Customer Reviews

Mystic Man

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"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.

This album was really hard to find until they released this remastered version.

Definitely worth picking up as it contains a number of standout tracks, including "Mystic Man" and "Crystal Ball", which were included on his "Toughest" hits compilation.

"Recruiting Soldiers", "Can't You See" and "Jah Say No" are also so good, they might have been considered for that greatest hits album as well if it was a double-CD.

5 Bonus tracks are included as well, which, if nothing else, extend the listening pleasure.

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 cd is one of the best cd's ever done by Peter Tosh. In each song he expresses himself as a humble inovative muscian and equal rights leader, he displayed his musical knowledge and creativity and his self inner force to get the work he lived for to be done. He expresses how diverse he is and talented in his musical arrangements. Listen to the Buckingham Palace track and just escape for a while, let the music take it's course. Pay careful attention to how all the instruments are carefulLy arrange to make such a beautiful song.

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.

This is a good album and you should have it if you want to understand the evolution of Peter Tosh's music. Also, this album contains very good songs like, for example, "Mystic man" ("I'm a man of the past, living in the present, walking to the future"), and "Recluiting soldiers", "Jah say no" or "Crystal Ball" are good songs too. "Can't you see" is a Peter's classic song, and Buk-in-Hamm Palace.... you should hear it, it's very good :-) .

This is a good album and has many classic Peter songs. However i think this album failed to live up to the past 3 albums he released. It was unique and contained the least recuts. It shows how Peter's creativity was growing. Although i dont think it is his best work i do give it 4 stars and believe it is essential to your reggae collection.

One of the harder to obtain titles in Tosh's canon, "Mystic Man" is well worth the money spent on it.

Anchored by some of the most venomous lyrics he ever came up with ("Buck-In-Hamm Palace," "Recruiting Soldiers,", and "Rumours of war,") along with one of his all time best tracks in "Jah Seh No," "Mystic Man" is one of Tosh's strongest efforts.

This is by a country mile the best written and produced album by the great man. Just about every song on the CD is a gem and brings in a funkier more polished sound to that defined by the Marley era. Great horns and percussion on this album are a stand out. Lyrically, Tosh was much edgier and certainly more humourous that Marley. Mystic Man is a classic. A must buy. Be warned get your dancing shoes on ...but before ya do ... hand me a rizzler ....and light up your chalice ...

I love Peter Tosh and this CD just shows another reason why. Great buy. It took a long time to get to me but that doesn't take away the fact that this is a great cd.