Albums : Bob Marley & The Wailers : Legend Remixed
Albums : Bob Marley & The Wailers : Legend Remixed
Listen To Bob Marley & The Wailers : Legend Remixed
Who Is Bob Marley & The Wailers?
Bob Marley's third album for Island Records "Natty Dread", released in October 1975, was the first credited to Bob Marley and The Wailers; the harmonies of Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer were replaced with the soulfulness of the I-Threes, Rita Marley, Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt. The Wailers band now included Family Man and Carly Barrett, Junior Marvin on rhythm guitar, Al Anderson on lead guitar, Tyrone Downie and Earl "Wya" Lindo on keyboards and Alvin "Seeco" Patterson playing percussion. Characterized by spiritually and socially conscious lyrics, the "Natty Dread" album included a rousing blues-influenced celebration of reggae, "Lively Up Yourself", which Bob used to open many of his concerts; the joy he experienced among friends amidst the struggles of his Trench Town youth is poignantly conveyed on "No Woman No Cry", while the essential title track played a significant role in introducing Rastafarian culture and philosophies to the world. A commercial as well as a critical success, "Natty Dread" peaked at no. 44 on Billboard's Black Albums chart and no. 92 on the Pop Albums chart.
The following year Bob embarked on a highly successful European tour in support of "Natty Dread", which included two nights at London's Lyceum Theater. The Lyceum performances were captured on Bob's next release for Island, "Bob Marley and the Wailers Live", which featured a melancholy version of "No Woman No Cry" that reached the UK top 40.
Bob Marley catapulted to international stardom in 1976 with the release of "Rastaman Vibration", his only album to reach the Billboard Top 200, peaking at no. 8. With the inclusion of "Crazy Baldhead", which decries "brainwash education" and the stirring title cut, "Rastaman Vibration" presented a clearer understanding of Rastafari teachings to the mainstream audience that was now attentively listening to Bob. Also included was "War", its lyrics adapted from an impassioned speech to the United Nations General Assembly in 1963, delivered by Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I whom Rastafarians consider a living God. Thirty-five years after its initial release "War" remains an unassailable anthem of equality, its empowering spirit embraced by dispossessed people everywhere.
As 1976 drew to a close Bob Marley was now regarded as a global reggae ambassador who had internationally popularized Rastafarian beliefs. At home, that distinction fostered an immense sense of pride among those who embraced Bob's messages. But Bob's expanding influence was also a point of contention for others in Jamaica, which was brutally divided by political alliances. With the intention of suppressing simmering tensions between Jamaica's rival People's National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP), Bob agreed to a request by Jamaica's Ministry of Culture to headline a (non partisan) free concert, Smile Jamaica, to be held on December 5, 1976 in Kingston. Two days prior to the event, as Bob Marley and The Wailers rehearsed at his Kingston home, an unsuccessful assassination attempt was made on his life. Gunmen sprayed Bob's residence with bullets but miraculously, no one was killed; Bob escaped with minor gunshot wounds, Rita underwent surgery to remove a bullet that grazed her head but she was released from the hospital the next day. Bob's manager Don Taylor was shot five times and critically wounded; he was airlifted to Miami's Cedars of Lebanon Hospital for the removal of a bullet lodged against his spinal cord.
If the ambush in the night at Bob Marley's home was an attempt to prevent him from performing at the Smile Jamaica concert or a warning intended to silence the revolutionary spirit within his music, then it had failed miserably. Bob defiantly performed "War" at the Smile Jamaica concert, which reportedly drew 80,000 people but shortly thereafter he went into seclusion and few people knew of his whereabouts.
Three months after the Smile Jamaica concert, Bob flew to London where he lived for the next year and a half; there he recorded the albums "Exodus" (1977) and "Kaya" (1978). Exodus' title track provided a call for change, "the movement of Jah people", incorporating spiritual and political concerns into its groundbreaking amalgam of reggae, rock and soul-funk. A second single, the sultry dance tune "Jamming" became a British top 10 hit. The "Exodus" album remained on the UK charts for a staggering 56 consecutive weeks, bringing a level of commercial success to Bob Marley and the Wailers that had previously eluded the band.
In a more laid back vein, the "Kaya" album hit no. 4 on the British charts, propelled by the popularity of the romantic singles "Satisfy My Soul" and "Is This Love?" Kaya's title track extols the herb Marley used throughout his lifetime; the somber "Running Away," and the haunting "Time Will Tell" are deep reflections on the December 1976 assassination attempt. The release of "Kaya" coincided with Bob Marley's triumphant return to Jamaica for a performance at the One Love Peace Concert, held on April 22, 1978 at Kingston's National Stadium. The event was another effort aimed at curtailing the rampant violence stemming from the senseless PNP-JLP rivalries; the event featured 16 prominent reggae acts and was dubbed a "Third World Woodstock". In the concert's most memorable scenario, Bob Marley summoned JLP leader Edward Seaga and Prime Minister Michael Manley onstage. As the Wailers pumped out the rhythm to "Jamming", Bob urged the politicians to shake hands; clasping his left hand over theirs, he raised their arms aloft and chanted "Jah Rastafari". In recognition of his courageous attempt to bridge Jamaica's cavernous political divide, Bob traveled to the United Nations in New York where he received the organization's Medal of Peace on June 6, 1978. (Read More)
Legend Remixed Review
Its a very serious challenge, to remix Legend, mainly since it is the second highest selling album worldwide of all time next to Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon. Produced by Ziggy Marley, Stephen Marley and Jason Bentley, the first thing one notes is that the sequence is changed. By virtue of the songs being remixed, so must the sequence.
Waiting In Vain remixed by Jim James of My Morning Jacket starts off this version of Legend and what is immediately apparent is that these vocal tracks, isolated, evoke an emotion like meeting an old friend again and picking up a topic you have in common, but on a deeper level. The songs use different tracks than those original, familiar final takes included on Legend, it‘s like an insider’s ear to what was happening in the studio when they were originally recorded.
Stephen Marley takes one of four turns at the console for Legend Remixed with Three Little Birds, developed with DJ/producer Jason Bentley of KCRW in Los Angeles. It serves as the anthem for Hyundai’s new suite of features that allow drivers to enjoy a stress-free ownership experience. Apparently Hyundai also supported the creation of the “Making of Legend Remixed” documentary, a short film featuring interviews with the Marley family and the musicians and remixers involved. The song itself has a very Melody Makers feel, and features samples of Carlton Barrett’s drum tracks.
Could You Be Loved by RAC has great outtakes, with Bob’s 1-2-3 intro, the “1” replaced by “Come now” and ambient noise from the studio musicians. This is a sort of Afro-Beat, guitar-centered version with a new bassline. Bob’s vocal tracks here sing the variation “It’s good to be loved” with a haunting, spartan mix, and, “Can you be love? And Be Loved?” An abrupt switch to a fragment of the tune Chant Down Babylon and another "1-2" close the tune. These outtakes are taken from the Criteria Rehearsals filmed by Neville Garrick back in 1980.
The Thievery Corporation is extremely suited to this type of project, and their version of Get Up Stand Up soars as “Now we see the light,” is looped, Peter Tosh’s vocals stand out more in the mix, and a new interpretation of the bass line is divinely seasoned with soundsystem effects. It‘s head bopping with a sweet mixdown, Bob and Peter trading lines in the front.
Roni Size supremely remixed I Shot the Sheriff, coming in at 6 minutes. Carlton Barrett’s drums are given the spotlight between a heavy drum and bass jungle mix, and the lyrical storyline is transposed a bit - the sense of him telling us of his misfortune almost conversational here when the lines are rearranged.
Stephen takes on Easy Skanking with an amazing alternative take of Bob’s vocals, especially the iconic, “Excuse me while I light my spliff” and iyatta patois version that sings, “Herb for I wine, honey for I strong drink”.
Ziggy’s Redemption Song has a true Nyabinghi style drum track running through it as well as mento-flavoured guitars and harmonica. Its a loving tribute to this songwriter and performer - evocative, redemptive and patriotic, like Jamaica and the Diaspora’s love note from Bob’s ever-living spirit.
Is This Love was released as a single, remixed by Jason Bentley, it uses a quote from Bob who speaks, “Know good music, different music, good vibrations” as a type of calling card for the remix project. This a strong dance groove, the “willing and able” looped to keep you moving!
Reggae veteran guest, Lee “Scratch” Perry appears on what was his original Black Ark studio tune, Punky Reggae Party where he meets Z Trip, to “take a joyful sound.” He intros the song saying, “Z Trip, Run the Track” and during the song announces, “Lee Perry... professional, Admiral, General”...and “a powerful song, you bring back the fun.” Using vinyl scratching effects and a scratched “Punky” vocal make this a fun tune indeed. The driving Barrett bass line is re-interpreted, with Perry interspersing his own oddities.
Although there are no straight up hip hop and reggae producers remixing these tunes (besides the Marley’s themselves), it is an ambitious record and leaves a lot to ruminate over.
Contact Bob Marley
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Pinterest | YouTube | Flickr | MySpace
Contact Reggaeville
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | MySpace | Soundcloud | Email
Sources : Bob Marley & The Wailers Photo | Listen To Legend Remixed | Bob Marley & The Wailers Biography | Legends Remixed Review
Purchase : iTunes | Amazon | Walmart | Best Buy
Listen To Bob Marley & The Wailers : Legend Remixed
Who Is Bob Marley & The Wailers?
Bob Marley's third album for Island Records "Natty Dread", released in October 1975, was the first credited to Bob Marley and The Wailers; the harmonies of Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer were replaced with the soulfulness of the I-Threes, Rita Marley, Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt. The Wailers band now included Family Man and Carly Barrett, Junior Marvin on rhythm guitar, Al Anderson on lead guitar, Tyrone Downie and Earl "Wya" Lindo on keyboards and Alvin "Seeco" Patterson playing percussion. Characterized by spiritually and socially conscious lyrics, the "Natty Dread" album included a rousing blues-influenced celebration of reggae, "Lively Up Yourself", which Bob used to open many of his concerts; the joy he experienced among friends amidst the struggles of his Trench Town youth is poignantly conveyed on "No Woman No Cry", while the essential title track played a significant role in introducing Rastafarian culture and philosophies to the world. A commercial as well as a critical success, "Natty Dread" peaked at no. 44 on Billboard's Black Albums chart and no. 92 on the Pop Albums chart.
The following year Bob embarked on a highly successful European tour in support of "Natty Dread", which included two nights at London's Lyceum Theater. The Lyceum performances were captured on Bob's next release for Island, "Bob Marley and the Wailers Live", which featured a melancholy version of "No Woman No Cry" that reached the UK top 40.
Bob Marley catapulted to international stardom in 1976 with the release of "Rastaman Vibration", his only album to reach the Billboard Top 200, peaking at no. 8. With the inclusion of "Crazy Baldhead", which decries "brainwash education" and the stirring title cut, "Rastaman Vibration" presented a clearer understanding of Rastafari teachings to the mainstream audience that was now attentively listening to Bob. Also included was "War", its lyrics adapted from an impassioned speech to the United Nations General Assembly in 1963, delivered by Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I whom Rastafarians consider a living God. Thirty-five years after its initial release "War" remains an unassailable anthem of equality, its empowering spirit embraced by dispossessed people everywhere.
As 1976 drew to a close Bob Marley was now regarded as a global reggae ambassador who had internationally popularized Rastafarian beliefs. At home, that distinction fostered an immense sense of pride among those who embraced Bob's messages. But Bob's expanding influence was also a point of contention for others in Jamaica, which was brutally divided by political alliances. With the intention of suppressing simmering tensions between Jamaica's rival People's National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP), Bob agreed to a request by Jamaica's Ministry of Culture to headline a (non partisan) free concert, Smile Jamaica, to be held on December 5, 1976 in Kingston. Two days prior to the event, as Bob Marley and The Wailers rehearsed at his Kingston home, an unsuccessful assassination attempt was made on his life. Gunmen sprayed Bob's residence with bullets but miraculously, no one was killed; Bob escaped with minor gunshot wounds, Rita underwent surgery to remove a bullet that grazed her head but she was released from the hospital the next day. Bob's manager Don Taylor was shot five times and critically wounded; he was airlifted to Miami's Cedars of Lebanon Hospital for the removal of a bullet lodged against his spinal cord.
If the ambush in the night at Bob Marley's home was an attempt to prevent him from performing at the Smile Jamaica concert or a warning intended to silence the revolutionary spirit within his music, then it had failed miserably. Bob defiantly performed "War" at the Smile Jamaica concert, which reportedly drew 80,000 people but shortly thereafter he went into seclusion and few people knew of his whereabouts.
Three months after the Smile Jamaica concert, Bob flew to London where he lived for the next year and a half; there he recorded the albums "Exodus" (1977) and "Kaya" (1978). Exodus' title track provided a call for change, "the movement of Jah people", incorporating spiritual and political concerns into its groundbreaking amalgam of reggae, rock and soul-funk. A second single, the sultry dance tune "Jamming" became a British top 10 hit. The "Exodus" album remained on the UK charts for a staggering 56 consecutive weeks, bringing a level of commercial success to Bob Marley and the Wailers that had previously eluded the band.
In a more laid back vein, the "Kaya" album hit no. 4 on the British charts, propelled by the popularity of the romantic singles "Satisfy My Soul" and "Is This Love?" Kaya's title track extols the herb Marley used throughout his lifetime; the somber "Running Away," and the haunting "Time Will Tell" are deep reflections on the December 1976 assassination attempt. The release of "Kaya" coincided with Bob Marley's triumphant return to Jamaica for a performance at the One Love Peace Concert, held on April 22, 1978 at Kingston's National Stadium. The event was another effort aimed at curtailing the rampant violence stemming from the senseless PNP-JLP rivalries; the event featured 16 prominent reggae acts and was dubbed a "Third World Woodstock". In the concert's most memorable scenario, Bob Marley summoned JLP leader Edward Seaga and Prime Minister Michael Manley onstage. As the Wailers pumped out the rhythm to "Jamming", Bob urged the politicians to shake hands; clasping his left hand over theirs, he raised their arms aloft and chanted "Jah Rastafari". In recognition of his courageous attempt to bridge Jamaica's cavernous political divide, Bob traveled to the United Nations in New York where he received the organization's Medal of Peace on June 6, 1978. (Read More)
Legend Remixed Review
Its a very serious challenge, to remix Legend, mainly since it is the second highest selling album worldwide of all time next to Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon. Produced by Ziggy Marley, Stephen Marley and Jason Bentley, the first thing one notes is that the sequence is changed. By virtue of the songs being remixed, so must the sequence.
Waiting In Vain remixed by Jim James of My Morning Jacket starts off this version of Legend and what is immediately apparent is that these vocal tracks, isolated, evoke an emotion like meeting an old friend again and picking up a topic you have in common, but on a deeper level. The songs use different tracks than those original, familiar final takes included on Legend, it‘s like an insider’s ear to what was happening in the studio when they were originally recorded.
Stephen Marley takes one of four turns at the console for Legend Remixed with Three Little Birds, developed with DJ/producer Jason Bentley of KCRW in Los Angeles. It serves as the anthem for Hyundai’s new suite of features that allow drivers to enjoy a stress-free ownership experience. Apparently Hyundai also supported the creation of the “Making of Legend Remixed” documentary, a short film featuring interviews with the Marley family and the musicians and remixers involved. The song itself has a very Melody Makers feel, and features samples of Carlton Barrett’s drum tracks.
Could You Be Loved by RAC has great outtakes, with Bob’s 1-2-3 intro, the “1” replaced by “Come now” and ambient noise from the studio musicians. This is a sort of Afro-Beat, guitar-centered version with a new bassline. Bob’s vocal tracks here sing the variation “It’s good to be loved” with a haunting, spartan mix, and, “Can you be love? And Be Loved?” An abrupt switch to a fragment of the tune Chant Down Babylon and another "1-2" close the tune. These outtakes are taken from the Criteria Rehearsals filmed by Neville Garrick back in 1980.
The Thievery Corporation is extremely suited to this type of project, and their version of Get Up Stand Up soars as “Now we see the light,” is looped, Peter Tosh’s vocals stand out more in the mix, and a new interpretation of the bass line is divinely seasoned with soundsystem effects. It‘s head bopping with a sweet mixdown, Bob and Peter trading lines in the front.
Roni Size supremely remixed I Shot the Sheriff, coming in at 6 minutes. Carlton Barrett’s drums are given the spotlight between a heavy drum and bass jungle mix, and the lyrical storyline is transposed a bit - the sense of him telling us of his misfortune almost conversational here when the lines are rearranged.
Stephen takes on Easy Skanking with an amazing alternative take of Bob’s vocals, especially the iconic, “Excuse me while I light my spliff” and iyatta patois version that sings, “Herb for I wine, honey for I strong drink”.
Ziggy’s Redemption Song has a true Nyabinghi style drum track running through it as well as mento-flavoured guitars and harmonica. Its a loving tribute to this songwriter and performer - evocative, redemptive and patriotic, like Jamaica and the Diaspora’s love note from Bob’s ever-living spirit.
Is This Love was released as a single, remixed by Jason Bentley, it uses a quote from Bob who speaks, “Know good music, different music, good vibrations” as a type of calling card for the remix project. This a strong dance groove, the “willing and able” looped to keep you moving!
Reggae veteran guest, Lee “Scratch” Perry appears on what was his original Black Ark studio tune, Punky Reggae Party where he meets Z Trip, to “take a joyful sound.” He intros the song saying, “Z Trip, Run the Track” and during the song announces, “Lee Perry... professional, Admiral, General”...and “a powerful song, you bring back the fun.” Using vinyl scratching effects and a scratched “Punky” vocal make this a fun tune indeed. The driving Barrett bass line is re-interpreted, with Perry interspersing his own oddities.
Although there are no straight up hip hop and reggae producers remixing these tunes (besides the Marley’s themselves), it is an ambitious record and leaves a lot to ruminate over.
Contact Bob Marley
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Pinterest | YouTube | Flickr | MySpace
Contact Reggaeville
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | MySpace | Soundcloud | Email
Sources : Bob Marley & The Wailers Photo | Listen To Legend Remixed | Bob Marley & The Wailers Biography | Legends Remixed Review
Purchase : iTunes | Amazon | Walmart | Best Buy
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