Today we say fare-thee-well to Junior Murvin… Probably best known for his 1976 tune Police and Thieves which features Murvin’s distinctive soaring falsetto. He passed away in his Port Antonio home this morning. Murvin’s Lee “Scratch” Perry produced album “Police and Thieves” is widely regarded as one of the “Holy Trinity”* records from Perry’s Black Ark period.
His records have been a staple in my house since I was a kid*. There is something about that vocal that can swing your mood in seconds. I can’t help smile and close my eyes when I listen to Junior. A true favourite.
While there is bound to be a lot of lip service paid to the song Police and Thieves as well as its celebrated cover versions, I thought I might focus on some other Murvin gold for a tribute Sound System…
Junior Murvin - I was Appointed
Junior Murvin- Tedious
Junior Murvin - Guitar + Dub
Junior Murvin - Bad Weed
Junior Murvin - Police & Thieves (Full Album)
*The others being Max Romeo and The Upsetters – War ina Babylon and The Congos - Heart of the Congos and sometimes The Heptones - Party Time