CHUNE

Riddim: Police and Thieves

Producer: Lee “Scratch” Perry

What’s a few weeks (well, almost a month) among friends? Back in the nick of time with a Junior Murvin cut that’s taken up residence in my skull as of late. Murvin and his wicked falsetto are likely best known for “Police & Thieves,” which broke into mainstream awareness first thanks to The Clash’s cover and then via inclusion the Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrel soundtrack. And when you’ve got a track like the one Scratch and The Upsetters cooked up, you don’t let it go to waste: “Bad Weed,” also voiced over the riddim, appeared as an extended “discomix” on Murvin’s album Police & Thieves, then got the requisite 12″ release, complete with misspelled artist name. Come on, Scratch!

Additional Listening:

• Junior Murvin, “Badman Posse” (1982): Murvin’s post-Black Ark output never quite matched the acclaim of Police & Thieves, but I’ve always been partial to this one. This is a lesson to all youthman—keep a cool head, and stay away from the wrong posse…

• Murvin performs “Police and Thieves” live on “Top of the Pops” in 1980: Those British teens are feeling it.

• Luciano, “Police and Thieves” (2007): The Messenger over a Sly & Robbie re-lick. Nothing not to like there.