Jamaica

jamaica

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
With two previous releases under their belts, Seattle's Hi Fi Killers (Kevin Lee Oakland and Johnny Horn) are off to a prolific start in their short career. The duo's third release is a bit different from the other two records, Possession and Loaded, which were an amalgam of funk, soul, hip-hop, and dub. As the title implies, Jamaica leaves its imprint on the Killers' newest offering. Oakland and Horn--self-professed reggae junkies--itched to make a reggae record with Jamaican MCs. But there aren't many Jamaican MCs in the Pacific Northwest, so the duo sent a tape of their best dub, reggae, and dancehall loops down to Jamaica, where they hooked up with Clinton Fearon, Blackout, and Scorpion. The result is an authentic, pro-quality record with tuff dancehall rapping and some forward-leaning beats and pieces--the payoff, no doubt, of the duo's adept way with hip-hop, dub, and funk. --Tricia Romano

Jamaica,Hi-Fi Killers,Blackout,Solgie,Scorpio,Loose Groove Records,Electronica,Pop,Reggae,Rock/Pop,Soul/Reggae/Rhythm & Blues

Jamaica

Average customer rating:

Maybe 4.5 stars, but still stellar
Soulful West African soul
First Introduction To Angelique Kidjo
Not as good as Black Ivory Soul - but still enhoyable
Who Knows?

Djin Djin
Angelique Kidjo
Manufacturer: Razor &Tie
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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Mali | Africa | International | Styles | Music

Benin | Africa | International | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000MTOWSU
Release Date: 2007-05-01

Tracks:

Ae Ae
Djin Djin featuring Alicia Keys and Branford Marsalis
Gimme Shelter featuring Joss Stone
Salala featuring Peter Gabriel
Senamou (C'est L'amour) featuring Amadou and Mariam
Pearls featuring Josh Groban and Carlos Santana
Sedjedo featuring Ziggy Marley
Papa
Arouna
Awan N'La
Emma
Mama Golo Papa
Lonlon (Ravel's Bolero)

Amazon.com

Angelique Kidjo has four Grammy nominations, a mantel-full of international awards, several dance hits, and notable appearances on film and TV soundtracks to her credit (to say nothing of being a major style icon and a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador). So this Benin-born, New York-based singer-composer has long since gotten past having to prove anything to anybody--other than to herself. On Djin Djin (the title refers to a bell that sounds at daybreak in parts of Africa), she is self-indulgent in the best possible sense, shooting for a big, glossy, super-pop sound that nonetheless remains essentially, even devoutly, African in inspiration and execution. Produced by Tony Visconti (The Moody Blues, T. Rex, David Bowie, Boomtown Rats, and Morrissey), the release is a bewitching amalgam, with guest stints from Joss Stone, Carlos Santana, Branford Marsalis, Josh Groban, Alicia Keys, Peter Gabriel, Malian husband-and-wife team Amadou and Mariam, and noted reggae scion Ziggy Marley. Kidjo, her salty-sweet voice in top form, moves confidently from ballad to club track to homespun earthmover. She never for a second relinquishes control of the festivities, even during a hectic, Haitian-rara-influenced cover of the Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter" and "Lon Lon," in which she takes on--and takes over--French composer Ravel's "Bolero." --Christina Roden

Album Description

With DJIN DJIN (pronounced "gin gin"), Angelique Kidjo returns to the soul of Benin - and, for the first time, shares it with a cast of all-star guests, in a marriage of cultures that has significance far beyond music alone. Inspired by the traditions and culture of Kidjo's native Benin in West Africa, the title of the album refers to the sound of the bell that greets the beginning of a new day for Africa.

The diversity represented by Alicia Keys, Peter Gabriel, Josh Groban, Carlos Santana, Joss Stone, Branford Marsalis, producer Tony Visconti, and the others who contribute to DJIN DJIN speaks to the lesson of this project: For all the differences in the music of our time, the river of Africa flows through it all.

The key was to build DJIN DJIN on a Beninese foundation. The heartbeat, then, comes from percussionists Crespin Kpitiki and Benoit Avihoue, both members of Benin's GangbÃ© Brass Band. Details of their country's rhythmic heritage, specific in some cases to individual villages, feed the rhythms they lay down throughout the album.

To this mix Kidjo welcomes players whose backgrounds complement the idea of DJIN DJIN: drummer Poogie Bell, known for his work with Erykah Badu and Chaka Khan; funk keyboard wizard Amp Fiddler, whose credits include Prince and George Clinton; Larry Campbell, whose multi-instrumental work has adorned the music of Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, and Paul Simon; Senegalese bass giant Habib Faye, a fixture with Youssou N'Dour; guitarists Lionel Loueke, from jazz legend Herbie Hancock's band; Romero Lubambo, a Brazilian wonder whose credits include Diana Krall and Dianne Reeves; Joao Mota, from Guinea-Bissau and kora master Mamadou Diabate.

Produced by Tony Visconti. (David Bowie, T. Rex, Morrissey)

Customer Reviews:

Maybe 4.5 stars, but still stellar.......2007-07-01

Angelique Kidjo's amazing whether she's covering Hendrix in "VooDoo Child" or singing West African tunes. Her roots are much wider than just her country of origin. It'd be hard for me to name a favorite among these gems. I love the people she's selected to work with. "Gimme Shelter" with Joss Stone may be the kind of duet that's going to propel her right up to the top of the charts where she belongs. Smart move, lady, for sure, but I also love the songs where Angelique sings her own music alone.

Soulful West African soul.......2007-06-22

Angelique Kidjo is one of those rare artists who has the Midas touch. No matter who she's performing with, no matter what she's performing, she makes beautiful music. While "Djin Djin" can be considered one of her more mainstream albums, she still proudly shows her African roots. In a sense,it's not surprising it's sold alongside coffee at Starbucks; "Djin Djin" is as potent as a cup of steaming java.

The opening "Ae Ae" is anthemic;it's a power ballad in which Kidjo calls on her fellow Africans to be self-sufficient. The title track is a jazzy collaboration with Alicia Keys and Branford Marsalis. It's Benin meets the Big Easy. Kidjo does an amazing cover of the Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter" with Joss Stone. The '60s British Invasion gets an African makeover,transforming it into a tribal rave-up. Kidjo and smoky-voiced Peter Gabriel complement each other in "Salala." A thumb piano gives "Senamou" a deeply African flavor. "Sedjedo", a duet with reggae heir Ziggy Marley, doesn't quite work. Marley is relegated to the sidelines. However, Kidjo's rousing singing saves the piece. The same goes for "Pearls." Josh Groban's operatic voice is unsuited to the style of the song. It's Afropop meets Latin rock (since Carlos Santana plays the guitar),not the Three Tenors or Il Divo. Kidjo's amazing singing again saves the song from becoming a novelty song. In "Papa","Arouna","Awan N'La","Emma" and "Mama Golo Papa" Kidjo shows she doesn't need collaborators. She's still going strong since her debut in 1990. She covers difficult issues such as marital conflict and divorce soulfully. Finally, in "Lonlon" Kidjo transforms Ravel's annoying and overplayed "Bolero" into rousing,toe-tapping Afropop. Instead of being filler or a song worth skipping, "Lonlon" serves as a grand finale.

Angelique Kidjo is accomplished,as a person and as an artist. She is a UN Goodwill Ambassador;she has her own charity,Batonga. In Bono's guest-edited issue of "Vanity Fair" about Africa, Harry Belafonte praises her activism. Angelique Kidjo's music is truly angelic. "Djin Djin" is a great introduction to her music, and is a perfect mainstream introduction to African music. It's as rousing and flavorful as a good hot cup of coffee.

First Introduction To Angelique Kidjo.......2007-06-20

This is my first introduction to any of Angelique Kidjo's music. I bought this compact disc for myself as a birthday present based on the reviews it has received and listening to the short musical segments found on Amazon.Com.

After recently listening to "Djin, Djin" on a 4 hour road trip, I feel in love with the music & lyrics! The music is fantastic and varied from song to song.... Angelique Kidjo is phenomenal as an artist. I also enjoyed the musical guests performing on "Djin, Djin" too. This compact disc is perfect as background music while long distance driving, at home relaxing, during dinner parties, etc.

Not as good as Black Ivory Soul - but still enhoyable.......2007-06-11

This is a good release, with many guests on it, but not quite as accessable as the Black Ivory Soul CD. However, it will get you up and moving.

Who Knows?.......2007-06-08

I would love to review this CD by never received my order from Amazon. Nor have I received a credit either. I doubt I will ever order anything from Amazon again.

Two Sevens Clash: 30th Anniversary Edition (Dlx)

Average customer rating:

Two Sevens Clash: 30th Anniversary Edition (Dlx)
Culture
Manufacturer: Shanachie
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Jamaica | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000QTD0AC
Release Date: 2007-07-17

Tracks:

I'm Alone in the Wilderness
Pirate Days
Two Sevens Clash
Calling Rastafari
I'm Not Ashamed
Get Ready to Ride the Lion to Zion
Black Starliner Must Come
Jah Pretty Face
See Them a Come
Natty Dread Taking Over
See dem a Come [12" Mix] - Culture,
See dem Dub
Natty Dread Taking Over [! 2" Mix] - Culture, I-Roy
I'm Not Ashamed [12" Mix] - Culture, I-Roy
Not Ashamed Dub

Average customer rating:

Essential Reggae
remastered excellence
The best from Jamaica...and Alabama
one of my favorite albums of all-time.
Not as reggae as I wanted

The Harder They Come
Jimmy Cliff
Manufacturer: Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005LZWR
Release Date: 2001-06-26

Tracks:

You Can Get It If You Really Want
Draw Your Breaks - Scotty
Rivers Of Babylon - The Melodians
Many Rivers To Cross
Sweet And Dandy - The Maytals
The Harder They Come
Johnny Too Bad - The Slickers
007 (Shanty Town) - Desmond Dekker
Pressure Drop - The Maytals
Sitting In Limbo
You Can Get It If You Really Want
The Harder They Come

Amazon.com

Jamaican filmmaker Perry Henzell made reggae an integral player in his gritty 1973 saga of a renegade Kingston singer who becomes a modern Robin Hood, casting one of the style's earliest stars, Jimmy Cliff, in the lead, and filling this soundtrack--here presented in a remastered version--with classics from Toots & the Maytals ("Pressure Drop," "Sweet and Dandy"), Desmond Dekker ("Shanty Town"), the Melodians ("Rivers of Babylon"), and the Slickers ("Johnny Too Bad"). Cliff himself gets pole position, however, getting in the first ("You Can Get It If You Really Want") and last ("The Harder They Come") words in this first-rate reggae primer, which also features Cliff's enduring "Many Rivers to Cross." --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews:

Essential Reggae.......2007-06-02

If you like reggae, you should have this CD. If you could only own 5 reggae CDs of all that is out there, this deserves to be one of those 5. I never tire of listening to these tracks after all these years. The other reviewers have ably described this music. I heartily agree. 5 more stars for The Harder They Come.
Favorite tracks (but I like them all)
1. Many Rivers To Cross
2. Rivers of Babylon
3. Pressure Drop
4. You Can Get It If You Really Want It
5. Sitting In Limbo

remastered excellence.......2007-04-04

didn't think it could be done. this is great. this does jimmy cliff proud.

The best from Jamaica...and Alabama.......2007-03-17

Still the best classic reggae collection, although as one other reviewer noted, some tracks do sound "Americanized." No surprise. "Many Rivers to Cross" and "Sitting in Limbo" were recorded with the legendary Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section in Alabama. This wasn't documented at the time (I learned it when I interviewed the MSRS in 1979) because apparently Cliff did not have the proper immigration papers to "work" in the USA when Chris Blackwell decided to bring him up for the quick sessions.

one of my favorite albums of all-time........2007-02-13

this album holds its own against the very greatest albums of any genre. even if you are not a fan of reggae, i can't imagine you not loving this cd. there is so much joy, energy, passion and soul bursting from this music that it uplifts me each time i hear it, still fresh sounding to the ears 22 years after first finding it. jimmy cliff's vocals, in particular, are amazing. the songs which he performs on this album, "you can get it if you really want," "many rivers to cross," "the harder they come," and "sitting in limbo," are amongst the finest in the whole canon of reggae. each tune included here is a gem. don't let life go by without having this music in it.

Not as reggae as I wanted.......2007-01-16

I am a bit disappointed in the CD. It doesn't seem to be REAL reggae as I think of it. It seems more like Americanized reggae. Maybe I just need to get a Marley CD. 'You Can Get It If You Really Want' sounds like a song from Sesame Street.

Average customer rating:

REVIEW OF TWO SEVENS CLASH
4 1/2 stars. a reggae classic.
An Absolute Classic
Shuck, jive, bump and slide to crucial roots
One of the best...

Two Sevens Clash
Culture
Manufacturer: Shanachie
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Jamaica | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000000DXK
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Get Ready To Ride The Lion To Zion
Black Starliner Must Come
Jah Pretty Face
See Them A Come
Natty Dread Taking Over
Calling Rasta Far I
I'm Alone In The Wilderness
Pirate Days
Two Sevens Clash
I'm Not Ashamed

Amazon.com

"Are you ready for reggae in its entirety?" Culture frontman Joseph Hill is wont to challenge audiences. Ready or not, Culture's been hurling lightning-'n'-thunder reggae prophesy--live and on numerous classic sets--for nearly three decades. The most feverish of the act's consistently inspired output has to be the apocalyptic Two Sevens Clash, which includes the close-second warrior anthems "I'm Not Ashamed" and "See Them a Come." No matter that 1977 came and went without a ripple; it's all Hill's--a mesmerizing preacher-teacher who's still singing at the crossroads where Rastaman gospel meets Hendrix's acid communion. --Elena Oumano

Customer Reviews:

REVIEW OF TWO SEVENS CLASH.......2007-05-14

I was very happy with the titles on this CD but I was not happy with the quality of the CD. I was not able to play this CD on my car's CD player.
I get the impression that this CD was burned and not an original.

4 1/2 stars. a reggae classic........2007-03-30

all fans of reggae need this album. an absolutely great piece of work. fantastic melodies, rhythms, and harmonies. sheer joy radiates from the performances. this is music with a big heart and soul. "i'm alone in the wilderness," baby. yes i am. this is stirring stuff to lift one up. a great place to introduce yourself to reggae if you haven't gone there yet. and a must for any reggae collection.

An Absolute Classic.......2006-09-22

This album may not reach you at first, but beware after a dozen listens you will be totally mesmerised. This simmering, hynotic music blended with Hill's old testament preaching/singing style blended with the slightly off-kilter harmonies will get you. Virtually every track is a classic not just of its genre but of music in its entirity. Anyone used to bland chart music and trite love songs, this is not for you. Nearly every track is shimmering with a deep sprirituality, that I guarantee will seep deep inside you, all the more so with truly joyous music that accompanies it. Truly listen and wonder.

Shuck, jive, bump and slide to crucial roots.......2006-07-04

Shake, shimmy and dance 'pon de river to one of the best roots reggae releases ever!

Culture -- who I am proud to say I have seen live, even here in Delaware! -- had their best album with "Two Sevens Clash."

Religious Rasta prophecy is sprinkled all throughout the disc, from the plaintive strains of "Calling Rastafari" to the sycnopated bump of "See Them a Come"

Throughout the entire disc, the music is constantly bubbling with bass hits and conga thumps, creating a shimmying, liquid backdrop for the group's sliiiiightly off-kilter harmonies.

It all adds up to a brief-but-strong set that should be in any discriminate reggae lover's collection.

One of the best..........2006-02-24

Two Sevens Clash, is quite simply one of the most revealing,well played and enjoyable Reggae albums ever made. Culture continue, to this day, to tour and sell out venues on a world wide basis, their voices and harmonies are still strong and the band is so very good all round, I recommend this album to anyone.

Average customer rating:

You can't go wrong with this album.
Catch a Fire - The Classic Island Debut
Best debut ever?
Wailers' Classic Island Debut
Reggae Classic

Catch a Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Manufacturer: Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005KB9T
Release Date: 2001-06-12

Tracks:

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Slave Driver
400 Years
Stop That Train
Baby We've Got A Date (Rock It Baby)
Stir It Up
Kinky Reggae
No More Trouble
Midnight Ravers
High Tide Or Low Tide
All Day All Night

Customer Reviews:

You can't go wrong with this album........2007-07-02

A certain individual brought this album back to my attention which led me to dust this off and played it over the weekend. Plus I also saw a special on Marley in one of the music channels so I guess it was meant to be. It's really hard to imagine a time when reggae was not part of the cultural currency. Though Bob Marley and the Wailers cannot be said to have invented the style, they certainly brought it to the world stage, and this album was the torch that lit the way. "Catch a Fire" hit with the force of a revelation when it was released in 1973, and though Chris Blackwell tailored its sound with a rock audience in mind, the album was still unlike anything that had ever come down the pike. Ironically, even given its relatively full production and electric guitar solos, "Catch a Fire" sounds more organic and rootsy than any of the Wailers' subsequent releases.

While the percolating rhythms and burbling bass lines of the Barrett brothers, and the sweet, impeccable harmonies of Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer soothe and move, "Catch a Fire" also introduces the conscious, politically minded themes that would remain at the centre of Marley's songwriting for the rest of his career. "Concrete Jungle", one of the towering standout tracks, addresses the trap of inner cities, while "Slave Driver" and "400 Years" take on racial/historical issues. Yet Marley's penchant for striking love songs is evident here too on his all-time classic "Stir It Up".

This version has been digitally remastered which means that the sound quality is better but the music speeded up a little which may, or may not, please you... The tunes are varied and some such as 'Stir It Up' may be more recognizable to the more commercial listener yet there are several tracks here that haven't gained as much commercial success despite their classic sound. 'Kinky Reggae' and 'No More Trouble' become instant classics when you listen to this CD and the rest are all presented in the harmonious style that Bob Marley & The Wailers are renowned for.

Even after everything that followed, and the cult of idolatry that formed around Marley, this remains soulful, message-driven music that goes straight to the blood. Utterly essential. Though I have both version there equally exceptional in there own sound. For those seeking a more original style (or should I say original recording...) may do well to try and hunt down those Bob Marley albums that have not been digitally remastered where as those who prefer these fresher productions, and all those who want an introduction to the great reggae singer and his trusty support should look no further.....

Catch a Fire - The Classic Island Debut.......2007-03-02

When Bob Marley, Bunny Livingston (Wailer), and Peter McIntosh (Tosh)entered the studio and began recording Catch a Fire in 1972, they had already established an impressive track record on the island of Jamaica. But when they signed to Chris Blackwell's Island label, their music reached a new level. While reggae music had not been tremendously popular at this time, The Wailers proved their style of reggae was strong enough to carry a full-length album.
Not only is this album one of the best by Bob Marley and the Wailers, it is one of the best albums in the entire genre of reggae music, and here's why...up to this point, Bob, Peter, and Bunny have never sounded better. Their vocals and harmonies are suberb, their musicianship is just as impressive, and their song writing (Bob's in particular) is passionate (Concrete Jungle), personal (Slave Driver), and seductive (Stir It Up). Blackwell's production and mixing give the songs a crisper, more rock/dub influenced edge that really enhance the original recordings, and he really helped bring out the best in The Wailers. Any way you look at it, this album is a classic and a must-have for fans of reggae music.

Best debut ever?.......2006-12-04

I've heard some great albums, but few are better than Catch a Fire. This is Bob's masterpiece, and his best disc. It's better than even Exodus or Burnin'. There's not a single loser track on this album, and the first four songs (Concrete Jungle; Slave Driver; Stop That Train; 400 Years) are all pure gold. This ties Burnin' as Bob's most political album, but ironically the best on the album is a love song: Stir It Up, a true reggae classic. Really, I can't imagine any music collection, period, without Catch a Fire. Even the weakest song (Baby We've Got a Date) is far from bad. Most Marley albums, while generally good, have one or two filler songs. Catch a Fire has ZERO. Rush out and buy it. It's that simple.

Wailers' Classic Island Debut.......2006-09-11

By the time The Wailers began work on "Catch A Fire" in September 1972, the original group (Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Livingstone) had been together and making a lot of superb music for nearly a decade, but discounting the Leslie Kong-produced "Best Of The Wailers" (the title literally a misnomer, as it was not a compilation), until Island Records head Chris Blackwell bankrolled this project, they had never entered a studio to make an album. Classic singles for the Jamaican market, seminal collaborations with Lee Scratch Perry, self-produced gems on their own label, or Johnny Nash/Danny Sims JAD recordings all deserve to be heard and are easily available, but in 1973 the black music market had caught up with the trend that began in the mid 1960s when the Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Rolling Stones, who proved the youth/rock 'n' roll market was not just territory for singles, and the major artists of the era fought for artistic freedom and proved the 'album' was both artistically and commercially viable; thanks to the visionary work of Sly & The Family Stone, Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, and others, the idea of a reggae album seemed viable, and The Wailers were just the band to surpass expectations and create a unified classic.
Of course that great band was not together long enough to make very many. The great rhythm section of Aston and Carlton Barett (from Lee Perry's Upsetters) joined the original trio around 1969-70, but following the release of The Wailers' second great album, "Burnin", late in 1973, Bunny Livingston left, and in 1974 Peter Tosh split as well, so that by the time of 1975's "Natty Dread" the group was billed as Bob Marley & The Wailers, and it was clear just who would be the visual focus (or star) and creative force, though the Barretts especially continued to make Marley's great songs and vision into viscerally exciting music.
The "Catch A Fire" available on the single cd is a great album, on just about every level that matters. The songs - seven by Marley, two by Tosh - are very good to classic - the socially concious songs always seem personal, and the album is enriched with terrific and sexy pleasures such as "Kinky Reggae", "We've Got A Date" and "Stir It Up." If the lyrics lapse, the melodies and rhythms never falter, and Blackwell's post-production - adding ex-Free and Johnny Nash keyboardist Rabbit, and guitarist Wayne Perkins (best known for his work on the Stones' "Black And Blue") and a new mix - keeps the album texturally engrossing. Blackwell's intent may have been to make the album more 'commercial,' but the result is actually a hypnotic, almost dub-like effect, and compared to the original Wailers' production, the songs seem to be somehow moving in slow motion - an illusion, not the result of actually slowing down the tapes.
This brings me to the next point: if you love this album, you should really get the 2-cd "Deluxe Edition" which provides the familiar Island classic, in a marvelous remaster, plus the unissued "Jamaican" (Wailers) version, before the tapes were worked on in London. Both versions are wonderful, the Wailers' original clearly a bridge between the group's previous recordings (especially from 1969 - 72, when Perry and the Barretts became involved) and the Island years. The mixes are more direct, each vocal and instrumental part more clearly defined, and the vocal harmonies of the original trio more upfront in the mix. It is clear some of the lead vocals were re-done, as there are some slight lyrical variations. The soul and charisma are evident on both versions, and I'm glad to be able to alternate depending on my mood. I should mention that the two bonus tracks are both superb: "High Tide or Low Tide" is a gorgeous and passionate gem worthy of Curtis Mayfield at his best, while "All Night All Day" is a nifty vocal showcase with a groove and lyrics that show just how immersed the Wailers were in American soul music. "Catch A Fire" was one of only two classic studio albums made by the Marley/Tosh/Bunny/Barretts lineup, and I recommend without reservation the Deluxe edition; it's twice as much of one of the great albums of its era, in any genre.

Reggae Classic.......2006-05-07

"Catch a Fire" is an excellent debut album by the Wailers. All the original Wailers are there including Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. Their performance here is electric. The album was released in 1973 and it was this album that got me hooked to reggae music. This is the album that popularized reggae. Wailer fans will find this a treat. Listeners will enjoy the excellent instrumentation: the guitar, keyboards and percussion combined with gentle and soothing vocals to complete an exhilarating picture.

The songs in the album address serious social and political issues. Some of the songs include "Slave Driver", "Concrete Jungle", "Stop that Train", "No More Trouble" and my favourite song on the album "Stir it Up".

For me, this is the best and most creative album by the Wailers with its classic roots reggae. This is great music even for those that are not reggae fans. When I need to lift my spirits up, I play this album. I always feel better afterwards.

Average customer rating:

THE TRINITY is ever blazin' from head to toe!
YES!!
What Took Me So Long?
Good Follow - Up, But No Dutty Rock
dutty paul

The Trinity
Sean Paul
Manufacturer: Vp Records / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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PCD

ASIN: B000AMPZ0S
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Tracks:

Fire Links Intro
Head In The Zone
We Be Burnin'
Send It On
Ever Blazin'
Eye Deh A Mi Knee
Give It Up To Me
Yardie Bone
Never Gonna Be The Same
I'll Take You There
Temperature
Breakout
Head To Toe
Connection
Straight Up
All On Me
Change The Game
The Trinity

Amazon.com

Just try to sit still during the first few tracks on dancehall-reggae star Sean Paul's third album, The Trinity. It's a nearly impossible feat, and you're in need of a serious scolding if tracks "Head in the Zone," "We Be Burnin'," "Send It On" and "Ever Blazin" don't make your toes tingle. Paul introduced a worldwide audience to the dancehall scene via his explosive 2002 album, Dutty Rock, and he scored bigger pop creds via bouncy duets with Beyonce and Sasha. The Trinity refines Paul's pop sheen while still staying true to his Jamaican roots. Beats squish and slide seductively, tempered by staccato rhythms and Paul's self-assured, sexy delivery. Things take a serious turn halfway through The Trinity, specifically during "Never Gonna Be the Same." The sweet, sad song is a wistful ode to Paul's friend and mentor, Daddigon, along with several other lost loved ones. "Temperature" raises the heat, sister-duo Nina Sky pops up on "Connection," and Beyonce sound-alike Tami Chynn contributes airy vocals to "All On Me." But even with the help, the album's second half fails to match the ferocious intensity of the first few tracks. Program your player to repeat The Trinity's first five or six flavorful tracks and get busy, indeed. --Joey Guerra

Album Description

Sean Paul is back with his 3rd album, The Trinity. Along with its spiritual reference, The Trinity also refers to Sean's signature mixture of the three elements of dancehall, hip hop and reggae.

Customer Reviews:

THE TRINITY is ever blazin' from head to toe!.......2007-04-05

From beginning to end, this album is great! His 2000 debut was solid and had some good songs throughout. Dutty Rock was OK but not spectacular although it did wonders for his career and brought him out to the mainstream audience. I found songs from that CD like "Like Glue" and "I'm Still In Love With You" and even "Gimme The Light" after hearing it a thousand times to be weak and very annoying and got on my last nerve hearing them so much.

However, "The Trinity," has no bad songs at all and is perfect from start to finish. Unlike Dutty Rock, I've repeated listening to this CD many times now and I'm still not sick of it which shows how good it is and how great it is to see Sean Paul go back to his Jamaican roots and stop trying to please the mainstream with cameos galore like he did on Dutty Rock. I also like the fact that all the lyrics are included, I wish all artists did that, but with Dancehall is even better to have the words, cause sometimes you just don't know what they are saying. This album is great all around.

YES!!.......2007-03-19

I was already a Sean Paul fan but this CD delivers. I love it.

What Took Me So Long?.......2007-03-14

This is dance music perfection. Not a single beat missed. Bravo.

Good Follow - Up, But No Dutty Rock.......2007-03-04

This album was pretty good and will put you on your feet, but Dutty Rock is the better of the two. Sean Paul fans won't be disappointed but its not a commericalized as Dutty Rock.

dutty paul.......2007-01-04

excellent crossover reggae-hiphop music. but I want my Jamaicans doing yard music not american fare

Average customer rating:

Wicked
Wolde Semayat - Son of Thunder
A Legendary Debut
Exelent album
A+

Legalize It
Peter Tosh
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Jamaica | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

Equal Rights
Bush Doctor
Blackheart Man
Mystic Man
Marcus Garvey

ASIN: B00000JH21
Release Date: 1999-07-06

Tracks:

Legalize It
Burial
Whatcha Gonna Do
No Sympathy
Why Must I Cry
Igziabeher (Let Jah Be Praised)
Ketchy Shuby
Till Your Well Runs Dry
Brand New Second Hand
Ketchy Shuby (Instrumental)

Amazon.com

Each of the dreadlocked prophets who made up reggae's "holy trinity"--Bob Marley, Bunny Livingston, and Peter Tosh--sang for "equal rights and justice." But Tosh, the trio's take-no-prisoners militant, came on the hardest. His voice held the threat of danger, turning sufferahs' dreams and Rastafarian complaints into urgent demands. All the tracks in this remastered 1976 set--Tosh's first for an American major and his first collaboration with drummer Sly Dunbar and bassist Robbie Shakespeare (who went on to become reggae's legendary "riddim twins")--instantly became anthems, not just in reggae, but within the international pop lexicon. Some vintage roots reggae may strike contemporary listeners as peace and love cliché, even naive. Not Tosh. Against the background of today's turbulent social climate, Legalize It still sends chills up the spine with the sheer spectacle of a great reggae warrior's refusal to bow. --Elena Oumano

Customer Reviews:

Wicked.......2005-09-08

"Legalize it", Peter's first solo album after he left the Wailers in 1974, is quite simply his best effort,with 1977's "Equal Rights" coming close and of course more socially and politically relevant. But on the scale of musicality, none touches "Legalize it". The hard-driving rhythm section of the Barrett Brothers...lead guitar from the 'steppin' razor' himself... finally Peter could express himself as a solo artist, free from the artistic constraints of being a Wailer and being in the shadow of his student, Bob Marley. Peter is not an 'egomaniac' as someone on this forum commented; he simply spoke the truth very bluntly and this was a bit too difficult for some people to deal with. Yes he did teach Bob to play the guitar; saying so made it sound like blasphemy. Could it be, as he asserted, that he was just too black for some people? I tend to agree... Nonetheless, this is one of reggae's greatest albums, definitely one that will always find it's way back to my cd player.

Wolde Semayat - Son of Thunder.......2005-02-12

Peter Tosh's first solo album proved beyond doubt that this artist's talent and vision was far reaching enough to break through the small confines of his little Jamaican island to reverberate across the music world enjoying great critical acclaim being even more popular today than when it was first released.

As one of the original founders of the legendary Wailers, Peter Tosh always felt stifled musically and after Island Records decided to rename the group "Bob Marley & the Wailers" for international appeal it was more than the angry rebel's pride could take. Tosh stayed with the group for their first two albums, contributing much to their initial success with gems like "400 Years," "Stop That Train" and the mighty "Get Up, Stand Up." Not to mention his incredible ability with the guitar, giving the band its original edge. His amazing compositions for songs like "Concrete Jungle," and "Stir It Up" are irreplaceable.

Becoming more disgruntled with all the attention Bob Marley was getting, Tosh finally left the band along with Bunny Livingston to pursue his own solo career. If their were any skeptics as to whether Peter Tosh could make it as an international star without Bob Marley, they were shamelessly silenced in 1976 as "Legalize It" showed that Tosh was more than capable of holding his own. Of course, that's an understatement. The truth is, "Legalize It" has become one of the most colossal Reggae albums of all time!

A photograph of the 6'3" Reggae singer curled up in a field of ganja (perhaps his own), smoking the sacramental herb of the Rastafarian religion in his pipe adorns the cover sleeve. His premature "dreadlocks" crown the head throwing shadows over his eyes; the cover of this album is worth the entire CD! The yellow border saying "collector's choice" that used to outline the cover has been dropped for the CD's reissue making the picture larger.

The songs included in the set are remakes of the artist's most popular singles during the early 70's trying to develop his own solo career while working with the Wailers at the same time. The psychedelic title track opens the album followed by the stunning "Burial." "...you want I comma comma funeral, yet no one bury I..." he sings (Rastas don't believe in attending funerals). "Why Must I Cry" is one of the few love songs Peter Tosh has and "Igziabeher" is an absolute masterpiece. Also check out the countryfied "Till Your Well Runs Dry."

A couple songs are a bit naive (almost like children's songs) but overall a classic album.

A Legendary Debut.......2004-12-04

Peter Tosh's "Legalize It" shook the musical world with its fiery messages and its bold honesty in the ideal to legalize marijuana. Never before had an album been so outright in its message. "Legalize It" was an instant success with songs like its title track alongside the somber, dark remake numbers like "Burial," and "No Sympathy" (both originally done with the Wailers in the 1960's). Peter Tosh had now become Bob Marley's rival, and although he remains underappreciated, "Legalize It" shows Peter Tosh's legendary work and his promise to come.

Exelent album.......2004-08-28

The best album of Peter Tosh,and my personal all-time best reggae album.Incredible songs like No Sympathy,Burial,Why Must I Cry...incredible meaning lyrics and phenomenol music and sound efects.It really is a 5 stars album.

A+.......2004-08-07

Peter Tosh is a genious, ahead of his time and this ablum proves it.

Average customer rating:

A must have for any musical collection
Bob Marley's classic hits compilation
Marley...Needs No Review
you should probably own this
Buy 2 copies... one of the best selling CDs of all time!

Legend
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Jamaica | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

Skeletons from the Closet: The Best of the Grateful Dead
One Love: The Very Best of Bob Marley & the Wailers
The Score
Exodus
The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill

ASIN: B000001FY9
Release Date: 1990-05-31

Tracks:

Is This Love
No Woman, No Cry
Could You Be Loved
Three Little Birds
Buffalo Soldier
Get Up Stand Up
Stir It Up
One Love / People Get Ready
I Shot The Sheriff
Waiting In Vain
Redemption Song
Satisfy My Soul
Exodus
Jamming

Amazon.com essential recording

Even as greatest hits packages go, this is an utter gem. Every song is inspired, in a class of its own, whether the real version of "I Shot the Sheriff," the hymnlike "No Woman, No Cry," or the sheer joy of "Jamming." Even allowing that Marley never wrote any bad material, then Legend is still the crème de la crème, the heart and soul of the Jamaican people packed into one five-inch compact disc. He was unique, and the message of this record, more than any other, is that he died far too soon. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews:

A must have for any musical collection.......2007-07-11

I will never grow tired of "Legend." This compilation is absolutely perfect, providing an accurate insight into the musical genius that was Bob Marley. This isn't just reggae at its finest, but it's music at its finest. The songs on "Legend" can be inspiring, uplifting, entertaining, thought-provoking, but most of all just purely enjoyable. The simple songwriting and talented musicianship provide a sunny, lighthearted musical setting, the laidback Caribbean style that would inspire a generation of reggae followers. But it's Bob's messages and lyrics that set him apart from the other great Jamaican musicians who were his contemporaries. Bob's music is at times politically and religiously charged, and sometimes just for fun. But everything he advocates in his muic is positive. He wants the world to be a better, friendlier place, and he advocates human treatment and equality, civil rights, and freedom. He portrays his ideas in a simple manner that makes them all the more effective. This compilation covers the most audience-friendly and appealing of his extensive discography. This is a smart purchase, because Bob's discography is huge, especially because there are so many various releases that have surfaced between different distributors in different countries. "Legend" is an album everyone should own, it's the one that every new Bob Marley listener should not even think twice about purchasing, and everyone should be able to appreciate the music here.

The compilation begins with "Is This Love," one of the most purely roots songs here, a lyrically simple, musically catchy tune. "No Woman No Cry" is my favorite song of Bob's music, and this seven minute live recording is beautiful. The lyricism of this song is simple but really moving, from his talk of growing up poor in Jamaica to his philosophies on life, and the break for the guitar solo and background vocals complete the beautiful arrangement. I absolutely love "Could You Be Loved," a clever production that's immediately catchy, with a great chorus and standard Bob Marley performance. "Three Little Birds," one of his most well-known tunes, is fun, light, and fairly uplifting. "Buffalo Soldier" is an ingenious look at the movement of peoples from Africa to the Caribbean, and Bob praises his ancestors. The politically-fueled "Get Up, Stand Up" is a very effective rallying cry for civil rights. Another of my favorites is the winding "Stir It Up," a laidback, enjoyable and fun song. "One Love/People Get Ready" is a happy call to equal treatment and some light philosophy, one of his most definitive songs. If you haven't, you must hear his ingenious cover of Eric Clapton's "I Shot the Sheriff," which is followed here by the easy "Waiting in Vain" and the very inspired "Redemption Song." "Satisfy My Soul" and the incredible "Exodus" follow, with another of my favorites, the unforgettable "Jamming."

Bottom line, this album is a must have for anyone. People of all ages and backgrounds can love "Legend," even if they're not a reggae fan. This music is clever, catchy, and fun, and Bob Marley is really a genius. Make this purchase if you haven't already, you will not be disappointed by "Legend."

Bob Marley's classic hits compilation.......2005-12-01

Legend. A Bob Marley hits compilation.

INTRODUCTION:
Bob Marley. Over the years, he has reigned supreme as the ultimate name in reggae music. Despite passing away in the early eighties, his music remains consistently popular. And it isn't hard to see why, as it really does stand the test of time. Despite dying young, Marley's career contained a plethora of music, and as such, many compilations of his work have been released over the years. The most popular compilation of Marley's work, though, would have to be the Legend compilation, released in the middle of the eighties. Not only do many Marley fans hail this as his finest compilation, it has also become the best-selling reggae album of all time! So, how does the classic compilation measure up? Read on, and find out!

OVERVIEW:
Bob Marley's Legend compilation was release in the middle of the eighties, only a few years after his death. There are three major editions of the album available on CD - original vinyl album ported to CD, single-disc remastered edition with bonus tracks, and the two CD Deluxe Edition version with bonus tracks. Regardless of which version you buy, all versions have the following tracks: Is This Love, No Woman No Cry (Live), Could You Be Loved, Three Little Birds, Buffalo Soldier, Get Up Stand Up, Stir It Up, One Love / People Get Ready, I Shot The Sheriff, Waiting In Vain, Redemption Song, Satisfy My Soul and Jamming.

REVIEW:
Bob Marley has a LOT of compilations, no questions asked. None of these compilations are bad, by any means. In fact, every one of them seems to succeed in areas that others don't. Legend is the best-known of all of Marley's compilations, and it isn't hard to see why. It's a single-disc, affordable compilation that hits all of the high points of Marley's career. This is reggae at its very best and most accessible. Let's take a look at the different versions of the compilations, and see what sets each one apart from the others:

-ORIGINAL VINYL ALBUM PORTED TO CD:
This release is exactly what it says it is. It's the original album that people know and love from the vinyl days, ported onto a CD format. As such, it features no bonus tracks of any kind. It also means that Exodus and Stir It Up are the shorter, edited single versions, just as they appeared on the vinyl. This version of the album on CD seems to be out of print these days, which is no big loss, since the new versions are better.

-SINGLE-DISC REMASTER:
This is a single-disc remastered version of Legend. It features better sound quality than earlier editions of the album, as well as expanded liner notes. Likewise, it replaces the edited, shorter single versions of Exodus and Stir It Up with the original, full-length album version. Also notable is the inclusion of two bonus tracks, Easy Skanking and Punky Reggae Party. This new version of the album is a worthwhile improvement over the original vinyl port.

-DELUXE EDITION:
This is exactly the same as the single-disc remaster, right down to the same bonus tracks and song versions being used. However, like other compact discs in the Deluxe Edition series, it includes a second disc, filled with bonus material. In the case of Legend, that bonus material is remixes of tracks from the compilation. Since most of these remixes came from rare twelve inch singles, they are EXTREMELY hard to come by on CD outside of this collection. That said, if you're a big-time Bob Marley fan, having these rare mixes together will be reason alone to purchase this version of Legend.

OVERALL:
No matter which version of Legend you buy, it is an excellent compilation that serves as a damn fine overview of Bob Marley's career. If you're just the casual Bob Marley fan who wants an affordable, single-disc overview of his career, you have come to the right place. Every Bob Marley compilation is good, but this is the one that constantly gets praised by fans and critics alike, and with good reason. If you're a casual fan or just someone who is seeking an affordable yet effective introduction to the music of Marley, this is just what you need. Highly recommended!

EDITION NOTES:
The more recent releases of this compilation remain readily available in stores, obviously due in no small part to the fact that this is the best-selling reggae album of all time, as well as a widely-praised collection. If you want to buy it, you're really not going to have any trouble hunting it down.

Marley...Needs No Review.......2005-11-04

This CD needs no review... Bob Marley's reputation and music speaks for itself.

For people wanting to learn more about Reggae music or Bob Marley...This is an excellent CD to start with!

you should probably own this.......2005-02-22

Chances are, if you have heard a Bob Marley and the Wailers cd playing it is probably Legend. This set is a nice casual introduction to the band that started the worldwide reggae movement. it was released in 1984 3 years after Bob Marley died, and includes many hits that you are probably familiar with. Songs from all the albums are not included here which is the only downfall of this disc. The booklet that comes with the cd is a good way to learn about this legendary man and his band the Wailers. The Wailers are one of the most talented groups of musicians ever, and the instrumentation and variety on this disc proves it.

Buy 2 copies... one of the best selling CDs of all time! .......2005-01-19

Pick this one up for the car and pick up either the extended or the CD/combo pack for home. Pick up "Natural Mystic" (which is more or less "Legend II") once you find yourself singing these songs in your sleep. Then pick up "Live" and "Babylon By Bus" to hear how amazing they were in a live setting. Pick up all the Island/Tuff Gong-era releases and the "Songs of Freedom" box set which covers a lot of territory. The pre-Island era material (Soul Rebels is actually their first album although there are an almost infinite number of compilations of Bob's 60s era output) is a lot more difficult to go through, but still enjoyable.

What's to say that hasn't been said? Essential from beginning to end.

Average customer rating:

The best Reggae albam you'll ever find!
great stuff
Awesome
Two reggae classics restored to their original glory

Funky Kingston/In the Dark
Toots & the Maytals
Manufacturer: Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Jamaica | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

Rocksteady | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Very Best of Toots & the Maytals
Heart of the Congos
Blackheart Man
The Harder They Come
Legalize It

ASIN: B00008NRKB
Release Date: 2003-03-25

Tracks:

Sit Right Down
Pomp And Pride
Louie, Louie
I Can't Believe
Redemption Song
Daddy's Home
Funky Kingston
It Was Written Down
Got To Be There
In The Dark
Having A Party
Time Tough
I See You
Ta A Look In The Mirror
Take Me Home Country Roads
Fever
Love's Gonna Walk Out On Me
Revolution
54-46 Was My Number
Sailing On
Pressure Drop

Customer Reviews:

The best Reggae albam you'll ever find!.......2006-01-13

It has two classic cd's put together and fits in with some of the best reggae artists ever such as Bob Marley, Sublime, and so on.

great stuff.......2005-08-13

Classic Toots! This is as good as it gets from the old Jamaican reggae. Don't pass on this one.

Awesome.......2003-10-23

Toots is like a Jamaican Marvin Gaye and James Brown rolled into one. His voice is so real and every note is sung like his life depends on it. How you can listen to this album and not want to shake your a** is beyond me. It is virtually impossible to be sad and listen to this album at the same time. Always an uplifting experience even when he's singing about being broke or being in jail.

Two reggae classics restored to their original glory.......2003-05-13

Having debuted as a ska outfit in the early 60s, the Maytals eventually found success in mid-decade via a Jamaican song festival competition (at which their song "Bam Bam" took first place), and a string of successful singles recorded with legendary producer Leslie Kong. Following Kong's untimely death in 1971, the Maytals found themselves renamed Toots & The Maytals and recording with Kong's former arranger and sound engineer, Warwick Lyn. The resulting pair of albums, 1972's "Funky Kingston" and 1973's "In the Dark," are perhaps the best -- and certainly the most accessible -- albums recorded by one of reggae's artistic pillars.

"Funky Kingston" includes signature songs like "Pomp and Pride," "Redemption Song" and the title track, along with the band's hear-it-to-believe cover of Richard Berry's "Louie Louie" and a spellbinding take of Ike & Tina Turner's "I Can't Believe." Frederick "Toots" Hibbert sings with a soulfulness unmatched in reggae, equal parts Otis Redding and Ray Charles, and with bandmates who can provide both call-and-response gospel and sweet harmony singing. Instrumentally, the band pulses with deep, hypnotically grooved tracks, crackling with the kinetic energy of their early years.

"In the Dark" strips the band's sound of the overdubbed horn section, and digs deeply into their reggae roots. Hits include the title track, along with "Time Tough," and the prison-time inspired (and James Brown styled) "54-46 Was My Number." The Maytals second hear-it-to-believe-it cover, this time reworking John Denver's "Take Me Home Country Roads," is a marvel of reggae soul. It's nearly impossible to remember Denver's treacly original after spinning the Maytals' rendition.

This two-fer brings together both albums' original U.K. track listings and running orders for the first time on a U.S. release. In contrast, the 1976 U.S. issue of "Funky Kingston" distilled the ten tracks of "Funky Kingston" and twelve tracks of "In the Dark" (plus "Pressure Drop" from the soundtrack of "The Harder They Come") to a scant ten track total. With the inclusion of "Pressure Drop" as a bonus on this collection, listeners weaned on the U.S. original can restore its original track order by programming 12, 10, 7, 17, 3, 2, 9, 15, 21, 20. Not that you're likely to want to after listening to these albums in their original glory.

Bob Marley may have become the prophet's face of reggae, but these two classic albums demonstrate plain and simple: Toots & The Maytals were as large a part of the music's soul as anyone. Period.

Average customer rating:

Really great music
Not the Best Collection
Toots & the Maytals Rule!
Essential for any Reggae Collection
Not a good choice for someone interested in reggae

Very Best of Toots & the Maytals
Toots & the Maytals
Manufacturer: Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Ultimate Collection
Scrolls of the Prophet: The Best of Peter Tosh
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Funky Kingston/In the Dark
The Harder They Come

ASIN: B00004STPW
Release Date: 2000-04-25

Tracks:

Broadway Jungle
Bam Bam
54-56 Was My Number
Do The Reggay
Pressure Drop
54-46 That' s My Number
Sweet & Dandy
Monkey Man
Pomp & Pride
In The Park
Funky Kingston
Time Tough
Reggae Got Soul
Never You Change
Living In The Ghetto
Never Get Weary
(I've Got) Dreams To Remember
Spiritual Healing
Peace, Perfect Peace

Amazon.com

Toots Hibbert is often compared to Otis Redding, and since Hibbert was greatly influenced by classic American R&B as well as the music of his own Baptist church, that comparison is certainly apt. But while he owes a debt to the intense, high-octane vocal approach of Redding, there is also a great deal of similarity between Toots and the great James Brown. In many ways and at roughly the same time, Hibbert did for Jamaican soul what Brown did for its American cousin--he made it funky and nasty! One listen to the chunky guitar riffs underneath and Hibbert's repetitive vocal chants on top of 1968's "Do the Reggay" and this much is clear: while the energy of ska remains, the deep groove has become supreme ruler. This awesome collection goes back to an early Prince Buster-produced single from 1964 and follows the Maytals--and with them, the history of Jamaican pop--from sweet-harmonizing, horn-driven ska to steadfast rock steady to archetypical roots reggae. And don't forget that Hibbert wrote 18 of these 19 jewels himself (there's one Redding cover here), showing himself to be highly effective with both topical tunes and cheerful rave-ups. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

Really great music.......2006-12-07

I had never listened much to reggae in the past but this cd has made me a true believer. Toots and his group have made music that is wonderful and timeless. This is easily the best cd that I have purchased in a long time and will highly recommend it to anyone.

Not the Best Collection.......2006-05-30

While this is a very good collection, the double CD Time Tough: The Anthology includes all the tracks here, but does a better job of covering the whole Toots spectrum, and the sound quality is quite a bit better. So while I agree with the positive reviews here, you get a lot more bang for the buck with "Time Tough". And TT gives you a lot more of his latter work, when love and spirituality infused his work and raised reggae to a higher plane. Go on and spend the extra $10, you won't be sorry (like I was when I bought this then still had to go out and buy "Time Tough" to get a sampling of ALL the Toots and the Maytals I came to love through buying most of his LPs in the 70's and 80's.

Toots & the Maytals Rule!.......2006-04-19

I was lucky enough to see both Bob Marley & the Wailers and Toots & the Maytals on the same double bill at the Beacon Theater in NYC back in the '70's. Until then I had heard neither. While Bob Marley was phenomenal. He did more with simply folding his arms than most rockers do flailing all around the stage & smashing guitars. But the true revelation was Toots & the Maytals. They didn't stop until they rocked the house. Listening to this "Best of" collection brings that night home to me. If you've never experienced Toots & the Maytals, buy this collection, and give it a listen. You won't stop dancing and swaying. I promise.

Essential for any Reggae Collection.......2005-04-24

This is an exceptional summary of one of the great pioneers of Reggae music, Toot and the Maytals. The song included here, DO THE REGGAY, has even been credited with giving the music it's name. Toots Hibbert and his compatriots created some of eary Reggae's great highlights including 54-46 WAS MY NUMBER, PRESSURE DROP, MONKEY MAN and SWEET AND DANDY. This collection shows the versitily of the Maytals to include raw Ska (BROAWDAY JUNGLE, BAM BAM), funk(FUNKY KINGSTON) and Memphis soul(REGGAE GOT SOUL and the great cover of Otis Redding's I'VE GOT DREAMS TO REMEMBER). THE VERY BEST OF TOOTS AND THE MAYTALS is a great introduction to one the the giants of Reggae music.

Not a good choice for someone interested in reggae.......2004-08-07

This disc deserves only 3 stars for the following reasons. The sound is deficient, so that it doesn't allows to enjoy the music performed by Toots an the Maytals. It is my first disc of this musician and it isn't even pionner in reggae or ska music, the discs sound very trivial and the music has not good beats. If you are finding something different, definitely, this is not the choice.

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