Beat Down Babylon

Kerrie ‘Junior’ Byles was born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1948 and developed into one of reggae’s foremost voices, initially as the lead voice in rocksteady trio The Versatiles, then as a solo artist in the 70s. Working closely with producer Lee Perry, Byles released a series of beautiful (and often politically astute) 45s before his debut album, 1972’s Beat Down Babylon. The album is a masterpiece of song, voice and production – Perry is both imaginative yet subtle, never overshadowing Byles, who should have developed into one of the great roots reggae stars of the 1970s but mental health problems sidelined him.

At times he re-entered the studio to cut strong new material but he was unable to capitalise on interest. Thus to the reissue of Beat Down Babylon; as Doctor Bird do with their excellent series of reissues, they add extra tracks from the album sessions and an entire CD of Byles’ 1973-75 recordings (plus excellent sleeve notes by Perry biographer David Katz). Opening with the joyous ‘(Festival) Da Da’, the album’s ten songs – including the ominous title-track – are a stunning document. ‘All my life I’ve been kicked around,’ Byles sings on ‘I’ve Got a Feeling’ and you believe him.