Search - Bob Marley & Wailers :: Best of the Early Years

Essential material, but not in an essential context

R. Riis | NY | 03/10/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The tracks are of historic import, the remastered sound is excellent, the booklet is packed with information and a good essay. Is there any Marley fan, though, who doesn't already own these tracks, perhaps even in triplicate? Anyway, if you don't, this is a great catch-up opportunity, although all these tracks can also be found remastered in their original context, the two CDs "African Herbsman" and "Soul Rebel" on Trojan Records. If you're thinking of the "Songs of Freedom" box set (a must-have), be aware that the best of these tracks can be found there in comparable sound quality."

This one will make you feel like you're in Jamaica

R. Riis | 05/12/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After reading the Marley biography "Catch a Fire," I was primed to get into more of the Wailer's stuff, and this CD has become a personal favorite. I now listen to this CD as frequently as "Legend" and Jimmy Cliff's "Harder They Come" both of which are reggae classics. On "Best" you'll be able to pick up on the early reggae 'rock steady' influence of American pop, with plenty of falsetto harmonies coming from Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh. 'Soul Shakedown Party,' 'Mr. Brown,' 'I Know a Place' and many of the other tracks on this recording simply rock, and will make you feel great. A warning though: this CD is remastered from original recordings and sounds scratchy and old in some places. If you're an audiophile, this may bother you. For me, it only adds to the authenticity of the music, and makes me think of a more innocent time! I hope you enjoy this CD as much as I do!"