CHUNE

Riddim: N/A

Producer: Lee “Scratch” Perry

Just heard the news that the great Max Romeo has passed on at the age of 80. That’s longer than many get, and he made the most of it. War Ina Babylon, recorded at Black Ark with Scratch Perry, was his magnum opus. While Perry wrote many of the songs for Romeo’s clear tenor, I’ve always been partial to Romeo’s sole songwriting contribution to Side A, “Uptown Babies.” Alongside the holy fire of the other three tunes, it’s a sufferer’s lament for the youth; a little sentimental, sure, but no less affecting for it.

Additional Listening:

• Max Romeo, “Wet Dream” (1969): His first solo hit, and in retrospect a novelty, considering how his music would evolve.

• Performing “Uptown Babies” in 2018: In his 70s, and still going strong. Rest easy, Mr. Romeo.