5 comments about Songs of Freedom.

1. bob Marley just touches my heart when i listen to him. it reminds me of the evolution.



2. I ordered this for my husband, a huge Bob Marley fan, and he listens to it all the time. It is great to hear different versions of the classics. I also enjoy these cd's a lot.



3. Yeah, this is another 5 star album from Bob (all of his are 5 stars). The only thing I would say about this is that if you are going to spend the money to buy this, you're probably wanting A LOT of Bob Marley. I would recommend getting his studio albums first (Catch A Fire, Burnin', Natty Dread, Rastaman Vibration, Exodus, Kaya, Survival, Uprising, and Confrontation). After you have those you may want to get some live Marley, so check out Live at the Roxy and Babylon By Bus. Finally, if you still need more Bob, get this box set. It has a lot of rare stuff on it that you'll definitely enjoy if you like all of those other albums.



4. Everyone who likes Reggae Music must have this CD.
   Simply the best of Bob Marley...



5. Out of all the Christmas gifts I have received today, one stands clear as my favorite: "Songs Of Freedom", a four cd boxed set compiling 88 classic Marley tunes, a vast number of which are rarities. Alternate takes, never or rarely heard performances (starting with his first recordings with Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston dating back to 1964) and much more. The sound quality is quite good, as are the sequencing and the liner notes.
   
   Bob Marley was an incredibly kind, loving, talented, nurturing and intelligent individual, and "Songs Of Freedom" is a testament to just how great this man truly was and how his message still rings true today: a message of peace, unity, love, tolerance, freedom and faith. This is a must have for all music fans, as no record collection is complete without anything by Bob Marley.

5 comments about Arkology.

1. Let me first start off by saying if you are a lover of music then you must jam with this not just for reggae fans i repeat but lovers of music. This is great to any collectors library of music this is history placed in music form. Nothing on this compilation is filler strickly killer on these disks rub a dub at it's best. do not play around get this immediately i listen to all types of music and this is one of the ebst purchases i have ever made in my music buying career. Please listen to these cd's and feel the essence of africa and jamaic coming through your speakers and divinity as well.



2. This is one of my most valued sets in my entire collection. The grooves in it are so thick with bass. The vocals are deeply soulful. Many tracks induce hypnosis and involuntary swaying. Every cut, every dub is classic. I'm at a loss for words to describe how amazing, how mesmerizing these performances are. They're superbly arranged / produced. As strong an example of the beauty of analog recording as I've ever heard; it's perfect here.



3. I first heard some of the selections from Lee Perry's catalogue from a friend who recorded it on tape from a radio broadcast while he was in the navy stationed off the Rock of Gibraltor! I guess they were showcasing Lee, because many of the selections on these discs, and from "Heart of the Congos" was on that broadcast. I was just floored at the time. My exposure to reggae consisted of Bob Marley (of course), Jimmy Cliff, and Toots and the Maytells, but this just made me think "Ok I've finally found the real reggae vibe" which might not have been exactly true, but I felt it! Anyone who isn't familiar with Lee Perry's sound needs to get this set right away, and be transported away with it.



4. Just the best. Not something for words. Something to listen to. Buy. Listen, Listen again. Listen loud with your children.
   "Lucifah, son of the morning, I'm gonna chase you out of ert !!"
   Genius is close to insanity as Lee shows.
   "Babylon mash up da seed and blamin da Rastaman".



5. This set is like listening to Mozart play a 4-track. As good as music can get without The Wailers.

5 comments about Reggae Ambassadors: 20th Anniversary Collection.

1. this two disc set is a primer for those just getting their first taste of the "reggae ambasssdors" their early work fits seamlessly with their later work. i have been a fan since the mid-seventies and my entire cd collection was lost through no fault of my own. if you are just hearing them or hearing OF them this two disc set is a great starter set. there is no weak or subpar track on the set.
   
   thanks for reading
   
   stephen crockett



2. If you are a fan of 3rd World, this is a must. It contains all of their big hits from the early 1970s up until the early 1990s. Reggae changed a great deal in those years - ranging from slow political roots reggae of the early 1970s to the disco/electro pop influence of the late 1970s/early 1980s and then to the dance hall sound of the late 1980s/early 1990s. 3rd World's music catalogue seems to change effortlessly with the times from "96 Degrees in the Shade," to "Try Jah Love," to "Commited." I am not a big fan of box sets, but this one is a must, even for those who don't know much about reggae, this will be a great intro.



3. Ok. 96 degrees. Brilliant stuff. Then what? Disco sell out mess. If you like roots reggae DO NOT buy this CD. Buy 96 degrees and maybe some early stuff. If you like Abba's Dancing Queen a lot, then go ahead and purchase the collection. Make sure you own some Abba first.
   
   I imagine their agent or label suggested recording mainstream disco crossover songs with a Jamaican feel. Most of their songs are what you would expect from a band at a Montego Bay hotel. Sad as when you listen to songs on their great 96 album, you will hear some of the most unique and creative songs recorded in the genre.



4. Nice 31 song double disk retrospective covering 1975-1992. Easily the most diverse of any reggae band, with a lot of R&B and African influences with rock guitar. Good liner notes, B&W photos and the songs are chronological. Special guests include Stevie Wonder and the Brecker Brothers.



5. This disc has an appropriate and telling title, "Reggae Ambassadors." They were and still are one of the best bands to have surfaced despite Bob Marley getting most of the attention then and now. Third World were contemporaries of Bob Marley and I was lucky enough to have seen them both on the same stage. Third World have some of the sweetest soulful vocals that is reminiscent of the best American soul dating back to the 60's. This is not to say that the music is only reggae soul but rather a hybrid that flucuates and integrates the patois of the streets.There music is the best of both worlds with a highly polished yet raw sound. The songs featured on this disc are some of their best songs from the various LP's they released.There are several live songs, including "Jah Glory," "African Woman," and "Breaking Up is Hard to Do." The two discs features songs from thirteen different albums so there are bound to be some songs missing. Most of the signature Third World songs are here like "96 Degrees in The Shade," "Always Around" and "Talk to Me." There are also some oddities, previously unreleased songs, DJ edits and( including a 8:15 version of "Now That We Found Love") 12 inch versions of several songs. This deluxe two disc set is part of the Looking Forward to Looking Back Chronicles where the intent is to discover again. If your reggae knowledge is limited and you are just discovering Jamaicas sweet sound than give Third World a listen. They had great vocals, sweet harmony and music that was danceable while the lyrics stimulated your mind. A great package from one the best bands to emerge from the world of reggae music.

4 comments about The Reggae Box.

1. Despite the fact that some of the biggest names in reggae are missing (Lee "Scratch" Perry, Israel Vibrations, Alton Ellis, etc) this reggae box rules for two reasons:
   
   1 - The song slection is pretty killer
   2 - It acts as an excellent introduction to anyone looking to jump into reggae with both feet.
   
   So put aside Beanie Man, sell your Matisyahu and trade in your Sean Paul CDs and pick this puppy up instead.



2. An incredible follow-up to last year's equally delicious Funk Box. The fact that there is an entire disc of early ska/rocksteady was good enough for me to buy this. All 4 discs are perfect, non stop party music that everyone will enjoy. The packaging is stunning (you'll see what I mean the second you open it), the essays are very informative and well thought out and the track-by-track annotations tell the whole story. Everyone is on here (and although there is no solo Peter Tosh, he is in the Wailers who have 2 songs on Disc 2). So this is standing next to my Funk Box now (which you should pick up if you haven't already). Beautiful box. #1 X-mas present to all my friends and family this year. This box does indeed acquaint you with the "Routes of Jamaican Music." Buy this yesterday!! Rated A+ (5 STARS IN TOWER'S PULSE MAGAZINE THIS MONTH!). Jah Rastafari! This box has made the I-Man Irie! Peace-Jah Lion!



3. Just one remark on this set.
   Great to get an overview on Jamaican reggae but some big guys are
   missing LKJ, Israel Vibration anf off course Lee "Scrtach" Perry.
   So I would say: GOOD bur NOT ENOUGH



4. This is an awesome 4-CD-Set chock full of rarities going back to the early '60s up to the present...hardbound book featuring the history of "Jamaican Music"...more popular today spreading the genre through words and music gathering new listeners and fans along the way.

   Total: four-CD-Set ~ Universal/Hip-O/Island 314-560-929-2 ~ (2001)

2 comments about Trojan Box Set: Rare Groove.

1. yes, this is one of the better ones. when i heard SOME HAVING A BAWL, i was like YES INDEED, SIR!!!! i was surprised at how much i liked the dj/version stuff, the instrumentals, and the original tracks that the versions came from. along with the ROCKSTEADY joint and the MOD, i would recommend this to anyone who likes that golden age of reggae.



2. Right, I'll be honest, the first cd has only one good tune, Owen Grays 'Reggae Dance'.But it's a damn fine tune at that.The 2nd cd is a corker, Bongo Herman has two classic tunes on this disc.'Chairman Of The Board',(with Bingy Bunny and Les) is an amazing version of 'The Liquidator', and 'African Breakfast' is a beautiful rolling instumental.Also worth noting is Audrey Rollins' 'Repatriation'.The rhythm you may recognise from I.Roys classic 'Musical Drum Sound'-the nyahbingi drumming is missing but it is a damn fine tune never-the-less.Cd 3 features the mighty I.Roy himself, with 'High Jacking', his heavy heavy version of Horace Andys 'Skylarking'. Bongo Herman appears with Bingy Bunny again.-'Ration' is their classic cut to Dennis Browns 'Money In My Pocket'and is guaranteed to get you steppers steppin'.The set closes with a Keith Hudson produced Big Youth tune, 'Can You Keep A Secret', this is my favourite dub tune of all time,complete with mean moody harmonica, and worth the money itself. Other highlights are K.C. Whites 'Anywhere But Nowhere', the beautiful voice from 'No No No', delivering another fine, self-penned tune and Delroy Wilsons extremely rare 'Trying To Wreck Up My Life'.BUY THIS!, you will not be disappointed.

5 comments about Honorary Citizen.

1. I would have liked to have something more for the money. The sound quality, overall, is lacking. It seems as if this set was put together just to cash in on Tosh's name. The Honorary Citizen original song is beyond awful.
   
   The live disc is disjointed. The quality here - as we've seen on other releases - should have been much better.
   
   Truthfully, the militant Tosh comes out far too much here and maybe that is why I give the lukewarm review. I like the sound of disc one and despite the militant feel it is ok.
   
   What to like about the first disc: Here Comes the Sun - outstanding, Legalize It Version - cool dub version, Dracula (Vampire Version) - I do love this song.
   
   If you're new to Tosh and want to get the best introduction try Legalize It. That was one of my first Peter Tosh purchases and I loved everything about it.



2. I confer with the review by c~insano. The glue on my boxset became loose also. I give it four stars because the collection starts at 1967, Tosh had been singing lead since 1964. The list of Tosh's complete recordings is a treat. There are so many on the list that hadn't been released when I bought it, like "Crimson Pirate," but that was released on the album Arise Blackman Arise. Many songs weren't on the complete list like "Little Green Apples," or "Blowing in the Wind."



3. My set is defective. The glue that holds the plastic cd holders to the cardboard box came undone a few weeks after I got it. The sound quality on all three cds sounds lousy and the volume has to be turned up to hear it at a regular level. The first Early Singles disc is awesome. I got my set when it first came out like 5 years ago so they may have fixed the quality problems since then. Too expensive for what you get.



4. I am very happy with this box set. I have a ton of Peter Tosh in my vast reggae collection and this box set is a nice little addition. Although it doesn't cover as much as I'd like it to cover (there could be a disc four in my opinion) , it does do well in capturing his authoritative and militant voice through his beautiful music. Peter was a Wailer as in Bob Marley and the Wailers and he, as Peter would say, "decorated Bob's music and made it beautiful". Although he has been over shadowed by Bob Marley's success with reggae, he stands on his own in that world and equally with Bob in my opinion.

   I have heard it stated and have read that Bob Marley is to Martin Luther King Jr. as Peter Tosh is to Malcolm X. Both sent a message to the people, but they sent it in different ways. Peter being the militant voice. His music almost seems too beautiful to be militant, but maintains a hard-edge and a defiant tone which were his intentions. This box set captures that militancy especially with the concert recordings on disc two when he speaks to the crowd.

   I really feel that people should take a good hard listen to Peter's music as it is lively as Bob's music is lively. I am only sad that the man had to die such a brutal death, but as they say...live by the sword and die by the sword. (Fortunately those who opposed him will die out, but Peter will live on stronger than ever through his music). You will be very happy you made the decision to listen to him.




5. If you know you like a few Peter Tosh songs and can't decide on a single album, this is for you. And if you lover Peter, how come it's taken you so long to find this one? The best of the 3 CD's included is the Live collection. While Tosh was good in the studio, his passion comes through in front of an audience. Most of the Live tracks are previously unreleased versions of Tosh Classics like Coming in Hot and the Wailers Classic Get Up Stand Up. Enjoy!

4 comments about Trojan Box Set: Roots.

1. "Babylon a fall down" is one of those enduring reggae classics and one of the best reggae songs ever recorded and is sung by the Velvet Shadows and is on this collection. It is up there with the likes of By the rivers of Babylon and others. It has not been easy to find since I had it on another compilation a long time ago.
   
   The biggest names of the Roots movement in Reggae is largely absent here which is fine with me, because this makes way for lesser known bands and singers, although many still are widely known.
   
   Roots is largely, crucial, basic, reverent and rocking music so when we have so many of these one-off songs it makes one wonder what a whole album by the band may have sounded like. So, on 3 sequenced disks, that's a lot of statement to take in one sitting in such a manner. Usually, serious statements on a CD by one band might be sandwiched between some lighter messages like when you listen to Bob Marley's Exodus, yeh, that song is intense but then there are lighter touches like "3 little birds" on there; but here, basically every song is rendering some sort of serious Rasta reggae statement, whether it be on Africa, Emperor Haile Sellassie or whatever and back before Black Uhuru brought in seven minute songs. Most all of these are just your single sized songs, 2 or 3 minutes usually.
   
   Just one interesting note, the song on here, "African People" by the Jay Boys is just a reworking of the song "Cherokee Nation" made famous by I believe Mark Lindsey and Paul Revere and the Raiders but with of course different and more applicable words. Likewise Delroy Wilson's "Adisabab" is indeed none other than a reworking of the classic "House of the rising sun." Apparently, the copyright rules are sorted out in regards to these songs.
   
   Sometimes, I ponder if some songs line up strongly, but then again, this is the foundation music for much of what was to come later. Very enjoyable and it was hard to find other reviews of this CD because these box sets have a lot of music to listen to. Rather than singling a few songs out, it is good to hear them as they come. After all, one whole CD by some groups can easily last me a week.



2. Not all Trojan Box Sets are winners. I get the feeling sometimes with some of the Box Set releases that someone is cleaning out the basement at Trojan, dumping whatever they find onto three discs, slapping a vague title on it, and shipping it out. A lot of bad music gets mixed in with the good. The Roots Box Set is a definite exception. Most Reggae fans know that the birth of the "Roots" style (my favorite of the styles under the umbrella of Reggae: ie. Mento, Ska, Rock Steady, Dub, D.J., Dancehall, Ragga, etc.) came about in the very late 60's and flourished in the early 70's with a slower beat and lyrics focusing mostly on religious, political, and cultural concerns of the Jamaican artists/audience of the time. This is a fine collection of very strong material from that period (70's) with hardly any weak tracks. Many of the songs in the set I first heard as Dub versions from other collections and on a couple of the selections you actually get the original version followed up by the Dub version, a nice little bonus. Of course while the Roots era is far too vast a period for any compilation to be considered comprehensive, this is an excellent vehicle to exose yourself to some Roots music and it would make a proper addition to the collections of current Roots fans. Perhaps Trojan should consider a "Roots Part II" like they did with their Dub Box Set releases.



3. yes i really like this set, but i have to tell the potential buyers that the tracklisting is a mess: "I Man A African" by the Sons of Selassie isn't on it, although it's supposed to be song 2 on disc 1; and on disc 3 "African Dub"" is just another version (not a dub version) of "Rejoice Jah Jah Children". Then there was one more track that was listed wrongly, can't remember which. Anyway, this set is essential because of the song "History" (the 8-minute discomix, btw); also "Rejoice Jah Jah Children", "Brother Noah" and "African People"... If you don't own these tracks already buy without hesitation.



4. Being a soccer fan good ska, rocksteady and general forms of reggae are vital to my Saturday and this Roots compilation from Trojan pure hits the spot! Roundabout track 5 on the first CD you'll be aching for some herbal relief to enhance your music pleasures even more. By this stage you'll already heard the exceptional "Cool Rasta," "Rise in the Strength Jah," and "Rise Jah Jah Children." Just when you thought it couldn't get any better up pops "History" by Carlton Jackson, my speakers clearly aren't big enough!

   The whole mood is one of mellow enlightenment; with the musical arrangements so clear you can almost touch the sandy beaches and clear blue skies of warmer climes. I can't believe some of these tracks are older than me!!!

   To be honest I would pay this price for just one CD let alone 3!

   Buy this and refuse to get distressed otherwise 'tings will go missing, Jah bless

3 comments about Trojan Box Set: Instrumentals.

1. This is a sweet friggin' box-set of instrumental Jamaican music for a VERY low price. There are 3 discs and FIFTY tracks here! It's like buying a small DJ crate of rare Jamaican sides for next to nothing! There is some ska-era stuff, a good deal of rocksteady, and tons of what we who enjoy these things label "early reggae." Of course the instrumental stuff from these periods were less tethered to the Jamaican popular forms than the vocals were, moving easily from r&b to soul to jazz to funk, to Latin, and all over the place, mixing up the stuff to create whole new styles. This is killer stuff, pure and simple. Beginners might want to get into classic Jamaican instrumental music with a disc such as Heartbeat's "Downbeat The Ruler" or Soul Jazz's "Studio One Scorcher," the two of which are the best of their type. Soon enough, however, you'll be wanting to add this groovin' set to your collection, and it will be worth every cent, and then some. Awesome.
   
   P.S. - Check out Trojan's "Alpha Boy's School" disc as well, for more killer instrumentals from this period.



2. While some of these tracks are on the obscure side, this is one of the most enjoyable instrumental compilations in any genre that I ever purchased. I highly recommend it even to those unfamilliar with Jamaican music of the 60's (most of these tracks fall into the ska/rocksteady/early reggae period).



3. With Trojan Records, you'd think you'd pretty much be in the arms of Jah with anything you buy. Not necessarily so, here. Although this collection contains some decent standouts from the Harry J All Stars et. al, most of the material borders on kitsch and comes off as somewhat dispensable within just the first listen, unlike much of the instrumental/dub work of Lee Scratch/Upsetters. Unless you're dedicated to collecting all these box sets, go with another and you might get a few of the better selections offered here.

5 comments about Tougher Than Tough: The Story Of Jamaican Music.

1. ... is the fact that this set has been allowed to go OOP. Read the other 23 reviews; this is the ABSOLUTE best collection of Jamaican music on (or now, off) the market. People would come to my home and hear this set, and the next day, buy it.
   
   What a shame.



2. This box set really opened my eyes, my ears and my mind to the infinite possibilities within Jamaican music. It is without a doubt the most important set of discs I own. As the title suggests, it is the history of Jamaican music in one handy box. Music for the body, the mind, and the soul. The liner notes are exceptional, invaluable even. If you have the money, by all means get this set. Classic songs by essential artists. VERY HIGHLY RECCOMMENDED.



3. This set is the best of several sets I have collected with early ska and reggae music. Read the list of songs: early Maytals, Wailers, Bob Marley, and more. This collection has historical value and all that. But most importantly it is very listenable and danceable.



4. I bought this set when I was in the infancy of my interest in Jamaican music and Jamaica. Every song is truly special in a historical and musical sense! I started off listening to Bob Marley and then found this gem.
   I first listened to this set one night, soon after I came back from Jamaica, whilst sipping Blue Mountain coffee and burning incense(only!)---I was back in Jamaica... I still love the set even after listening to it a hundred times. If you are looking for sappy, cheesy generic reggae music you're looking in the wrong place. Once you buy the set, you will keep it forever--A real classic. Enjoy, Mon!



5. I bought this CD set on a whim in 1993. It is one of the most amazing impulse purchases I have ever made!!! You hear the development of a nation's music. Great written info and pics accompany the 4 CDs - it adds color and background. But to fully appreciate the roots of ska and reggae, you just kick back and listen to the cds, from song one on cd one. Truly a journey.

5 comments about The Complete Wailers: 1967-1972, Part 1.

1. I can't fathom the low-star reviews on this set. Maybe some people think Bob Marley only played reggae and are looking only for that specific sound. Actually, he went through the whole spectrum of ska, rocksteady, reggae, roots, etc. Some of my favorite work is from his ska and rocksteady periods. These discs are from the classic rocksteady period, with great beats, lovely background vocals, soulful Bob Marley leads, and a strong influence from soul music.
   
   Some of my favorite tracks:
   
   Rock to the Rock
   Rocking Steady
   Soul Rebel
   Put it On
   Don't Rock My Boat
   This Train
   
   This is some of my favorite Wailers music of all time. IMHO, you can't go wrong with these 3 discs, especially if you can pick them up for $18 - 20.



2. This box set contains some classic compositions from all of The Wailers. Many of these songs are original versions of songs which would later be recut. Included in these are Marley's Bend Down Low (Later featured on the Natty Dread Album), Put It On (Recut again for Leslie Kong and then recorder for the third time in 1973 for the Burnin' album), Don't Rock My Boat (Later appears on the Kaya album as Satisfy My Soul). Peter Tosh has many original versions of 70's and 80's hits contained here are Stop That Train (Appears on The Wailers Island Deput Catch A Fire and again on Peter Tosh's Mystic Man Album), Soon Come (Apeears on the Bush Doctor Album), and Can't You See (Appearing on the Mystic Man Album). Even Bunny Wailer has an older version of This Train (Would later appear on his deput solo album Blackheart Man). Apart from these are many classic tracks which are a must have for all Wailers fans. This Box Set contains some of the best rocksteady matierial available. Truly brilliant.



3. Anyone who gave this set a poor review is not a true Marley fan and does not understand anything about Bob Marley's estate and who is profiting from this box set. THE VAST MAJORITY of the profits from this set GO DIRECTLY TO THE ESTATES of BOB MARLEY, PETER TOSH, and BUNNY WAILER. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. This is one of the few earlier Marley compilations where Bob and the rest of the Wailers are being given PROPER ROYALTIES. I know for a fact that this is the case as I have had an e-mail correspondence with Mr. Roger Steffens, the world's foremost expert on Bob Marley as well as one of the gentlemen who compiled this set. THIS IS AN AMAZING SET - no other Bob Marley collection encompasses his earlier work as well as this one. I would also STRONGLY SUGGEST picking up Part II, which is just as good! One Heart.



4. This box set focuses on Marley trying to bring the Wailers to an International scene. Disc 1 is probably the best featuring Marley from 1968, some famous tracks, but alternate, or original. Disc 2 is not so famous, but really good. And Disc 3 features 4 versions and great songs from 1970. Trust Me! Buy this box set if your the real Marley fan. And like work before the Catch a Fire or Soul Rebels album. If your just familliar with Legend and those songs these songs will sound odd. And the Box set is digitally remastered and sound good.



5. Frankly, I'm appalled by the number of one star reviews for this fine collection, but neither do I think it worth a full five stars. Let's be honest--it has its flaws: poor original recordings which have been lovingly retouched. But I hear in some of these recordings some true soul you don't find on the more polished stuff. If you're just getting into Bob, this probably wouldn't be the set I'd recommend, but if you've already worn a groove in your Legends CD, you might want to give this a chance. Personally, I found it very refreshing to hear different versions of cherished favorites and few new tunes--and the quality is certainly listenable. Definitely pricey though for what you're getting--but maybe not so when you compare it with your average bootleg. And the title is definitely misleading.