Babylon By Bus [Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered]

Bob Marley | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 31, 2001)
• Original Release Date: 1978
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
• Label: Island
• ASIN: B00005MK9Y
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,488 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #8 in Music > World Music > Caribbean & Cuba > Jamaica
  • #27 in Music > World Music > Reggae > General
  • #27 in Music > World Music > Reggae > General AAS

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Bob Marley's second live album, 1978's Babylon by Bus, had to be pretty damned good to match the incandescence of 1975's Live!. But with glorious performances on songs like "Punky Reggae Party," "Jamming," and "Is This Love?" Bob Marley and the Wailers came close to equaling Live!. Maybe there wasn't quite the same amount of inspiration, but the Wailers had matured into a tight unit, and Marley was a charismatic performer, as this set captured only too well. And with Marley still at the height of his writing powers, there definitely wasn't a dud song in the bunch. Not so much bus travel as limousine listening, this specially remastered edition makes the glory of the original release even clearer. --Chris Nickson

Product Description

1978 live album from the Reggae legend. The tracks on this album, with two exceptions, were taken from the Pavillon de Paris concerts over three nights in June, 1978, during the Kaya Tour.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best "live" albums. Ever. August 10, 2003

By Paul Allaer TOP 100 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

"Babylon by Bus" was, when originally issued in 1978, the second official live album by Bob Marley (1975's "Live" being the first). "Live" of course is best known for the definitive version of "No Woman No Cry", but I will go out on a limb here, and suggest that "Babylon by Bus" is not only better than "Live", but one of the best live albums, ever.

Things immediately kick off with a blaze with "Rastaman Vibration", and the party never stops from there. Bob's backup band and singers are in top form througout. Highlights are many, including "Punky Reggae Party", "Rate Race" (surprisingly, perhaps, a tune written by Rita Marley, Bob's wife), "Concrete Jungle" and "Rebel Music". It also contains the better known "Is This Love" and "Jamming".

If there is one Bob Marley I would recommend to anyone, this is clearly the one. Furthermore, at 73 min. (originally a double vinyl album), this is the best bang-for-the-buck Marley album. Essential in anyone's CD collection.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Hidden gem April 19, 2005

By Chris Salzer

Format:Audio CD

Although most Marley fans are more than familiar with Babylon by Bus as an exceptional live album that Marley recorded while on tour in Europe (mostly recorded in Paris) in 1977-78, many of the more pedestrian fans remain completely unaware of its existence. War/No More Trouble, with Marley exhibiting such unparalleled and genuine passion during its performance, makes for undoubtedly the most powerful song on this CD. And, suffice it to say, all of the other 'hit' songs do not disappoint by any stretch. A must own for any true Marley fan -- period.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Live Marley April 6, 2005

By Count Bassie

Format:Audio CD

I rarely give 5 star ratings so take this seriously. I am usually critcal of live recordings due to poor sound quality or unbalanced mixes. This is not only a great performance with great sound quality but my favorite Marley album. In fact, it is my favorite reggae album period. Several tracks are even better than the studio version. You will not be disappointed.