Gold [Remaster]

Performer: Bob Marley
Producer: Bill Levenson (Compilation)
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Bob Marley: Peter Tosh (vocals, guitar, piano, organ); Bob Marley (vocals, guitar, percussion); Bunny Livingston (vocals, congas, bongos); Earl "Chinna" Smith (guitar, percussion); Junior Marvin (guitar, background vocals); Donald Kinsey, Al Anderson (guitar); Bernard Touter Harvey (piano, organ); Tyrone Downie (keyboards, bass guitar, percussion, background vocals); Earl Lindo (keyboards, percussion, background vocals); Aston Barrett (bass guitar, percussion); Carlton "Carlie" Barrett (drums, percussion); Joe Higgs (percussion, background vocals); Alvin "Seeco" Patterson (percussion); Judy Mowatt, Marcia Griffiths, Rita Marley (background vocals). Although there are those who feel that Bob Marley's pre-Island Records output, particularly his work with producer and auteur Lee "Scratch" Perry in 1970 and 1971, is the way to go, the material Marley recorded for Island from 1972 until his death in 1981 is still what most listeners are familiar with and it undeniably informs the public perception of his legacy. Smoothed out and polished, westernized with lead guitars and other commercial touches, the Island material was both slightly less Jamaican and more rock oriented than Marley's earlier efforts, and there is no doubt that these subtle refinements were instrumental in breaking him in the U.S. and elsewhere, leading to his international reputation, where he is revered as a cultural icon. Marley truly deserved his success, though, since aside from being a brilliant songwriter and charismatic live performer, he also clearly understood the business side of things, and few musicians have better mixed politics, religion, fun and hard-eyed bottom line business sense into one complete package of partying and public responsibility. This generous two-disc, 34-track anthology lifts a song or two from each of Marley's 11 Island LPs, and while one could quibble about some omissions (why no "Three Little Birds," for instance?), it really does a remarkable job of charting the fast, ascending arc (Marley essentially released a little over an album a year during his Island period) that led to his international stardom. The essentials are here, from "I Shot the Sheriff," "Concrete Jungle," "Rebel Music," and "No Woman No Cry," to later gems like "Exodus," the beautiful "So Much Trouble in the World," and the posthumously released "Buffalo Soldier." Longer and with more tracks than Legend (even in its deluxe edition), Gold is ideal for listeners who want the cream of the Island years in one package. ~ Steve Leggett Despite the tidal wave of Bob Marley compilations flooding the stores year after year, it always seems unlikely that anything will supplant the revered LEGEND, an excellent, if not comprehensive, Marley sampler. However, Universal's GOLD series has put together this stunning, two-disc collection that gives LEGEND a serious run for its money. GOLD has 34 songs to LEGEND's 16, represents all phases of Marley's career, and is lovingly sequenced and packaged (with wonderful photos and an overview of the artist's studio output). In addition to all of the most essential and recognized tracks--"Stir It Up," "I Shot the Sheriff," "One Love/People Get Ready," and "No Woman No Cry," among them--GOLD doesn't skimp on lesser-known Marley classics. The rock-inspired "Concrete Jungle," the dreamy "Natural Mystic," and the political lament "So Much Trouble in the World" are among the gems sprinkled here. Selections from Marley's superb live albums and his often-overlooked mid-period output (RASTAMAN VIBRATION and KAYA) are here, fleshing out the retrospective. Much has been said about Marley's status as a poet, musical genius, and prophet. GOLD may be the most definitive proof of those claims available.

Jamaican legend Bob Marley began recording in the mid-1960s when R&B-influenced vocal harmony was the order of the day in Jamaican pop. With the Wailers, he presaged every major development from rock steady to roots reggae. By combining the tension of political issues with the expansiveness of Rastafarian spirituality and some of the deepest grooves in reggae, he earned a worldwide audience. Though Marley died young, he remains an icon comparable to John Lennon, a musical and social visionary.

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