Peter Tosh

Approaching 300 roots reggae and dub albums in a 15 year collection period, this CD is arguably the best reggae album made. Saying that, I have to also consider timeless classics like: The Congos- Heart of the Congos, Burning Spear- Marcus Garvey, Culture- Two Sevens Clash, and The Wailers- Catch A Fire. These albums, including Tosh's Equal Rights are the top 5 in my opinion. What puts Tosh's Equal Rights ahead of the pack is quite simply the briliant songwriting, masterful instrumentation, and 100% LIVICATION to the JAH Rastafari message, and the poor people's struggle. Tosh lived, sang, and performed his message through song and his passion as an artist cannot and probably will not ever be matched by any other roots reggae singer, and yes that includes the popular Bob Marley. One listen to songs like "Apartheid","Jah Guide", "I am that I am", and "Equal Rights" might choke you up or bring a tear to your eye. This album is one of popular musics hidden gems, regardless of music genre. Tosh, who produced this masterpiece was also a gifted muscian. On this album, Tosh plays rythmn guitar, keyboards, and percussion. Fans of reggae, dub, and music in general, this artist, who is hands down the greatest reggae artist of his generation, if you do not own this CD or have not heard it, purchase this right now!! 20+ years after this artist's premediated murder by the money grubbing Jamaican government, it's time to take his music to the mainstream where it belongs. He made this album and other's like it for the people, it's time to get it to them. Start with this, you won't regret it!

This album is Tosh's best studio offering. It is his first album with the legendary rhythm twins, Sly Dunbar (drums) and Robbie Shakespear (bass). You can't go wrong here if you want some great conscious reggae. There aren't any bad songs on this album. The best songs are "Downpressor Man," "I Am That I Am" (my favorite), "Stepping Razor" (a song covered by Sublime), "Equal Rights," and "Jah Guide." While Tosh's best overall album is probably "Complete Captured Live," this is right there with it. Don't hesitate to buy it if you like reggae at all.

This is probably the best reggae album I ever bought. For reggae or Peter Tosh fans this album is a must have. I've heard other version of Get up, Stand up songs played by others but the one in this album is the best I ever listened to. You will not be disappointed.

There really is no reason to read the reviews for this album.
You should be listening to it, now.
You can't listen to one song without listening to the entire album.
EVER.

This is required listening for any reggae fans and a must have in any reggae collection. Peter Tosh is way underrated for some odd reason, but this album will surely make anyone interested in reggae a fan. Tosh's version of "Get Up, Stand Up" is arguably the best version there is (or, at the very least, a great alternate version). Follow that with tracks as good as "Downpressor Man", "I Am That I Am" (my favorite), and "Stepping Razor", and the CD never lets up. The lyrics are very political and relevant even today, about 30 years later. The CD features 2 Live tracks, "African" and "Pick Myself Up" that were not available on the old cassette, and it's definitely worth upgrading to CD for them.

My fiance introduced me to reggae music a couple of years ago. Before that, I was relatively unfamiliar. In his song "Fools Die", Peter Tosh has spoken to me on a base level of humanity. He was a spiritual feeler of our souls. Not only did he have an incredible voice, but what he spoke really touches my most sacred place. I rank him as one of the most incredible writers and singers of our time. I am sorry for his loss in our world.

I'm not a fan of every song but it has a few essentials like "Legalize it", "Stepping Razor" and "Igziabeher (Let Jah Be Praised".
It is reggae, so its manitory to put the phones on, roll one, and melt away!

THE MAN IS A PROPHET. Anyone who loves reggae will love this album

Released by Sony's Columbia/Legacy imprint, this collection primarily focuses on songs recorded 1976-1978, taken from the albums "Legalize It" (1976), "Equal Rights" (1977), and "Bush Doctor" (1978).

SCROLLS OF THE PROPHET: THE BEST OF PETER TOSH consists of 15 songs, most from the late 1970s; songs are not in chronological order. Disc packaged in clear jewel case; total running time: 72:46. Booklet includes an essay by KROQ's Native Wayne Jobson, several small b&w photos, and track information (recording dates for all but track 11, albums of origin, and songwriter credits). Sound quality is good.

Tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 are from "Equal Rights"
Tracks 7, 9, 12, and 13 are from "Legalize It"
Tracks 5 and 8 are from "Bush Doctor" (track 5, "(You Gotta Walk And) Don't Look Back", is a duet with Mick Jagger)
Track 15 is from "Honorary Citizen" and track 10 is from 1981's "Wanted Dread or Alive".
Track 14 is a 1964 version of "One Love" by Bob Marley & the Wailers featuring Peter Tosh (an up-tempo version different from the "One Love/People Get Ready" Bob Marley recorded in the `70s)
Track 11, "Mystery Babylon" is "an updated version of Babylon Queendom".

This is far from a comprehensive compilation (two of my favorite songs, "Where You Gonna Run" and "That's What They Do", are not included), but it is enjoyable, and a decent tribute to the late great Peter Tosh.

While I've been listening to all kinds of music my whole life, I find Peter Tosh to be more of a REAL representation of the struggle of the Rasta man than his fellow bandmate Bob Marley. Bob's music is great, but lost some of it's grass roots meanings the more popular it got. Peter Tosh seems to be more consistant in his beliefs and songs than any other singer I've heard.

I give this album (and all the other Peter Tosh albums I own) 5 stars simply out of respect for his life and his never ending struggle to keep it real.

This is an awesome cd, however, this should not be your introduction to Peter's music. Get "Legalize It," "Equal Rights," "Bush Doctor," and "Complete Captured Live" before you get this. They are all better intros to Peter's work than this is. That being said, this is still a great album.

A lot of these songs appear on "Complete Captured Live," and, in my opinion, they are better on that than this studio album. There's just more energy live than in the studio when it comes to Peter Tosh. However, if you don't get this album, you're going to be missing out on some fantastic songs. "Stop That Train," "Peace Treaty," "Feel No Way," and "Maga Dog" are all awesome and don't appear on CCL. "Stop That Train" appears on The Wailer's "Burnin" album, but both versions are equally good with different feels. In conclusion, get this album, but not before you get the albums I listed above.

Peter Tosh is in top form on this great sounding cd. Great songs, great rhythms. I know a lot of folks are going to just listen to some of his better known releases but believe me if you like reggae then you'll love Mama Africa.

One of the big surprises is his take on 'Stop This Train'. Instead of competing with untouchable Wailers' version Tosh goes for more of blues vibe and it works so well you forget all about other versions.

I've been listening to this album at least once a week since I was 13. I'm 36 now. 'Mama Africa' is an emotionally overwhelming song for any conscious Black person. 'Where You Gonna Run' insists on love, wisdom and over-standing as the only solution. 'Peace Treaty' is pure politics and last but not least is 'Not Gonna Give It Up' which I think is the most outstanding Nationalist song ever created. it is instructive and it guides the African mind on what his/her mission is. If you listen to how the chorus is orchestrated, you can hear that he is literally hypnotizing us. Psychology 101.

Not only has this album, originally released in 1983, got an incredible beat that you will give you the reggae sensation through your body, Tosh also gives us the most incredible quotable lyrics such as on 'Stop That Train':
"All my life, I've been a lonely man
Trying to teach people who don't understand.
And even though I try my best
I still can't find no happiness, no happiness"
The words of the truth seeker and philosopher.
The album begins with deep spiritual ode to a return to Africa with Mama Africa
There is the catchy message in Glass Houses: " If you living in a glass house, don't throw stones. And if you can't take stones, well then don' throw stones"
The famous reggae rocker Johnny B Goode, the cynical 'Peace Treaty' referring to Tosh's take on Jamaican politics at the time, and the funky Maga Dog. And the rhythmic musing on "Feel No Way' about coming close to 'pay day'.
If reggae is your type of music, then you simply have to have this album

I am in a position similar to the reviewer "Dr. Groove," I have all the remastered albums. This one and Equal Rights are so alike in message that Tosh could have released it along with Equal Rights as a double album. Like Equal Rights, this one is a keeper. It has awesome solos in "Glasshouse," and "Not Gonna Give it Up." All the remasters are worth getting for the rare pictures of Peter, and interviews that were conducted specifically for the releases.

Peter Tosh-Bush Doctor *****

After meeting with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, two British reggae fans, and Rolling Stones leaders Peter Tosh became the first artist signed to their record label. Consequently, Jagger appears on the album singing with Tosh.

Songs of praise, promise, new beginnings, and civil rights surround the album like a cloud of smoke in a closed car while any of Tosh's albums plays. '(You Gotta Walk) Don't Look Back' opens the album with Mick Jagger sharing lead vocal duties. A fantastic track to open with. 'Pick Myself Up' sings of nothing keeping you down obviously. 'I'm The Toughest' is arrogant, but not overly. Catchy and full of a great sax solo. 'Moses' and 'Creation' are all spiritually uplifting. They are also among the two strongest tracks on the album. Tosh was often known for his preaching but he really restrains himself here. 'Soon Come' aside from being maybe the best song on the album also contains some great guitar work from Tosh. Where Marleys 'Kaya' was enjoyable and Tosh's' own 'Legalize It' worked, the title track 'Bush Doctor' at times seems down right childish. You can tell it was written by a pot-head when consumed. It has a killer groove though.

Most available versions of the album that were released after Tosh's murder contain several bonus tracks. They all are strong and add something to the album. The long version of the title track is much better as is 'Soon Come.' But the alternate version of the opener is weak compared to the album version.

Bush Doctor is among Tosh and reggae's best albums. For any fan of the artist or genre you will enjoy Bush Doctor. It is a great album for the morning after or a Sunday afternoon in the backyard with the sun shinning down.

This is essential Peter Tosh. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because its not quite as good as "Legalize It," "Equal Rights," and "Complete Captured Live," which are all 5 star albums. There are a couple songs that I skip, like "Moses - The Prophet" and "Creation," but the rest of the songs are highly enjoyable. The best songs in my opinion are "I'm The Toughest," "Soon Come," "Bush Doctor," and "Dem Ha Fe Get A Beatin'." This is Peter's second album with the rhythm twins, Sly Dunbar (drums) and Robbie Shakespear (bass). If you like other Peter Tosh albums (like those listed above), don't hesitate to buy this. If you haven't heard any Tosh yet, try "Complete Captured Live" and then the others that I listed. This album is awesome, and you should own it if you like reggae music.

My favorite two songs are "Don't Look Back," and "Lessons in my Life." I used to love "De Ha Fi Get a Beatin," until I discovered the earlier version on Arise Blackman Arise. I loved that version until I came across the original on The Complete Wailers 67-72 Vol. 9 "Freedom Time." That one has the original "Steppin Razor," and "Burial."

Peter Tosh's "Bush Doctor," from 1978, kicks off with the amazing hit-single duet between Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones and Tosh himself, the cover of the Temptations' "(You Gotta Walk) Don't Look Back," having recently been signed to the Rolling Stones' own record label after his infamous post-One Love Peace Concert beating.

"Bush Doctor" finds Tosh with his brilliant trademark millitant and deeply spiritual stance, covering several old songs he had made with the Wailers years before such as "Dem Ha Fe Get a Beatin," "I'm the Toughest," and "Soon Come". Tosh also has several stellar original numbers like the hopeful "Pick Myself Up," the haunting semi-acoustic "Creation," and the pro-ganja title track reffering to his beating, "Bush Doctor," with Keith Richards on guitar. Richards also played guitar on the underrated, solemn hit, "Stand Firm".

The bonus tracks, though largely fantastic extended and remixed versions of the album's songs, (and a trippy instrumental rendition of "I'm the Toughest,") did contain one entirely original: the original, previously unreleased version Tosh's tale of betrayal by a friend, "Lesson In My Life," which was remade and released on Tosh's final album "No Nuclear War," in 1987, just days before his murder by a friend, in fact.

Bush Doctor is the point where Tosh fully secures his international stardom and notes that he is a force to be reckoned with in the world of music. This is one of the essentials for any Peter Tosh fan. Those who purchase "Bush Doctor," are sure to play the classic album through time and time again, hands down.

This album does not have a bad track on it. Peter Tosh's greatest album is Equal Rights, but this is more accessible to new reggae fans or even new Tosh fans. It is a lot of fun because of the duet with Mick Jagger, which opens the album. The rest of the album is excellent, especially the song Bush Doctor, and the extra tracks are a fine addition. It also has the coolest Peter Tosh sleeve (along with Legalize It!) If you want to check out Tosh, this is an excellent place to start!!!
If you're a Tosh fan and you don't have this, what are you waiting for??

For those you wanting a collection of Tosh's work without having to buy such noted favorites as, "Wanted Dread Or Alive", "Equal Rights", "Legalize it", "Bush Doctor, or "No Nuclear War" can feel confident in purchasing the Gold Collection. It contains every song on the "No Nuclear War" CD except for Fight Apartheid. It also includes, the title tracks from "Bush Doctor" and "Equal Rights". Two of the best songs on "Wanted Dread or Alive", Coming in Hot and Reggae-Mylitis, are found on this must have collection. I almost forgot that his two chart topping hits, Johnny B. Goode and Don't look back, round out this CD. If you own only one Tosh CD let it be "Legalize it" and then buy this CD to fill in the rest of your collection. Tosh was the Rude Boy that gave the Wailers their roots. He died much to soon but he left us all a musical legacy that transcends time and space. Our kid's kids will discover his music and rejoice in the magic and poetry that was Tosh.

This album from Peter Tosh was very disappointing to me. After hearing "Complete Captured Live" and "Legalize It," I expected a lot. It didn't live up to my expectations. The songs are all repititious, long, and dare I say...boring. "Coming In Hot" and "Cold Blood" are the best songs, but there's a better version of "Coming In Hot" on "Complete Captured Live." So this is really not essential to any reggae fan's collection. If you're an absolutely die-hard Peter Tosh fan, you may want this. If not, you're better of getting these albums first: "Legalize It," "Equal Rights," "Bush Doctor," or "Complete Captured Live." Don't waste your time or money on this unless you absolutely can't live without everything Peter Tosh recorded.

I love Tosh and I was fortunate enough to see him perform live several times before he died. That said, this is a very uneven release. To be sure, there are top shelf songs here that belong in any Tosh collection, including the spiritual "Rastafari Is" (although I like the extended, heavy, live version included on Complete Captured Live better), "Wanted Dread & Alive," "Reggaemylitis," "Coming In Hot," and "Guide Me From My Friends." An especially welcome treat for me is the inclusion of "Oh, Bumbo Clot" on the remastered version of the CD - this is a scathing Tosh song that he would sometimes perform live but was never released on the US vinyl edition of Wanted Dread & Alive. The two love songs on the record, the duet "Nothing But Love" and the attempted single "Rock With Me," are extremely commercial, very disappointing and always elicit a "skip track" response from me. It is not that Peter Tosh cannot write or sing a good love song - check out the great pair he put on his first release, Legalize It - it's just that these songs are sub par and sound extremely out-dated. The production of the record is good, but many of the songs lack the punch that they would later achieve live in concert. Even Tosh's next, and admittedly poppier-sounding release, Mama Africa, is more consistent in its conception and delivery. If building a Tosh collection, I would highly recommend starting with Equals Rights. Equal Rights is Tosh's finest, most polished, most consistent, and ultimately most rewarding work, filled with well-crafted, excellently performed, highly political songs. Next, I would recommend Legalize It or Bush Doctor if looking for studio releases - both have great content, excellent musicians and strong performances (though the sound quality on Legalize It is still a bit historical - but that is part of the charm for me). Next, I would investigae live Tosh material, starting with the fantastic Live & Dangerous from Boston 1976 and then moving on to the Complete Captured Live from California in 1983. I would finally fill in any remaining holes in the collection with Mama Africa, Wanted, and Mystic Man (some of the Mystic Man tracks (e.g., the title cut, "Day The Dollar Die" & "Buk-In-Hamm Palace", like several of the Wanted tracks, are more essential than Mama Africa material, but again, it is an uneven release that perhaps tried too hard to find new commercial outlets). I'd turn to the No Nuclear War disc last.

"Wanted: Dread or Alive" is, by any standard, an absolute must for your Reggae music collection. Start with the best ever drum and bass combo, Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, add the legendary guitar rhythms of Mikey Chung. Then, add the powerful voice and lyrical messages of Peter Tosh. You get a great traditional Reggae masterpiece.

I've left this album on repeat many a time. Every track is great. Tosh serves as a sentinel, warning us on two tracks to stay independant of friends who seem impartial but rat behind your back. The song that gave this album four stars is "Cold Blood." Tosh's vocals sound to countryish for reggae.

this is the only Peter Tosh album I have heard, but i like it a lot and plan to get it sometime. The production is excellent, the tracks are outstanding, and it is funky and beautiful music. If you like good reggea music you should get this outstanding cd. It will become a very enjoyable staple of your collection. this cd is Just as good as any Bob Marley music you have heard before.

Peter Tosh is one the the best reggae artists that ever lived an this album is another example. Great songs, amoung my favorites are mystic man, the day the dollar die, crystal ball... Great album.

For all loyal serious Reggae fans, this should be in your collection right along with all Bob Marley's music.
Peter Tosh was a part of The Wailers before going out on his own. His style is his own, but the influences are audible, and he still covers many Marley songs.
This is one of his better CDs, and very enjoyable. Peter is one of the early artists when Reggae first gained popularity in the U.S., and this cd is a good example of his talent.
Try it ..... you'll like it!

I rate Mystic Man as the greatest because of the soft harmonies that he sings on "The Day the Dollar Die," and "Crystal Ball." His singing reminiscent of his ska days. I am surprised that they didn't release the 12minute live version of "Buckingham Palace." I think that Peter set out to make this a concept album on future events. "Can't you see," is a good track, but the original version (which is better) can be found on "The Toughest" from Heartbeat Records.

"Mystic Man" can be called Peter's finest studio work in the Rolling Stones Records and in my personal opinion; in his whole musical career. A vast improvement on "Bush Doctor" with more originality and less cross over material, the second album for the Stones level shines with a Peter returning to a more obscure and roots musical form.By the original release year in July of 1979 the album and tour was garnishing positive reviews, what did not happened a year before with "Bush Doctor" where critics had claimed Peter had gone soft and entering into the world of pop. "Mystic Man" highlights include "Recruting Soldiers", "Jah Say No", "Crystal Ball" and of course; the title track. The album was recorded in Jamaica at Dynamic Sound Studios and finished at Sound Mixers in New York city. Musicians included the golden age bedrock of late '70s reggae, Sly and Robbie on drum and bass, along with five members of Stax-style horn selection, the mighty Mao Chung on guitar, Robbie Lynn on keyboards, a female backing trio and the Tamlins (first collaboration with Peter).As always,Tosh's talk goes back to the oppresion of the masses; as he once said to an american journalist "My lifestyle can never change no matter how much money I make. I'll get more aggressive against imperialism, against the system that is set to brutalize,victimize,exploit,kill and do everything that degradating".
Peter Tosh's 1979 album gives us the right ammunition to fight on, even in these days.

After the success of "Bush Doctor," from 1978, Peter Tosh released "Mystic Man" as his second album for the Rolling Stones' label in 1979.

Here, Peter Tosh's message is pure, unedited, and unable to be misinterperated. His millitancy, spirituality, and anger shine through here clearer than on any of his albums, particularly with the hard-hitting songs "Recruting Soldiers," the title track, "Mystic Man," and my personal favorite, "Fight On". Songs like "Recruiting Soldiers," "Jah Say No," "Fight On," and "Rumors of War," are all beautiful, blunt commands for African freedom by any means nessecary, with "Fight On," being the most anthemic and straightforward.

The title track, "Mystic Man," is simple and spell-binding as Tosh sings with spirituality about his devotion to Rastafari and African Freedom. One of the song's main themes, however, is his dismissal of a Western way of life, casting away all Western foods like hamburgers and soda, and deadly drugs like heroin and cocaine.

"Can't You See," one of the album's best tracks, is a splendid, rock-oriented cover of an old song Tosh made with the Wailers in 1969 while songs like "The Day the Dollar Die," and "Crystal Ball," address Tosh's impending prediction of doom as the World becomes engulfed in conflict and poverty as well as the danger of money.

"Buck-in-hamm Palace" is one of Tosh's famous pro-ganja tunes, driven by a danceable beat and covered with spirituality, where he sings of smoking marijuana with the queen of England, truly one of Tosh's most controversial, and thus amazing songs. The bonus tracks are several fine remixes any listener will enjoy.

"Mystic Man" is my favorite Peter Tosh album with its raw millitancy, spirituality, honesty, and strength. I feel this is Peter Tosh's finest work and I know for a fact that not one fan will be disappointed with "Mystic Man,".

This may not be his best but it's still incredible. 'Nah Go A Jail' is good to light up too. 'No Nuclear War' can be updated and would fit right in today with the ever-present Imperialist objectives of the U.S. 'In My Song' and 'Testify' are praise songs to Jah and 'Lessons In My Life' is one of his best works. It's a perfect song to bring closure to a long and difficult journey. It's not easy to listen to 'Lessons' and not be saddened.

Peter Tosh and Roots Reggae go together like Peanut Butter and Jelly. Hell, can you think of better reggae albums than "Legalize It" or "Equal Rights?" Or how about a more electic performer live? Even greats like Marley pale in comparison to Tosh's abilities. I mean, he was the revolutionary of a very revolutionary group, and reveled in it. And his fans loved him for that.

So WTF!!

As opposed to inciting his countrymen to war, he asks them to join together in peace and harmony to the rest of the world. Where's the Fire and Passion?! And wtf is up with the overproduction? I think he finally decided to seek mainstream success, but he picked one of the worst times in popular music to do so (the late 80's.) The result: an embarassing album for one of the leaders of an entire musical genre. Basically, think 80's Rolling Stones, and you got a pretty good idea of what I mean. Just terrible. And what the hell is up with the album name? "No Nuclear War?" As opposed to "Yay Nuclear War?" Man, it's a good thing he was shot.

The only problem was that he didn't live to see it. Peter tosh was assassinated before this album won the attention of the world. No Nuclear War is the first Peter Tosh album I bought, I recommend it to people who want an album friendly to all ages. The album has a folk theme, with horns and flutes. It is post modern subject matter with medieval reggae.

Reggae legend Peter Tosh gives another statement of his african consciousness, marijuana legalization struggle, unity of humankind and matters like the anding of nuclear proliferation.This re-mastered version sounds really tough and features mostly material recorded in 1985, but not released until just days before his tragic murder in Kingston on September 11, 1987. "Fight Apartheid" is one of my personal favourites, but the original version released in the "Equal Rights" lp sounds more roots reggae and less syntethised and electric than this later effort. "NO Nuclear War" is a mixed remake of material of some of his seventies songs like "Vampire",the strong "Lessons In My Life", and "Fight Apartheid" and new compositions like his praise to Almighty JAH ("In My Song"), the anti-nuclear hymn with his single version or bonus track. Another fact that adds to the musical experience is the outstanding cover art, and one of my favourite Neville Garrick's work ( with Marley's "Confrontation" and Winston Rodney's "Hail H.I.M.").By watching his ilustration of Peter dressed like a Kung Fu fighter with a gas mask on his face and an armor plate with flashing lightning out of his hands towards the two missiles of Russia and United States I realized how powerful and terrifying a musical graphic image can be. In the last period of his life he asked people to call him by his ethiopian name that was Son of Thunder (in Amharic;Wolde Semayat),and this album still sounds thunderable 18 years later.

With 1987 came Peter Tosh's final album, "No Nuclear War," released just days before his death on September 11th, 1987 due to his murder by a friend.

The album opens with an amazing, powerful title track dedicated to the end of Nuclear War and the Cold War Era, as Tosh fortells a coming Armageddon bathed in death and nuclear weaponry. Tosh recounts past wars and their leading up to the final war: a Nuclear fallout. Delivering a similar message in brighter tones is "Come Together," a plea for unity and an end to war and racism, one of the topics that Tosh is so well known for. Closing the album is a shortened single version of the title track.

Second is Tosh's "Nah Goa Jail," another of his world-famous pro-ganja anthems dictating the legalization of marijuana and the ceasing of the arrest of Rastas who dilligently use herb. This is followed by a reamke of Tosh's old "Apartheid," from the "Equal Rights" album of 1977, called "Fight Apartheid," on this album.

Tracks five and seven, "In My Song," and "Testify," are both delightful, uplifting, joyous testaments to the power of God and Tosh's need to express his thanks. Here, Tosh's happiness and joy shine through clearer than on any of his previous albums.


Finally, the albums most signifigant and haunting track is "Lessons In My Life," a song about Tosh's stance on friends, whom he believed would often betray you, as he so illustrated here with the lines:

"Always be careful of mankind
Be careful of mankind

They make promises today
But tomorrow change their mind"

And:

"Always be careful of my friends
Be careful of my friend

Money can make friendship end
It makes friendship end"

Tragically and eerily, Tosh was murdered by a friend in a robbery just days after the release of the album. While this may not have been Tosh's most chart-topping album, it was his most profound. This is a masterpiece, Tosh's final work of art to the world, summarizing each of his core principles. This is a visionary, final chapter in one of the World's great legacies. Rest in peace, Peter. Thank you for the years of beautiful music.

If anyone deserves to have a best of CD, its Peter Tosh. He was one of the origanal founders of the legendary Wailers. He was the first artist to be signed under the Rolling Stones label, toured with the band and composed a duet with Mick Jagger. He even taught Bob Marley how to play the guitar. Upon Marley's death Tosh was universally hailed as the new undisputed King of Reggae and retained that title until his brutal murder in 1987.

The fact that his music is not more widley known is a shame and to be held back in the shadow of Bob Marley's prominence was always unfair (and still is). However, in recent years Peter Tosh is finally getting the recognition he deserves and this CD put out by EMI is just one of many "best of" CDs the artist has to his name. EMI is to be commended for giving so much respect to the late reggae star by giving the CD 14 tracks and all of the info in the cover insert (background to Peter Tosh, commentary on songs etc.), but I have some serious issues with this release. First of all, to their credit, they pay homage to Tosh's reflective side by including tracks like "Lessons In My Life" and "Fools Die" which is a first, and other tracks were obvious. Peter Tosh was always the real rebel of the Wailers and this aspect is represented with songs like "Bush Doctor," but they've completely ignored his humorous side (something Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer never had) by excluding tracks like "Reggaemylitis" and "Maga Dog!" Also, I know that Peter Tosh is famous for his on stage performances but three captured live songs on one "greatest hits" CD is, in my opinion, over doing it, even for Tosh. Also missing are crucial tracks like "Coming In Hot" and the infectious "Crystal Ball!" The songs they seem to have chosen in their place have a rather disco influence, are a bit dated and veer away from the traditional reggae sound. Although I enjoy them too, no other songs can be substitutes for these. Even "Lessons..." and "Fools Die" are a bit slow and long. I never thought I would give a Peter Tosh album only two stars, but it could have been so much better.

Instead of this CD I would strongly recommend "The Toughest." The first, and still the best (I think) collection of Peter Tosh hits for Capitol Records. All the tracks I've mentioned are on that set, and the important ones from this one too.

Original Wailers Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh split from Bob Marley when Island records insisted on putting Marley's name ahead of the Wailers' and having Marley, with his more "transatlantic" voice, sing all the songs. A lot of Bob Marley fans don't know that many of his best-known songs were in fact remakes of the Wailer's earlier Jamaican hits, where the vocalists took turns on vocals. So, for example, just about everybody knows a song like "Get Up, Stand Up" but not as many know it was written and originally sung by Peter Tosh.

Peter Tosh had a resurgence of sorts in the late 70's under the patronage of Mick Jagger, who also duetted with Tosh on the hit "Don't Look Back."

This compilation does a good job of collecting Tosh tracks from that period up to his violent and untimely death. One of this CD's best features is the inclusion of some exciting live material, including the winning "Equal Rights/Downpressor Man." It's easy to see on tracks like this and "Get Up, Stand Up" how Tosh did indeed have a much more "rude-boy" voice than Marley.

A Reggae cover of "Johnny B. Goode" might sound like something UB40 would do, but I was surprised to find it to be one of the strongest songs on the collection. Tosh really makes this song his own.

This CD does occasionally get a bit preachy in an obvious sort of way. Racism is bad, mon. Really, I didn't know that. Tosh's socialist tendencies might not sit well with some people and might be fine for others. In Tosh's view, a song called "The Day the Dollar Die" is a celebration, not a dirge.

This is for the most part a very good collection, and for people who want to hear the "flip-side" of Marley it's a good place to start. My favorite songs are "Bush Doctor," "(You Gotta Walk) Don't Look Back," "Equal Rights/Downpressor Man," "Johnny B. Goode" and "Get Up, Stand Up."

Beautiful examples of Peter Tosh's songwriting capabilities are on this fast album. I like every song on it, even "Hoot Nanny Hoot"(not my most favorite track) has a worthy outro. The song after it has an intro like "Simmer Down," but it's "Maga Dog." Peter's voice sounds smoother and more mature than Marley's on this one. It's a keeper, and good ska to dance to.

This Heartbeat cd hits Tosh's Rude Boy credentials right on the head and helps to show that Tosh, more than Marley, gave the Wailers their roots credibility.

The songs, like Tosh himself, are rough, no holds barred attacks on whomever and whatever he felt like attacking. Many of these songs, including "400 Years," "(Brand New)Secondhand," the anthem "I'm the Toughest," "Don't Look Back," and "No Sympathy," would all see the light of day on Wailers or Tosh solo albums.

This is an amazing collection of songs and I'm happy that its there to be had. Well worth listening to.

I am a big fan of early Wailers material, and hearbeat continues to put out quality stuff from the early ska/rocksteady years. Another great thing about this cd is that the it is not all studio one matrial, but also has 6 Lee Perry produced tracks and the difference between Coxsone's and Perry's production is very interesting to hear. Some great hits are here including "Rasta Shook Them Up","Maga Dog", and my favorite "Shame and Scandal". If you like this you should check out the One Love boxed set, Destiny, or Wailers and friends all on heartbeat.