A great global showcase for the growing power of Bob Marley – an excellent live set recorded in London in 1975, and a date that shows Bob and The Wailers working with the crowd in this really universal spirit! The group's almost got a funkier current here than on some of their studio record – and their sharp edges are warmed up by female backing vocals which seem almost to act as a bridge between Marley's lead, and the very enthusiastic spirit of the crowd! The whole thing's great – and titles include totally burning versions of "Trenchtown Rock", "Burnin & Lootin", "Them Belly Full", "Lively Up Yourself", "No Woman, No Cry", "I Shot The Sheriff", and "Get Up Stand Up". LP, Vinyl record album

A classic double live album from Bob Marley & The Wailers – presented and packaged at a level that's really a cut above the usual set of that nature from the time! The group's in excellent form in a concert setting – and there's more than enough magic here to warrant the extended length of the set – as Marley and the group really open up on some classics, as well as some other gems that maybe even sparkle more on this album. Titles include "Exodus", "Stir It Up", "Rat Race", "Concrete Jungle", "Lively Up Yourself", "Is This Love", "Punky Reggae Party", "Heathen", "Jamming", and "Kinky Reggae". LP, Vinyl record album

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A posthumous album from the great Bob Marley – but one that's every bit as important as all the classics that were released during his too-short lifetime! The record really continues that righteous power of the later Bob Marley years on Island – that global scope in both the music's power, and Bob's vision for change in the world – sometimes issued at a more personal level, but always with a spirit that's strong enough to inspire the generations who've grabbed onto this album as a favorite. Titles include "Chant Down Babylon", "Buffalo Soldier", "Mix Up Mix Up", "Blackman Redemption", "Jump Nyabinghi", "Stiff Necked Fools", "I Know", and "Trench Town". LP, Vinyl record album

... 7-inch, Vinyl record

Sweet grooves from the great Bob Marley – a set cut at a time when Marley was really riding his international fame – and able to create the kind of music that reached out way more than conventional reggae! The Kingston roots of the sound are still very firmly in place – but there's also a more globally-expansive vision here too – partly the tight production on the music, partly the warm feelings that ebb and flow throughout the entire set – a vibe that's very different than American soul, and which has turned out to be surprisingly encompassing over the years. Titles include "Is This Love", "Running Away", "Kaya", "Satisfy My Soul", "Easy Skanking", "Sun Is Shining", "She's Gone", "Misty Morning", "Crisis", and "Time Will Tell". LP, Vinyl record album

A breakthrough album from Bob Marley – a set that was recorded equally in Kingston and London, and which has a globe-spanning vibe to match! Marley's star had already been rising by the time of this set – but this album helped cement both his lasting power, and the worldwide influence of the music that Jamaica was bringing forth – served up by a sharp lineup that includes Aston "Family Man" Barrett on bass, Carlton Barrett on drums and percussion, Touter on piano and organ, and Al Anderson on lead guitar – as well as soulful backing from the I-Threes. A good chunk of the record was recorded at Harry J's – not as tightly as some of the later Island Records material – and titles include the classics "Lively Up Yourself", "No Woman No Cry", "Rebel Music", "Natty Dread" and "Talkin' Blues". This reissue includes a 10th bonus track, "Am-A-Do". CD

The original ska rendition! 7-inch, Vinyl record

... 7-inch, Vinyl record

A righteous classic from the legendary Bob Marley – and a set that really pushed the roots reggae sound strongly into the mainstream – almost making the mode the defining global understanding of Jamaican music, thanks to the power and presence of the album! All the Marley Tuff Gong modes are gelling perfectly here – bad-stepping rhythms from The Wailers, sweet backup from the I-Threes, and even some great guitar lines from Chinna Smith – all to complement Marley's tremendous vocal power in the lead – rising here with majesty on tracks that include the classic "Roots, Rock, Reggae", plus "Crazy Baldhead","Rat Race", "Night Shift", "Positive Vibration", 'Who The Cap Fit", "Cry To Me", "Johnny Was", and "Want More". LP, Vinyl record album

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... 7-inch, Vinyl record

A record that's got maybe the cheesiest cover of any album by Bob Marley – and a set that's a bit notorious, too – as producer Lee Perry never shared money with the Wailers for the first few years of release! Still, the package is a key part of the Bob Marley story – especially in the years before greater fame on the Island label – as the early Trojan Records release brought together a host of key sides recorded by the group that included Bob and Peter Tosh – all produced by a young Lee Perry with some nicely dark currents in the rhythms that are perfectly balanced by Marley's lead and the harmonies of the trio. The cuts were recorded at Randy's, and titles include "Soul Rebel", "Try Me", "It's Alright", "No Sympathy", "My Cup", "Soul Almighty", "Rebel's Hop", "Corner Stone", "Four Hundred Years", "No Water", "Reaction", and "My Sympathy". CD

One of the sharpest, most righteous albums from Bob Marley – in case you couldn't guess from the title, which is his response to a recent assassination attempt! The whole thing's got a very classic vibe – and the lyrics have even more of a political current than some of Marley's other music from the period – a renewed sense of purpose that rises with a global anthemic power that really echoes the different national spirits pictured on the cover! Titles include "Ambush The Night", "Ride Natty Ride", "One Drop", "So Much Trouble", "Zimbabwe", "Wake Up & Live", "Africa Unite", and "Top Rankin". LP, Vinyl record album

Marley's last studio LP, this effort shows there was no letting up, either in his political stance or fiery songwriting. With the solid original rhythm section of Family Man & Carlton Barrett and the beautiful backing harmonies of the I-Three's, this set includes classic takes of "Redemption Song", "Could You Be Loved", "Bad Card", "We & Dem" and "Coming In From the Cold". LP, Vinyl record album

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Great early work by Bob Marley & The Wailers – some of it produced by the legendary Lee Perry, too! Some of the tunes are early takes on later famous versions – but in a way, they're actually more definitive – in that they tie Marley back to the rich Kingston culture, instead of making him some beatific figure who emerged to greatness on his own. The rougher edge is a great contrast to Marley during the Island years – as you'll hear on tunes that include "Lively Up Yourself","Small Axe", "Duppy Conqueror", "African Herbsman", "Sun Is Shining", "Keep On Moving", "Don't Rock The Boat", and "Kaya". LP, Vinyl record album

One of the last great tracks from Bob Marley – a message of righteous power that's had lasting energy over the decades! The single presents the original acoustic version solo, which is incredibly moving, plus a full band version – and it also includes a live take on the mid 70s classic "I Shot The Sherrif"! 12-inch, Vinyl record

A key part of the Bob Marley story – especially in the years before greater fame on the Island label – as the early Trojan Records release brought together a host of key sides recorded by the group that included Bob and Peter Tosh – all produced by a young Lee Perry with some nicely dark currents in the rhythms that are perfectly balanced by Marley's lead and the harmonies of the trio. The cuts were recorded at Randy's, and titles include "Soul Rebel", "Try Me", "It's Alright", "No Sympathy", "My Cup", "Soul Almighty", "Rebel's Hop", "Corner Stone", "Four Hundred Years", "No Water", "Reaction", and "My Sympathy". LP, Vinyl record album

... LP, Vinyl record album

Maybe the best place to start if you're looking to dive into the short but incredible legacy of music left behind by Bob Marley – as the album marked a real global turning point for the singer, and includes a number of tracks that are still his standout classics after all these years! The set was recorded in London, but with a nicely understated sound – just the right focus on all the best elements of the Wailers sound – in a way that creates a magical flow throughout. And sure, some of the cuts here are some of Bob's biggest hits ever – but heard in the context of the core album, they've got a lot more righteous power than when they're cribbed for a commercial or a TV soundtrack. Titles include "Natural Mystic", "Three Little Birds", "One Love/People Get Ready", "Exodus", "So Much Things To Say", "Guiltiness", "The Heathen", "Jamming", "Waiting In Vain", and "Turn Your Lights Down Low". LP, Vinyl record album

Not the Bob Marley of the famous Island Records years in the 70s, but instead the originator from a few years before – heard here on an excellent collection of early work with The Wailers! The style here is maybe more in line with some of the soul-inspired harmony trios to emerge in Kingston during the second half of the 60s – but already, there's a special sort of vibe to these cuts – especially in the way that Marley's immediately emerged as a hell of a songwriter, with a righteous style that's all his own! The vocals of Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer are fantastic, too – and production is either by the group, or important studio talents like Lee Perry or Leslie Kong. The 24 track set is overflowing with gems – and titles include "Nice Time", "This Train", "Mr Chatterbox", "Wisdom", "Soul Shakedown Party", "Do It Twice", "Soul Captives", "Mellow Mood", "Duppy Conqueror", "My Cup", "No Water", "Small Axe", "Kaya", "Sun Is Shining", "Concrete Jungle", "Lively Up Yourself", "Trench Town Rock", "Who Is Mr Brown", and "Long Long Winter" – the last of which is a great remake of a Curtis Mayfield tune! LP, Vinyl record album

A mighty mighty tribute to the great Bob Marley – served up here by a host of former associates, family members, and Jamaican contemporaries – all in some lively concert performances that really open things up! The double-length set was a great seller at the time, and continues to be a spirited document of this key moment of reggae explosion on the global scene – and titles include "Sound System" and "Ku Klux Klan" by Steep Pulse, "Plastic Smile" and "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner" by Black Uhuru, "The Bed's Too Big Without You" by Sheila Hylton, "Soon Forward" by Gregory Isaacs, "1865" by Third World, "Right Time" by Mighty Diamonds, "If I Had The World" by Dennis Brown, "Belly Full" by Rita Marley & The I-Threes, and "Sugar Pie" by Melody Makers & The Wailers. CD

Music from Bob Marley & The Wailers, U Roy, Dennis Alcapone & Lizzy, the Sensations, Tommy McCook & The Supersonics, John Holt, The techniques, Glen Ricks, Carl Bryan, Toots & The Maytals & more. CD

Bonanza is right! 41 blazing early Studio One tracks that will more than satisfy your ska jones from classic bedrock rhythms to lesser known but no less great numbers, all essential Coxsone Dodd, though! Includes "Nimble Foot Ska" by Roland Alphonso & The Skatalites, "Arte Bella" by Stranger Cole and Ken Boothe, "Streets Of Gold" and "Black Sunday" by the Skatalites, "Old Fowl Ska" and "Bongo Tango"by Roland Alphonso, "Always On Sunday" by Frank Anderson and Tommy McCook with the Skatalites, "Sugar Bag" by Lee King Perry, "Settle Down" by Lester Sterling, Johnnie Moore and Tommy McCook, "Turn Me On" by Ossie & The Upsetters, "Over The River" by the Jiving Juniors, "Du Du Wap" by Chuck & Dobby, "Man In The Street" by Don Drummond, "Simmer Down" by Bob Marley & The Wailers, "Shining Light" by toots & The Maytals, "Sit Down Servant" by Jackie Opel, River Jordan" by Clancy Eccles, "Jeanie Girl" by the Charmers and loads more! CD

Maybe the best place to start if you're looking to dive into the short but incredible legacy of music left behind by Bob Marley – as the album marked a real global turning point for the singer, and includes a number of tracks that are still his standout classics after all these years! The set was recorded in London, but with a nicely understated sound – just the right focus on all the best elements of the Wailers sound – in a way that creates a magical flow throughout. And sure, some of the cuts here are some of Bob's biggest hits ever – but heard in the context of the core album, they've got a lot more righteous power than when they're cribbed for a commercial or a TV soundtrack. Titles include "Natural Mystic", "Three Little Birds", "One Love/People Get Ready", "Exodus", "So Much Things To Say", "Guiltiness", "The Heathen", "Jamming", "Waiting In Vain", and "Turn Your Lights Down Low". CD

Maybe the best place to start if you're looking to dive into the short but incredible legacy of music left behind by Bob Marley – as the album marked a real global turning point for the singer, and includes a number of tracks that are still his standout classics after all these years! The set was recorded in London, but with a nicely understated sound – just the right focus on all the best elements of the Wailers sound – in a way that creates a magical flow throughout. And sure, some of the cuts here are some of Bob's biggest hits ever – but heard in the context of the core album, they've got a lot more righteous power than when they're cribbed for a commercial or a TV soundtrack. Titles include "Natural Mystic", "Three Little Birds", "One Love/People Get Ready", "Exodus", "So Much Things To Say", "Guiltiness", "The Heathen", "Jamming", "Waiting In Vain", and "Turn Your Lights Down Low". This amazing 2CD package not only features a completely remastered version of the core album – but also more material that was discovered from the original session tapes – different versions of songs that really flesh out the rich creative process that went into the album – with detailed notes that support the story as well! CD

A classic moment from Frederick "Toots" Hibbert – a set that's maybe his equivalent to some of the key Island Records albums of the 70s from Bob Marley & The Wailers! Like those, the production here is top-shelf – handled partly by Joe Boyd, who brings a very respectful vibe to the set – and perhaps even goes for more of the soulful currents in Toots' vocals than before – at least in ways that might cross over more to American and British audiences than in the early days. Hibbert really seems to take to the spirit of the moment, and rises up with these beautifully expressive passages – of the sort that he may never have hit this well again! Titles include "Everybody Needs Lovin", "Living In The Ghetto", "So Bad", "Never You Change", "Rastaman", "Premature", and "Reggae Got Soul". LP, Vinyl record album

A hell of a record from bassist Aston Barrett – best known for his work behind Bob Marley during the classic years, but stepping out here as a powerful force on his own – away from the late Great One, and recording here either under his own name, or with The Wailers! As the title implies, these tunes are all instrumentals – work from the pre-dub years, then later work from that generation – a time when the bass was even more crucial than ever, and kind of the glue that could hold together a really great dub! Some tracks were issued on Aston's own Fam's label, and others are from a variety of other obscure 45s from the time – titles that include "Gideons High", "Soul Constitution", "Guided Missile", "Work", "Family Man Skank", "Cobra Style (disco mix)", "Well Pleased (disco mix)", "Tribute To Y Mas Gan", "Rebel Am I", "Distant Drums Version", "Ixes", and "Steppers Rock". LP, Vinyl record album

An odd compilation pulled together by Columbia in the 80s, not because the assortment of tracks is especially out of place or without continuity, but because the set seems mostly to be pulled together to capitalize on reggae's popularity, though it was assembled well after most major labels had given up on cashing in with Jamaican music. Though some material is listed as previously unreleased like Aswad's "Drum & Bass Line" and "African Children", though those tracks were available at the time, but the compilation does have a unique Francois Kevorkian remix of Jimmy Cliff's "Treat The Youths Right", and more than a handful of other nice numbers. 9 tracks in all, the set also includes "One Love" and "Simmer Down" by Bob Marley & The Wailers, "legalize It" and "Stepping Razor" by Peter Tosh, "Blood Stain" by Yellowman and Sister Nancy and "Try Jah Love" by Third World. LP, Vinyl record album

The legendary solo debut of Bunny Wailer – a set that maybe marks him as the most righteous member of The Wailers! The style here is heavy on the roots tip, but there's also a special sort of vibe going on too – these warm currents that are laced with occasional touches of jazz, amidst a mellow-flowing presentation that's right up there with the best of Island Records in the mid 70s – but somehow deeper too! Peter Tosh joins a great lineup that includes Winston Barrett, Robbie Shakespear, Winston Wright, and other Jamaican instrumental giants – but it's definitely Bunny who holds the whole thing together with a spirit that's quite different than his famous previous partner, Bob Marley. Titles include "Blackheart Man", "Rasta Man", "This Train", "Reincarnated Souls", "Armagideon", "The Oppressed Song", "Fig Tree", and "Fighting Against Convictions". CD

A stunning example of the way that the harmony trio had developed in late 60s Jamaica – a short but fantastic evolution of a mode that began in American soul, yet quickly expanded into something else entirely during the rocksteady years – to the point where it became the global calling card of a group like The Wailers! Yet despite the big fame of that group, there were many others working in Kingston who were equally wonderful – case in point is The Kingstonians, a wonderful trio with a very rich vibe – honed to perfection here with the production talents of Derrick Harriott, who makes the record as powerful a statement as any coming from the scene at the start of the 70s. This is the kind of music that should have been passed upwards along the same chain as Bob Marley, but which sadly never fully got its due – which makes it ripe for rediscovery, on titles that include "Hold Down", "Singer Man", "Sufferer", "Nice Nice", "Come We Go Moonwalk", "The Clip", "Rumble Rumble", and "Winey Winey". LP, Vinyl record album

An incredible first chapter of the solo career of Bunny Wailer – material recorded during the same time as the rise of the larger Wailers trio, but which has a special sort of vibe overall – a quality that maybe even predates some of the righteous sounds that Bob Marley would give the world a few years later! The tracks here were all issued as 45s as part of Bunny's Solomonic Productions imprint – a company that took its name from the Song Of Solomon in the Old Testament, which was a key spiritual direction for Bunny – in ways that made his influence so huge during the roots reggae years. And in fact, these cuts are prime roots material, but maybe even go things one better – as there's no sense of wider commercial appeal to the tracks, with a laidback sense of instrumentation and production – all handled by Bunny himself. Titles include "Tread Along", "Bide Up", "Searching For Love", "Armagideon", "Arabs Oil Weapon", "Pass It On", "Life Line", "Rasta Man", "Battering Down Sentence", and "Dream Land". LP, Vinyl record album

A second set of crucial solo work from Bunny Wailer – material that comes from the time when Bob Marley was hitting huge global success on his own, then passed away too early, and left Bunny as one of the key forces to carry on the original ideas of the Wailers trio! And actually, by that time, Bunny had already gone much deeper – stepping out with material like this, from his own Solomonic Productions imprint, which was about as deeply indie as Bob Marley was commercial – keeping things really raw, spare, and laidback on the production tip – as Bunny continued to push a very righteous agenda with some wonderful tunes of his own! There's only a bit of a hint at some of the changes in larger reggae on these tracks – maybe some longer songs that showcase the move towards 12" singles and album tracks, which actually allows for more interesting production and dubbier moments amidst the roots reggae message of the cuts. Titles include "Anti Apartheid", "Solidarity", "Arab Oil Weapon", "Solomonic Dub", "Galang So", "Riding", "Trouble Is On The Road Ahead", "Cease Fire", "Rule Dancehall", and "Love Fire". LP, Vinyl record album

Sweet Jamaican harmony! Harmony groups form a major piece of the Jamaican music tapestry, and Soul Jazz casts their Studio One-centered spotlight on one of the finest batches of Jamaican ensemble soul around! Covering everything from the rocksteady years on up through the late roots era, the groups showcased here deliver smoothly harmonized numbers under Cosxsone Dodd's deft direction, with only a few hewing towards the more raw sound favored by some of the rootsier ensembles, but all over easy Studio One rocking grooves. 19 dynamite numbers in all, with full annotation as with other releases in this Soul Jazz series, including "Solid Foundation" by the Righteous Flames, "Things A Come Up To Bump" by the Bassies, "You Will Never Know" by the Mad Lads, "What Is It" by the Consumates, "The Struggle" by the Viceroys, "Get In The Groove" by the Heptones, "Pick Up The Pieces" by the Royals, "Jah Jah Go Before Us" by the Gladiators, "Love & Affection" by Bob Marley & The Wailers, "Down Presser International" by the Stingers, "Baby Why" by the Cables, "The Pressure Is On" by the Purpleites, "Cheating & Lying" by the Silvertones and more! CD