Live [Original recording reissued, Live]

Bob Marley, Bob Marley and The Wailers | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 31, 1990)
• Original Release Date: 1990
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued, Live
• Label: Polygram Records
• ASIN: B000001FXV
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #33,996 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #14 in Music > World Music > Reggae > Rocksteady
  • #49 in Music > World Music > Caribbean & Cuba > Jamaica
  • #52 in Music > Alternative Rock > Ska > Ska General

Editorial Reviews

MARLEY BOB & THE WAILERS LIVE! AT THE LYCEUM

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars London burning!, January 22, 2001

By 

"michaeleve" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Live (Audio CD)

Critical acclaim AND commercial success in one album, finally! Bob's earlier albums had achieved one or the other but not both. 'Catch a Fire' and 'Burnin' were well received in Europe, but less so in Jamaica, especially the former. 'Natty Dread' was welcomed with rapturous praise in Jamaica, but had a short life on the UK album chart. Singles from these albums were selling fairly well, specifically 'Get up, Stand up', 'I Shot the Sheriff' and 'No woman, no cry', but still it was only singles.

These seven tracks were from a two night concert at London's Lyceum ballroom, part of the tour promoting the 'Natty Dread' album. They would go on to be produced as this album - 'Live' and became Bob's breakthrough - (in Europe, anyway; his US breakthrough came later). The actual set that was played at the Lyceum included 'Slave Driver', 'Rebel Music' 'Kinky Reggae' 'Stir it up' and naturally 'Natty Dread' since that was the promotion. The order of the songs was also different. 'Lively up Yourself' was the last played, before the encores. Listen to the crowd noise - in grateful recognition that they had been part of an event.

One of the things 'Live' did was change the rules for all future reggae shows. Previously stage performances were usually simple, staightforward renditions of what was on the album. Not anymore. Bob Marley and the Wailers simply took the album version as a point of reference and then took off, improvising on stage as they saw fit. Stuff that any rock fan was familiar with - long guitar solos, instrumental interludes, vocal improvisations - all were added to live reggae performances for the first time. Mind you, Bob on stage was something else again. He could get caught up into a rapturous, trancelike experience of the rhythm - head held high, 'locks flashing, running on spot like a Nyabinghi, arm outstretched with finger pointing to Jah.

Some of the vocal improvisations that became staples of Marley concerts were introduced here. Along with wailing, Bob uses a throaty, gurgling sound on 'Burnin & Lootin'. On 'Them Belly Full' he repeats lines over and over again with the I Threes keeping him company in a type of call and response singing. On 'Get up Stand up' we get 'Woy-yoy-yoh chants! The harmonies with the I Threes on 'Trenchtown Rock', and 'I shot the Sheriff' are superb. This version of 'No woman, no cry' is the most emotional and beautiful rendition, and the one song persons who were there can recall with crystal clarity, to this day. I wish I had been there.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Among the all time great live albums!, November 27, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Live (Audio CD)

Equaled perhaps only by "Babylon by bus", Marley's other fantastic live album, this set is an absolute must for any diehard Marley-reggae fan. Also a great compilation of tunes for those who are relatively new to the man's music and want a good sample of songs in one package.

The show begins with "trenchtown rock" and then really begins to simmer with "burnin and lootin" and "them belly full". These songs represent the pinnacle of the mans passion and musicianship. Songs with a diamond hard edge representing the best that rock music has to offer. All are clearly recorded with the great feel and ambience of an english audience in the mist of a wonderful discovery. The music and hypnotic performance of Robert Nesta Marley.

Note: Fans may also be interested in the video, "Bob Marley and the wailors live." From island visual arts and available from amazon.com............cool runnings....sockscats

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Proof that music is meant to be live!, April 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Live (Audio CD)

This is the best Bob Marley and the Wailers album in my opinion! The energy of Lively Up Yourself and Trenchtown Rock are unbeatable! The more mellow mood of Them Belly Full (But We Hungry) and Burnin and Lootin work surprisingly well between them, too. The mega hits I Shot the Sherrif and Get Up Stand Up make great closers! It's an album you can put in at any time of the day and it has something for everyone no matter what mood they are in. This is album has amazing powers! I only wish they would of gotten the whole concert!