Social Living [EXTRA TRACKS] [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]

Burning Spear

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 3, 2003)
• Original Release Date: June 3, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Extra tracks, Original recording remastered
• Label: Island
• ASIN: B00009KTWC
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #93,822 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Top Notch Burning Spear, January 29, 2005

By	Matthew Channon (Sandy, Utah USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Any rough edges that were pesent on previous Burning Spear albums have been completely smoothed out for this classic 1978 release along with any doubts as to the artists intention and ability to bring his music to the international stage which would happen with his next album, the succeeding masterpiece, "Hail H.I.M."

This is Burning Spear's most technical achievement up to this point. Thanks, in part, to Sly and Robbie, the instramentals are tight and crisp ("Marcus Children Suffer" and "Civilize Reggae" are particularly intricate) and the ever focused Winston Rodney is at the cutting edge of his skills, his strong sharp voice prominent through out.

The set seems to lose some of it's punch after the first four tracks shifting to a more mellow tone (almost to the point of being boring) but is still on top form and doesn't bring the standard down any.

Digitally remastered with the cover sleeve including an extensive commentary, but the bonus track of "Social Living extended mix" is the best addition to this 2003 rerelease by Island.

5.0 out of 5 stars Is the best Spear, and that's saying a lot, July 10, 2008

By	Critical Mystic "Critical Mystic" (Boulder Colo) - See all my reviews

Beautifully produced, with very strong grooves and melodic material- every song a stunner. Recorded mostly in 1980, with 2 extended versions from 1978. Familyman and Sly and Robbie share riddim section duties with other great session players. The dub version, Living Dub Vol 1, is absolutely recommended as well.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Spear at his peak., March 10, 2007

By	musicmania (Toronto, Canada) - See all my reviews

In a career filled with many highs this album must rank as one of, if not his best. It represented a shift in musical direction from a highly charged roots sound to a more 'open' jazzy sound. However, this is Burning Spear and his rootsiness is not dimished, merely infused with other influences.

The feel by comparison to earlier works may in places be more subdued even mellow, but the extensive use of horns and a more sympathetic production employing a dubby, breezy approach brings a wonderful contrast to his powerful gravelly voice. Spears' commentary is typically focused on Marcus Garvey and issues of identity and social consciousness. His vision burns as bright as ever, the songs are strong and delivered with the passion you expect from Mr. Rodney. Consistent from start to finish. Right up there with his Studio One output, Marcus Garvey, Man In The Hills, Hail HIM and People Of The World.

Great to have the two extended versions added here. Not surprisingly, this album spawned a great dub version in Living Dub Volume 1.

Spear fans and reggae fans alike MUST own this, and to music fans in general I recommend you BUY THIS.