Search - Bob Marley & The Wailers :: Live!

London burning!

michaeleve | 01/23/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Critical acclaim AND commercial success in one album, finally! Bob's earlier albums had achieved one or the other but not both. 'Catch a Fire' and 'Burnin' were well received in Europe, but less so in Jamaica, especially the former. 'Natty Dread' was welcomed with rapturous praise in Jamaica, but had a short life on the UK album chart. Singles from these albums were selling fairly well, specifically 'Get up, Stand up', 'I Shot the Sheriff' and 'No woman, no cry', but still it was only singles.These seven tracks were from a two night concert at London's Lyceum ballroom, part of the tour promoting the 'Natty Dread' album. They would go on to be produced as this album - 'Live' and became Bob's breakthrough - (in Europe, anyway; his US breakthrough came later). The actual set that was played at the Lyceum included 'Slave Driver', 'Rebel Music' 'Kinky Reggae' 'Stir it up' and naturally 'Natty Dread' since that was the promotion. The order of the songs was also different. 'Lively up Yourself' was the last played, before the encores. Listen to the crowd noise - in grateful recognition that they had been part of an event. One of the things 'Live' did was change the rules for all future reggae shows. Previously stage performances were usually simple, staightforward renditions of what was on the album. Not anymore. Bob Marley and the Wailers simply took the album version as a point of reference and then took off, improvising on stage as they saw fit. Stuff that any rock fan was familiar with - long guitar solos, instrumental interludes, vocal improvisations - all were added to live reggae performances for the first time. Mind you, Bob on stage was something else again. He could get caught up into a rapturous, trancelike experience of the rhythm - head held high, 'locks flashing, running on spot like a Nyabinghi, arm outstretched with finger pointing to Jah. Some of the vocal improvisations that became staples of Marley concerts were introduced here. Along with wailing, Bob uses a throaty, gurgling sound on 'Burnin & Lootin'. On 'Them Belly Full' he repeats lines over and over again with the I Threes keeping him company in a type of call and response singing. On 'Get up Stand up' we get 'Woy-yoy-yoh chants! The harmonies with the I Threes on 'Trenchtown Rock', and 'I shot the Sheriff' are superb. This version of 'No woman, no cry' is the most emotional and beautiful rendition, and the one song persons who were there can recall with crystal clarity, to this day. I wish I had been there."

The Emotional Appeal Of Marley Comes Alive

William M. Rand | Washington, DC | 08/02/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Live version of Marley's music truly is supreme compared to the studio renditions. You can really feel the emotional appeal that his music has and how it conveys through the audience. I often don't like Live renditions after all they seem to be very similar to studio editions and I often find the crowd noise distracting, but when it comes to Marley half of his appeal is his ability to empower people with attitude and emotion and that just isn't as obvious in his studio recordings.My only problem with this album is that it is not what I consider some of the best of his work. Though the last four tracks are great songs, they are not the best versions of these songs I have heard.However, what a great way to end a CD, "Lively Up Yourself" is a great song that is not that easy to find and this is truly a great version. Then comes the great "No Woman, No Cry" which is such a great song it even now brings tears to my eyes. Then there is the often imitated but never duplicated, Marley rendition of "I Shot The Sheriff" this may very well be the best version of this song yet. And he ends with an absolutely great tune that makes you want to jump out of your seat, "Get Up, Stand Up"Overall I recommend this album, but if you only want one Marley CD I recommend you get Legend instead which has some better versions of some of the songs and has more of Marley's greatest hits like "Buffalo Soldier" However for a second Marley CD this is a perfect choice."

When it hits, you feel okay

katja_r | 11/05/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I enjoy this superb performance very much. The crowd is receptive and lively. The band is playing tight but loose raggae in a way that only pioneers of the sound are able. Bob Marley is in fine form. He is responsive to the energy of the audience. I find his ironic music engaging with its bouncy rhythms supporting serious, sometimes disturbing, lyrical content. If you have an interest in the music of Bob Marley from the early seventies, this CD will be interesting to you"