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Bob Marley and the Wailers - Soul Rebels - TJCCD053 -

You would think wouldn't you that there would be overkill insofar as Bob Marley is concerned but he always sounds fresh and now, no matter how much you hear him and no matter how many rereleases are made. A sign of greatness I guess. Notwithstanding that some of the best tracks on here are let me Peter Tosh and Bunny. A sign of greatness indeed.

We have here the original concept album plus a host of bonus tracks and versions and alternative takes.

The album kicks of with the awesome Soul Rebel, an apt description for a lot of things, not least for the inclusion of such material within the pages of this website. 'Try Me' dismissed in the sleevenotes for being ordinary is wonderful for it's plaintive pleading and simplicity.

'No Sympathy' sees Peter Tosh on lead and interestingly this was apparently earmarkes as a single but never made it.

Tracks like the pleading ' My Cup' start to introduce the biblical and rasta lyrics that were not only successful but heartfelt, not to mention skilful. 'Cornerstone' builds on this and the consciousness starts really to hit with the Peter Tosh's revolutionary 'Four Hundred years'

As was often the case with the change of producer an older track was updated, here 'Rebel's Hop' updates Rude Boy Ska interspersed with 'Cloud Nine'. 'Reaction' contains a great lead and excellent harmonies, the kind of harmonies that you knid of forget that were so important to Wailers music all the way through.

Of the extra tracks there is Bunny Wailer's Dreamland. For me no matter how great the Bob Marley tracks are, this is absolutely tops. Bunny is a great vocalist, full stop. This adaptation is a superb track, as is an ever later adaptation by Third World. Just one of the great songs. Love it.

'Dracul' is a weird one - strange organ indeed! An alternative take of 'Soul Rebel' is good, much sparser than the album take. 'Duppy Conqueror' of course is one of the best, not on this album, but a version called 'Zig Zag'. 'Jah is might' is a version of 'Cornerstone'.

Peter Tosh in his greatness can be found on the excellent 'Brand New Second Hand', a mellow ballad, strong lead and great harmonies. Great laid back Version too.

Concluding with the Rasta influenced 'Downpressor' to the 'Sinner Man' rhythm

 

 

 

 

 

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