Bob Marley

have a couple cassette tapes of cheap studio time-love the earthiness of his sound. you can hear the steel drums and the rushing of the dunns river falls in his music. this cd is too cleaned up. no rasta here, mon. guess i need to find his older stuff for the sound i crave.

OK, I am dating myself...Even so, the very first 45 record I fell in love with was The Eagles, Hotel California with Pretty Maids in a Row on the flipside. The first 8-track was Mothers Finest. Then along came my boyfriend with a tape of Bob Marley's Legend album and I remembered what it was like to fall in love with music again. Since that first listen, I have been through MANY tapes (some melted in the back of my car, some suffered the undesirable fate of one too many listenings, which caused the ribbbons to snap, some sufered cracked cases and still others were 'BORROWED') and had several CDs of this album. Every time one is misappropriated or damaged, I find myself buying another copy. I could have made Marley rich just on the royalties I have generated over the last 25 years. No matter what the mood, Marley never fails to touch me with his music, his vibe and his raw emotion. I have loved many a band, many a song, many a musician, but will always be ultimately in love with this album and with songs lit "Stir it Up". No album can make me sing my heart out like this one, or sway in my seat so resolutely. It's impossible to believe anyone could not love these tunes.

great cd if all the tracks worked. I returned the first to amazon because track 7 just stops and won't play. I recieved a replacement and track 7 just stops and won't play. I have to forward it to track 8 to finish listening. My player plays all my other 80 plus cds fine. So the problem is in this cd.

"legend" has certainly come a long way from its 14 track vinyl format to its 16 track cd/ or cd/dvd configuration since its original release in 1985. if you want to appreciate his art in its entirety, you will have to get every album he's released. but if you're a novice and would like to get an overview of this great man's work, this is a great start (in any configuration).

I love this CD because it has a lot of his best songs!!! I'm glad I bought it and it was cheap!!!

bob Marley just touches my heart when i listen to him. it reminds me of the evolution.

I ordered this for my husband, a huge Bob Marley fan, and he listens to it all the time. It is great to hear different versions of the classics. I also enjoy these cd's a lot.

Yeah, this is another 5 star album from Bob (all of his are 5 stars). The only thing I would say about this is that if you are going to spend the money to buy this, you're probably wanting A LOT of Bob Marley. I would recommend getting his studio albums first (Catch A Fire, Burnin', Natty Dread, Rastaman Vibration, Exodus, Kaya, Survival, Uprising, and Confrontation). After you have those you may want to get some live Marley, so check out Live at the Roxy and Babylon By Bus. Finally, if you still need more Bob, get this box set. It has a lot of rare stuff on it that you'll definitely enjoy if you like all of those other albums.

Everyone who likes Reggae Music must have this CD.
Simply the best of Bob Marley...

Out of all the Christmas gifts I have received today, one stands clear as my favorite: "Songs Of Freedom", a four cd boxed set compiling 88 classic Marley tunes, a vast number of which are rarities. Alternate takes, never or rarely heard performances (starting with his first recordings with Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston dating back to 1964) and much more. The sound quality is quite good, as are the sequencing and the liner notes.

Bob Marley was an incredibly kind, loving, talented, nurturing and intelligent individual, and "Songs Of Freedom" is a testament to just how great this man truly was and how his message still rings true today: a message of peace, unity, love, tolerance, freedom and faith. This is a must have for all music fans, as no record collection is complete without anything by Bob Marley.

How could we not recommend the work Time magazine rated as "Best Album Of The Twentieth Century"? By the time of the recording of this album, Bob Marley had become an international rock superstar and a household name, preaching redemption through peace and compassion (and the consumption of copious amounts of ganga, a Rastafarian sacrament). The world was hanging on his every word, and he did not disappoint. Exodus has a sense of time and place, not to mention purpose. Songs like the title tune, "Guiltiness", and "The Heathen" provide the gravitas and paint pictures of a difficult world. But lighter fare such as the irresistable "Jamming" and the sunny, now-classic closer "One Love" keep the overall tone of the album balanced and optimistic. There is no better representation of Marley's singing or songwriting skills, and Exodus captures he & The Wailers at a performing peak. And, you can dance to it.

If you'd prefer, Babylon by Bus is a live collection featuring equally vibrant performances but including most of his best-known songs, and all performed in front of wildly enthusiastic stadium crowds during a European tour the band made during their prime. If you prefer a DVD, Bob Marley and the Wailers Live at the Rainbow is the one Marley devotees have voted his best, overwhelmingly. But whatever your selection(s), know that Bob Marley is the undisputed king of 'roots' reggae; and if not its sole inventor, without a doubt he took the music to entirely new levels of sophistication and recognition.

Bob Marley & The Wailers-Exodus *****


Released in 1977, the year that 'punk broke' Exodus was the most important album to emerge that year, not The Sex Pistols' Never Mind The Bollocks, not The Clash, not L.A.M.F., no, Exodus far passes those in terms of importance, and really in over all quality. The overall spirituality and tone of the album is very different from all the other albums the group had previously released. The same can be said for the production of the album and the band, both of which are tighter and sound better then any other album the band ever recorded, though that does not make this the groups best album.

Exodus was released and recorded while Marley was living in England after fleeing his home land due to a assassination attempt on his life. This may explain the sudden change in subject matter. Marley was always known for being very spiritual but it seems as though the hit on his life brought him closer to his faith, songs like the angelic 'One Love' the equaly big hit 'Three Little Birds' and the albums incredible opener 'Natural Mystic' are excellent examples of this. Marley had also been known as some what of a rights activist for his people, but living in another part of the world seemed to have brought peace to his mind about the harsh conditions back home because he was more focused on his universal truths such as fate.

Songs like 'Jamming' and the beautiful 'Waiting In Vain' brought Marley & The Wailers to the masses. These songs along with basically the rest of the album made the group giants in the United States and in the U.K. where seven of the albums songs became hit singles, and for that, bringing a whole style of music to the rest of the world on that large of a scale, Exodus is easily one of the most important albums ever made.

With such great songs and amazing musicianship in the group Exodus is a instant classic and essential for all those interested in any form of music. Though I must say that this is not the best album by the group, it is a very close second, but with out any question, Catch A Fire, the groups first album is the best. The group plays tighter then ever here, showing that change is not always a bad thing, that it is not something to fear, but also showing once again that Marley never wrote any bad material.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2ZNCZUEUFW2SS This has been one of my favorite albums forever. Doesn't need my rating, but I'd like to show how great it is for JumpRock.

This album takes me back to my youth living close the major West Indian area of London where this music came from every window or so it seemed. Great album

This set includes the great songs that helped Bob Marley officially cross over to mainstream, and bring reggae with him. Although reggae music is still not as prominent as it could be, this set certainly helped it along. It has some of each type of music. Jah reggae, dance and rock. If you are a reggae fan this is a stable for your library.

2 1/2

It's just average to me. Debut significance and any innovation credit aside, almost all tracks here are just forgettable compared to his next few years when he and the band hit a creative stride. The traditional sound remains, although mainly butchered beyond stereotype in most cases with luke-warm songwriting and sterile backing vocals. A few tracks that crept out to land on further compilations obviously pointed at deeper melodic strength which was to come. Fans undoubtedly embrace this as early gospel, but those looking around as a starting point would do well to steer clear.

The opening to the first track on the album 'Concrete Jungle' is sort of a metaphor for the groups career with Marley. They slowly gained power and notoriety then exploded for a seemingly long groove then came to a sudden stop. 'Concrete Jungle' sets the pace for the rest of the album which happens to be the groups first. This is the ying to the yang that was the bands second album Burnin.' While that album was much darker and angrier Catch A Fire is more about peace and togetherness.

Songs like the opener, along side 'Slave Driver' and 'No More Trouble' are the kind of classic social commentary Marley became known for in his lyrics. The hit 'Stir It Up' along side 'Kinky Reggae' and 'Baby We've Got A Date' show a different side however, they show the lover that Marley was and his love for women.

The over all music on Catch A Fire is among the best Bob Marley & The Wailers ever released, if not the best. The musicianship of Tosh and Bunny Wailer propel this from just a good album to a masterpiece of reggae music. Sadly those two would leave the Wailers after the next album Burnin' drastically changing the bands sounds forever. The band went on to massive popularity with their later releases such as Uprising and Exodus but it is Catch A Fire that remains Marley & The Wailers' best and most consistent album.

In 1973, this album popularized reggae on the world stage, and for very good reason. The guitar and drum work on this album is amazing. My favorite track is the opener, "Concrete Jungle," the solo on steel guitar is incredible. This song is about the slums in Jamaica of which Marley knew first hand. This album has it's share of political songs like, slave driver, 400 years, and no more trouble, and it had the laid back songs. The most popular is Stir it up, which has some great organ work. The singing on this album is also great, with Peter Tosh contributing to a couple of the albums strongest tracks, Stop that Train, and Four-Hundred Years. This was the first reggae album I ever bought, and played it in my car for a good month with few breaks. It blew me away, I was later more amazed to find other reggae albums I liked even more, but this is a great starting place for Marley and Reggae in general. It is very different from later Marley, which I like better, but is great in it's own right, this album is essential to any reggae collection.

Catch a Fire is a CD that I have been looking for for a long time.
Bob Marley is one of my top favorite musicians. It is a used CD, but in very good condition.

For lovers of music, this album, Natty Dread, and Burnin' are essential for your catalogue. Somehow Marley and the Wailers combined organic earthy rhythms with beautiful harmonies in a way not done before or since.

If you are starting your reggae collection, this is the first album you should buy. If you have Legend already this works out because the albums don't share any tracks (the main flaw in Legend). I'd rather listen to this than Legend any day. This album has great music that is true to the genre. The aspect that I think defines reggae music is the percussion style, it is amazing and emphasized on this album. The most important thing about Bob Marley's music, is the political lyrics suggesting change. The album handles some terrible issues, but suggests a very positive future if we are able to "Wake Up and Live." This feel is evident in all songs, especially in "Africa Unite." The beats in this album are heart-thumping, and make you feel absolutely amazing. It's a pity that Marley's most important music is not heard by everyone. I think this album is better and characterizes Marley's purpose for making music better than "Legend." My favorite song on the album is "Ride Natty Ride," just an overall powerful song, everything about it is great. The weakest song is "So Much Trouble in the World," but I think it works well as an opener (not the way it was released initially). It's message is vague, but leads in to the rest of the album. The listener asks, "What Kind of Trouble," then the rest of the album answers the question. It closes with "Wake Up and Live." The message of this song is to do our share and to live without hate. The bass and the saxophone are also incredible in this song, I cannot imagine a better song order for this album, and I can't imagine any music being better than this, and i listen to a lot of music.

Survival, it seems, has been swallowed by history. Oh, that cover art was controversial, all right, but that's all it's remembered as. That one with the cover - depicting the Middle Passage - that was censored in South Africa. Now, let's actually talk about the music contained therein, shall we? I think we shall. It's good mostly, brilliant occasionally. Musically it's just the same old, same old - there's not a single experimental album in Marley's catalog. There are occasional ornamentations, like a horn section on "Top Rankin'" and the title track, but for the most part this follows the same sound he had been successfully milking since Catch a Fire. But the key here is in the lyrics, featuring some of Bob's best protest material on tracks like "So Much Trouble in the World", "Africa Unite", "Babylon System", and the title song. Basically, he's not happy with the state the world's in, particularly Africa, which was at the time going through one of the biggest disgraces to human rights of modern times: Apartheid. Bob protests it at every turn, and not only is he pushing a very worthy cause, he's also doing so in an intelligent way - fantastic lyrics, unforgettable melodies, solid performing and so forth. The title track is an especially good example of this; and the similar "Wake Up and Live" takes on a similar bent. And "One Drop" is one of his most infectious, good-natured songs - a heavy contrast to the rather dark lyrics, don't you think? Only there are times on this record when Bob gets so carried away with his message, he forget about the basics of songwriting ("Ambush in the Night"; "Ride Natty Ride"; "Zimbabwe"). And it's kind of monotonous, but nothing I can't overlook, because there's a lot of great stuff here. You'd be surprised.

Buy this album. You know Bob Marley doesn't disappoint. This probably shouldn't be your first Bob Marley album, though, as Catch A Fire and Burnin' are probably the best introductions to Bob' music. However, if this is your first Bob album, you won't be disappointed. I would list my favorite songs on the album but I just love them all. Get this album and be happy.

Absolutely an excellent compilation of song along the same theme of survival, atrocities. an album of hope and encouragement!!!
A must have Bob!
I listened the entire CD repeatedly and still couldgo on....

Jennifer R
Grenada

Huge Marley fan and this is a top album. Buy this or be sorry.

Good solid music from a master. Might not be his best
but a must have for anyone who likes his music. Great
listening for music fans and a fine introduction
for anyone who has none of his work.

What can anyone say about Bob Marley. We own everything he's ever done. Like fine wine, his music just gets better and better with the passing of time.

One of Bob's most acclaimed albums, and I like it, though I'd hesitate to call it his best album. It's a very political one, yet it's so upbeat you probably won't notice that - for example, the bright "Bad Card" has a staccato piano and cooing backup vocals. It's also him at his most melodic, with song after song containing hook after hook - "Coming in from the Cold" and the dancey "Could You Be Loved?" are two of Bob's catchiest tracks; "Real Situation" is also a nice slice of poppy reggae with, once again, socially conscience lyrics. There are some slightly darker songs to contrast this, like the minor-key "We and Dem", with fantastic guitar and steel drum parts - or at least it sounds like a steel drum, maybe I'm wrong here. Good one regardless. "Work" is also darker, and I like its suspenseful atmosphere. It's also got an instrument I can't identify - I can't tell if it's horns, steel drums, or what. It's cool, whatever it is, and you can't deny the guitar licks either. Really, I've only got one problem with this album, and that's the one-size-fits-all approach to arrangements. There are a couple exceptions to this rule - most notably the classic folk protest "Redemption Song", which is one of Marley's best ever and certainly the best song on the album; and the aforementioned "Could You Be Loved", a successful flirtation with disco. But after a while, I get the feeling that Bob took one generic backup track and decided to apply it to every song on the album. Take "Zion Train". Decent song by itself, but it sounds a lot like "Work" to me. Of course, I've already discussed that I really like "Work", but it's a bit trying to hear what is basically the same song on repeat, which is what makes it arguably the weakest song on the album. Even then, it's an objectively catchy song, very hummable refrain, and more solid guitar parts too. I suppose "Pimper's Paradise" is kinda the same way too, but I love the numerous vocal hooks and steady pulse on that one, so hey, I can certainly deal with that. So this is a really good album, but a bit more diversity wouldn't have killed it. Whatever, it's not like Bob Marley was all that diverse in the first place.

This is the last album released in Bob Marley's lifetime. It is amazing, just like everything else he recorded and released. Don't pass on this. Bob is the king.

This was my first Bob Marley record, and it's still my favorite. It still resounds years later not because of any nostalgic feelings I might have, but because its art and sincerity are still strong and still sing to me. I love every song here. There isn't one bad note in this entire album. Coming in from the Cold and Bad Card are the best off side one, and I do like the dance hit Could You Be Loved. The album is one of Bob's best, and it's a damn shame it was his final album, because I'm sure he had a lot more to offer this world. One of my favorite songs here is Redemption Song, the last song on the album, and the last studio cut Bob released. It's a folk song, with only Bob and his guitar, but that's what makes it so strong and moving. This is arguably Marley's greatest album, and one that will live forever....

Bob Marley and I go way back, to the early 80s to be exact. I owned "Bus" first as a double album, then replaced them with a CD as one era was ending and another began. NOW, my first CD wore out and I had to - once again - find a replacement. You know what? it just keeps getting better and better. Call it maturity, call it leaps in technology, I love this collection of live songs, no matter the format.

It is true as most reviewers say: This is Marley at his best. I already owned for over 10 years Burning, Catch a fire, Exodus, and those earlier versions albums, you know: Duppy conquerer, Kaya and such. The first time I heard this album I wanted to kill myself for not listening to it earlier. I have Black Uhuru's live in 84, Burning Spear's Garvey and his ghost, some Steel Pulse, Peter Broggs and so many other Rootz Reggea artists and I'll tell you this album is not only the best Reggea album I have ever listened to (Yes, I've heard Live), but probably the best Live album by any artist I have ever heard. Just the begining of it it's awsome, he gives his praises to Jah and BOOM! Rastaman Vibration, no intro no nothing, he gives the crowd what they went there for: Mad live Reggea tracks to dance all night. Kind of like The song remains the same from Zeppelin: All right let's go!
Buy it today!

I am a huge Bob Marley and old school reggae fan. However, I did not like this cd because it is too fast-paced. Don't get me wrong, I like faster songs, when it is hip hop or something. But when it is Reggae, no...
I have most of these songs on other cds, and love them. But this version just sounds like they are racing through their usual material instead of that slow, "yeah mon, it's all good" kind of vibe.
I can't even believe I am not giving a 5 star review to anything he created,understand that.

A famous live album that deserves every accolade it has ever received. If you're looking for rock-solid, often amazing renditions of the classics, which were great to begin with, go here. The songs here have a funk edge that wasn't heard on the original studio album ("Positive Vibration"; "Punky Reggae Party"; "Concrete Jungle"), and they take risks with the arrangements, including a keyboard solo on "Stir it Up" and even a drum break on an overly trippy "Exodus". Lead guitarist Al Anderson also proves his mettle on several tracks, including "Concrete Jungle"; "Lively Up Yourself"; "Is This Love?"; "The Heathen" and "Rebel Music (3 O'clock Roadblock)". The solos on "Concrete Jungle" are particularly interesting, since they sound like Caribbean Hendrix. And Marley's straight-up soapbox protests - "War/No More Trouble"; "Rat Race"- are delivered with enough conviction to keep them from seeming like preaching. I mean, it's not easy to do that, because most people get so wrapped up in their cause that they forget to give us a decent hook or melody to work with. But this is Bob Marley we're talking about, one of the greatest protest writers ever, so he's very capable of it. Plus Marley lets his band jam on "Jammin'" (you think this was intentional?), and they really shine on it. Especially Al Anderson, not like that's a surprise or anything. I'm not in love with every one of these songs - "Exodus" is a disappointment, but it's not bad; and while "Kinky Reggae" isn't nearly as amazing as the faster version on Live!, it's hard not to get caught up in the slow, loping groove. Buy this immediately!

Thia cd/album is legendary. The best live reggae album. Definitely in my Top 5 live albums of all time

Bob Marley & The Wailers-Kaya ****

Kaya is the stereotypical Marley album. This is the album that satisfies that theory that Marley was a laid back pot head instead of a activist, street fighting man called tuff gong. Which blows my mind because next to Natty Dread this is his least popular album and only contains one true hit. Two if you count 'Satisfy My Soul.'

Many have a love or hate relationship with the album. The first half is genius and full of some of his and the Wailers best music. No one will deny this, not on my watch anyway. The second half is decent but could have been a lot stronger.

The entire album is made up of random tracks through Marley's career that for one reason or another didn't end up on other albums. The relaxed title track/stoner anthem dates all the way back to 1972. But most of the second side is left overs from the brilliant Exodus album.

'Could You Be Loved' 'Easy Skanking' 'Sun Is Shining' and 'Satisfy My Soul' make this the perfect album for the morning after. 'Crisis' and 'Running Away' while both could have been way better serve as conscious anthems making this a true Marley album. 'Shes Gone' is both sad and uplifting. 'Time Will Tell' could have been a nice change but comes up short, though it does end the album well enough.

Kaya is a great album despite being Marley & The Wailers' weakest effort. But for an album of left overs this kills. In my book Marley & The Wailers are one of the truly great bands. I feel they never really made anything bad, and Kaya is no exception.

First time I heard this record, i loved the first three songs, the rest were alright, and I hated the final two (excluding the bonus track "Smile Jamaica.") This album grows with more listening, and probably makes me happier than listening to any other album ever. It also is probably in my top three favorite Bob Marley albums, Survival is the best. One of the reasons it is not my favorite is the lack of political lyrics which I think characterizes Marley's most important music. Most of these songs are about love and relaxation. The very next album, "Survival" hit it hard with the strong lyrics and amazing music. The music on "Kaya," is almost as good, and the happier songs make me feel good. It is also not devoid of political issues, the song, "Crisis," is more somber, and contains some powerful political statements. Buy this album if you are a reggae fan, it is essential, and will always put you in a good mood.

This is one of the most powerful records in the Bob Marley canon, probably my favorite by the reggae master. The album is very mellow musically, boasting two of Bob's best love songs, "Is This Love" and "Satisfy My Soul". The whole album is just excellent, in particular the haunting "She's Gone", written in the wake of the shooting at Marley's house when his wife left him briefly, fearing for her safety. The lyrics convey a deep sense of longing, coupled with an evocative Junior Marvin guitar lick. Other outstanding cuts are "Time Will Tell", "Sun is Shining", and the title track. There are still political songs on this album, but perhaps not as overt as on other releases. The songs here are more reflective, written by a man who has seen some of the consequences of daring to speak his mind. They are the words of a man resolved to stand for his principles, but all too aware of the personal cost involved.

The remastered version adds the superb bonus track "Smile Jamaica", the B-Side from "Satisfy My Soul". The packaging is much nicer than the original CD release, as is the sonic clarity. Island has really done a good job in reissuing the Marley catalog. A reggae classic, highly recommended.

If you buy into the image of Marley as being this really mellow, optimistic, happy guy, this album pretty much will solidify that image in your mind. Even when the lyrics are melancholy ("She's Gone"), the grooves are so sunny you'd think they were meant as the soundtrack to some long-forgotten commercial pushed by the Jamaican tourism industry. That doesn't matter, though, because the first side of this is as good as anything else Bob has ever done, which for the most part is fantastic. Several classics - the lazy "Easy Skanking", with a slightly jazzy sax; the slightly disjointed, slightly menacing "Sun is Shining"; "Satisfy My Soul", a great reggae groove with a slight touch of R&B; and especially the catchy "Is This Love", with a great chorus and guitar hook. Oh, and the title track too, I guess. It's good. But side two slightly falters. Now, other than the gimmicky "Time Will Tell" there ain't a single bad song on this puppy, but I'd still much rather be listening to side one - it's loaded down with mediocre material, and it seems like most of it was just reprised from Exodus (a must-have essential classic that's amongst my favorite albums ever, thought I'd add that little tidbit) - "Misty Morning" has a similar horn part; and "Running Away" could easily be any track off Exodus' first side. I honestly wouldn't notice the difference. A couple other songs on that side are forgettable too, like the aforementioned "She's Gone", which practically defines "uneventful", and "Crisis", which tries to reclaim the "Lively Up Yourself" vibe. I mean, diversity was never Bob's strong point - he had a lot of other stuff going for him, so that didn't matter - but for the most part I can tell Bob Marley songs apart, even if they all fit a general formula. I can't tell these apart, though. Sorry. Anyway, side one's classic stuff, but I'm not big on side two, so I'm not really gonna recommend it unless you own the essentials - Catch a Fire, Burnin', Natty Dread, Live!, Exodus, Babylon By Bus and the compilation to end all compilations, Legend.

One can't fail to be moved by music such as this. Drop this disc into your digital player, slip on the best pair of headphones you can afford (the quality of the remaster is astounding, with superb dynamics audible even at low volumes), and really listen...listen as if your ears were brand new, and let this music penetrate your soul...who knows, you might even envision living in a world where the Golden Rule was not about who has the gold. Perhaps you might begin to understand the singular power and universality of this man's music.

BTW, as this album is replete with musical subtleties, sobriety is mandatory for maximum listening enjoyment.

This is an excellent CD. If you want to start somewhere, this is a good start.

I received this CD in good condition, as described and fairly quickly. I would buy from this vendor again. Bob Marley ROCKS for ever.

Bob Marley & The Wailers-Legend *****


Well when Bob Marley & The Wailers' albums are placed up against other albums from their time, or genre, or period for that matter, they seem to be better, this greatest hits collection is the same but only up against other hit collections.

It shows all the things that The Wailers did in their short time with Marley to bring Reggae to the masses. This really instilled reggae in America. The English always knew about it but it wasn't until songs like 'I Shot The Sheriff' 'Waiting In Vain' and the epic 'Exodus' that reggae became recognized as a true musical form.

Singing songs of Praise, songs of change, of acceptance, of the downtrodden, of love and friendship, and of faith, Marley was true, honest, and more importantly rare, and this collection is a sad reminder of what we lost far too soon, and far too fast.

It's kind of sad that Bob Marley, one of the greatest artists ever, is best known for a compilation, but hey, it's a well-made one. With a couple exceptions, that is. A few of Bob's classic songs were left off - there's no "Concrete Jungle", no "Lively Up Yourself", no "Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)", no "Roots, Rock, Reggae", no "Sun is Shining", no "Coming in from the Cold". It's a shame that the recent two-disc "expanded edition" missed a chance to rectify most of those omissions (though it does include "Lovely Up Yourself"), instead offering a pile of remixes.
By the same token, most the rest offers you the REST of his best-known material, though it does sadly deemphasize Bob's influential early years - one track comes from Catch a Fire ("Stir It Up"), two from Burnin' ("I Shot the Sheriff"; "Get Up, Stand Up"), zero from Natty Dread. Other albums that get totally shafted are Rastaman Vibration and Survival.
However, those looking for all of Bob's best-known hits, from "I Shot the Sheriff" to "No Woman, No Cry" to "Jammin'" to "Exodus" to "Redemption Song". And there isn't a single bad track out of these fourteen. Nothing I'd like to toss out. So if you're new to Marley, start with it, but don't stop there!

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 & The Wailers-Live At The Roxy *****

Live at the Roxy just might be even better than Babylon by Bus if you can believe it. The album contains the full concert of the Marley and the Wailers at the Roxy in Hollywood back in 1976. This being one of his most celebrated concerts, Live At The Roxy is a must have for any true Wailers fan.

This contains what is the definitive version of 'No Woman, No Cry.' This is the version you hear on the radio and on your Legend - The Best Of Bob Marley And The Wailers (New Packaging) collection. What is most impressive about this set though is that it is comprised of some of their lesser known work, but at the same time it is some of their strongest work. 'Burnin And Lootin' is among the groups top songs, and here they play with such passion and piss an vinegar that it makes you wonder if the original version of Burnin' can hold a candle to it. 'Lively Up Yourself' and 'Roots, Rock, Raggae' are the two biggest highlights here though transforming to of The Wailers greatest numbers into an uplifting live experience.

Live At The Roxy is among the greatest live albums of all time. It is a great album for Wailer fans the world over. Even the casual fan will enjoy this, as it is great for a long hot summer night listen. Live At The Roxy is essential.

Okay I won't dilly dally - I attended this concert and I have seen all the greats play - Doors, Hendrix, Dylan and even Black Sabbath debut concert at the Whisky (incredible). But combined with the fact that almost 100 tickets went unsold (see last paragraph for story) making the already tiny Roxy (400+ capacity) seem empty, and the fact that the small lodge (available to those who were in the "Roxy Club") was full of celebs, Linda Blair, Eric Clapton, Warren Beatty, John Lennon, Ringo - on and on, made this the most spectacular show. I hope Bob appreciated the high quality ganja that filled the room and may have helped to make this the most incredible musical concert (party?) that may have ever taken place in rock history. If I could relive one concert this would be it.
I arrived at the Roxy ticket office the morning the tickets went on sale and I was third in line. The first in line bought 4 tickets; the second guy in line bought the remaining 96 tickets sold to the public. I asked him what was up and why he bought all the tickets and could I buy some. He said he worked for Troy Tickets. So I went to Troy and bought some tickets. The night of the concert, shortly before the doors opened I saw the scalper with a huge wad of tickets: It appears that back in 1976 the fan base could not search out tickets to a concert that was barley promoted. So there he was with all those unsold tickets and I would estimate that the overwhelming majority of the tickets in his hand went unused that night, as the floor was half full. Karma. Can you imagine walking by the Roxy that night and someone handing you a free ticket to what may have been the world's best concert experience? It probably happened to several people. I was also at the Santa Barbra County Bowl concerts. The last one is available in DVD - Highly recommended.

Simply put, I bought this for "Trenchtown Rock". The songs and the energy of this album is amazing. This is one of the few live releases that make you feel like you are out in the crowd.

This CD is very dynamic as well... if you love Bob then buy it, if you are new to Bob, this is a great compliment to the Lengend collection released after his death.

One thing is for certain, this album must not be missed.

Not only is this the best live Bob Marley recording, I feel it is the best live performance I have ever heard by any artist! If I were going to be stranded on a deserted island with only one CD (Ok this is a two CD set, but you get the point), this would be the one. The entire band is just so "ON" in this performance! Buy it, listen to it a few times, and it will change you at the "Soulular" level! I also highly recommend Ziggy marley's live concert DVD of "Love is my Religion". I know, I know... he's not Bob, but if you give that DVD a chance I think you will love it too.

Roots Reggae. I thought I ordered a dvd but instead got this wonderful cd!!!!!!!! No matter what year this music is for the soul...