizable motifs from the original. An utterly extravagant 7-inch release!