Lee Perry - Bafflin’ Smoke Signal

An undoubted Perry classic, 33RPM 7" on Black Art, released in 1978. This was another of the precious singles stored in John Peel's special record box.

Jo-Ann Greene wrote a neat song review at All Music:

Know your enemy is obviously a maxim that Lee Perry took to heart, which explains his fascination with the tumultuous times experienced by the Catholic Church in 1978. Pope Paul VI died in August that year, only for his successor, Pope John Paul I, to unexpectedly expire after a mere 33 days in office.

As an affirmed Rastafarian, Perry watched these momentous events with bemusement, and when time and again the "Baffling Smoke Signal" rose in Vatican City, a sign that the College of Cardinals had yet to agree on John Paul's successor, The Upsetter takes this smudged smoke as an omen of the obvious supremacy of the Rastafarian faith.

"Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord God Jah Rastafari, and he that speaketh lies shall perish," Perry cheerfully begins his bashing of the Church, combining two separate quotes from Proverbs. This wasn't the first time he had attacked Catholicism or it's supreme head, but rarely had he taken such delight in doing so.

Perry's lyrics are inspired, blending Biblical quotes and Rastafarian tenets to prove Jah's primacy, and through careful reasoning adeptly discredits other beliefs. Double tracking his own vocals so he harmonize with himself just adds to Perry's potency, and reveling in others' misery, The Upsetter has never sounded quite so happy or relaxed. As do The Upsetters themselves, who cheerfully reel out a the infectious accompaniment, which sparkles in the breeze. Catholics would obviously disagree with his thesis, but there's no denying that "Baffling" is a masterpiece, Perry at his vocal, lyrical and musical best.

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