Customer Reviews

Rastaman Vibration [Deluxe Edition w/ Bonus Tracks]

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The music here is, of course, essential; but, as the entire Roxy concert is now available as a 2 CD set, one might prefer to get that and the 1-disc version of "Rastaman Vibration" rather than this set.

In 1976, Bob Marley & the Wailers released "Rastaman Vibration". This album would be the album that would finally push, and forever keep reggae in the mainstream of music in the U.S.

The album is laden with hits, from the joyous "Positive Vibration," and the danceable "Roots, Rock, Reggae," to the enigmatic and powerful "Crazy Baldhead," and the anti-racism statement "War". Each song is a Marley classic and an essential to any collection. The alternate mixes and the rare bonus track, "Jah Live" are all amazing. The second disc, contains a concert from the U.S. "Rastaman Vibration" tour at the Roxy in Hollywood in May. The second disc also includes two bonus tracks, the delightful "Smile Jamaica," and a remix of it, both recorded after the sessions for the main album.

This album is sure to delight any listener and is crucial to every Marley or reggae collection. Pick this up and you'll be listening to it non-stop for weeks on end.

Remastered tracks and rarities aside, the real treasure in this deluxe remastered two-disc set of Bob Marley's landmark breakthrough is the inclusion of the often bootlegged 1976 concert Bob Marley and The Wailers held at The Roxy in Los Angeles.

While "Live!" and "Babylon By Bus" are recorded proof of Bob's magnetic live shows, this performance at The Roxy captured in ten songs is by far the best sounding and most explosive Bob has ever sounded. Hearing "Rebel Music (3 O'Clock Roadblock)" followed by "I Shot The Sheriff" is nothing short of a spirtual experience.

But make no mistake about it, "Rastaman" as an album stands triumphantly on its own merits, but the inclusion of Bob's 1976 Roxy show makes this reissue a must for anyone who calls themselves a Bob Marley or reggae fan.

This is the first ground-breaking reggae album to hit American music fans between the eyes, and Bob Marley & The Wailers led the way to gain more listeners in this genre of the entertainment field. As Island Def Jam Music reissues in a Deluxe Edition "Rastaman Vibration", none of these songs were huge hits, but they are all solid and heartfelt; this is my favorite album. It includes well known songs such as "WAR","POSITIVE VIBRATION", "ROOTS, ROCK, REGGAE", "CRAZY BALDHEAD" and "WAR" with alternate mixes.

Possibly the best song on this collection is ~ "RAT RACE", hard hitting cue with amazing lyrics and Marley & the Wailers offer a truly amazing message. A two-disc package loaded with extras, which include six previously unreleased mixes of past album tracks. A great treasure is the nine previously unreleased live performances from the May 26, 1976 Concert at Roxy in Hollywood, California. Much of this is digitally remastered with bonus tracks inclusive, a very moving album. Probably one of the best old school reggae albums with lessons for all of us to learn and grow by---this album is a keeper!

Total 2-CD-Set ~ Island Def Jam Music 440-063-446-2 ~ (2002)

This is an excellent purchase. You get some of the famous live performances from the Roxy in support of this album. And you get a top notch remastering of one of Bob's best. Not that he had any bad releases.

Highly recommended. Even better than Exodus in my book.

Roots Rock Reggae at his very best! Have been listening to this album constantly since I've bought it. Marley was (and stil is) the one and only king of reggae. Jah live children yeah!

This is a good collection of bob marley songs, some of my favorites...

I am very happy with this 2-cd set.

Second CD is what this is all about- BEAUTIFUL!

I do think the first CD has some good songs. I particularly enjoy the single "dub" mix of "Roots, Rock, Reggae" but most of the songs are very enjoyable. I love the fact that hard to find songs like "Jah Live" and the very similar sounding "Concrete" are included making the first CD impressive in its own right, just not so powerful when compared to the live material on CD2.

Starting with the inspiring words "With music you feel no pain...Hit me with music" I feel like my troubles have disappeared. "Trenchtown Rock" is one of the most uplifting songs I have ever heard, especially when you realize that the area he is describing is such a poverty-stricken region. Many other highlights follow with what most be some of the best live material by Bob Marley (except for possibly the extended jams in the EXODUS DELUXE CD - get this too if you can). The final song(s) "Jamaica" done in two parts is a fine way to close such a magnificent CD jam-packed with incredible tunes. Buy this!!!

If you enjoed the original release of this wonderful album, you will definately like the Deluxe edition. The remixes are great, but it is the Roxy Show that makes this a gem. I definately reccomend this masterpiece.

I must say that this album, as well as the Exodus Deluxe have nice live sets.

This collection is awesome!! You get the newest remastering job of the original album, 2 bonus tracks, then you get alternate mixes of most songs. THEN, on disc 2, you get the whole LIVE! album and the very good "Smile Jamaica" sessions. This is Bob Marley on the top of his game.