Junior Murvin’s 1987 Version of “Police and Thieves” Makes its Streaming Debut
Junior Murvin’s “Police And Thieves”, originally recorded in 1976 at Lee “Scratch” Perry’s Black Ark studio in Kingston, Jamaica, remains, to this day, as one of the most enduring classics of the roots era. In 1987, this timeless reggae anthem was re-recorded by Murvin for one of digital dancehall’s key architects, King Jammy, reimagined for a new generation. On July 25, Greensleeves Records are reissuing this overlooked remake as a single digitally for the first time ahead of the upcoming full-length JuniorMurvin album “Cool Down The Heat”, produced by King Jammy, on August 22.
Inspired by the violence and political tensions in the lead up to the 1976 general elections in Jamaica, “Police and Thieves” tells a story of escalating violence and distrust between law enforcement and the community, particularly in Kingston. Upon release, the song became a hit tune on the island, featuring heavily on the big sounds of the day; at the same time, the song’s message also resonated with another community over four thousand miles away in Britain. The summer of ’76 was an absolute scorcher over in the UK, and tensions between the police and the black community were at boiling point, culminating in violent clashes at Notting Hill Carnival in August. “Police And Thieves” rang out across the streets of West London, becoming an anthem for the downtrodden and forgotten. After the riots, Joe Strummer and Paul Simonon of The Clash were inspired to create their own iconic “punk reggae” version for their eponymous debut album.
Flash forward to 1987, and the song’s message was still relevant in Jamaica and around the world; however, the music of Jamaica had undergone a digital revolution, thanks in part to King Jammy, who encouraged Murvin to re-record his signature song. This digital relick sounds as fresh in 2025 as it did in ’87, with Murvin’s trademark falsetto sitting perfectly on Jammy’s riddim section, comprised of the hitmakers of the era Wycliffe ‘Steely’ Johnsonand Cleveland ‘Clevie’ Brown.
