Kinky Reggae

Here in Boston, summer is in its final throes before descending into cooler temperatures and darker nights. The days are perfect—75 and sunny, no humidity—and it still stays light until 8pm, so people are out and people are happy (if you want to observe the effects of widespread Seasonal Affective Disorder, move to Boston).

As such, I’m trying my best to listen to some solid summer music before Fall. Right now, I’m in reggae mode, which for me means one album: Bob Marley and the Wailers’ “Live!” Here’s why this particular album is so great:

1. It’s Bob Marley.

2. The tracklist travels from feel-good reggae jams to intense protest anthems, showcasing the many compelling sides of Marley’s style. The opener, “Trenchtown Rock” is perhaps my favorite feel-good track of all time, because it talks simply but powerfully about how music makes you feel good: “One good thing about music, when it hits, you feel okay, so hit me with music.” Right on, Bob. But then just as you’re basking in the afterglow of those pleasant grooves, he breaks into the violent and political “Burnin’ and Lootin’.” The whole album is full of stark contrasts, yet remains funky throughout.

3. The album’s sound sets it apart from other reggae recordings. The production is great—you can hear every instrument and vocal part clearly, yet the warm, concert ambience is fully preserved. The bass sound is deep and fat, which gets your head boppin’, while the fuzzy guitar and organ grooves seamlessly merge with the soft, ambient, fuzz of the surrounding atmosphere. It’s like everything around you is vibrating in time with the music. I dig.

4. Marley’s band is tight. His backup vocalists, a female trio, provide a powerful harmonic counterpoint to Marley’s distinctive voice. The instrumentalists are no slackers, either, keeping a steady, danceable groove and providing solo flourishes when asked. Truly a tour de force, if you ask me.

Off the top of my head, those are the reasons why I always return to “Live!” when I’m looking for some reggae. If those reasons aren’t enough for you, listen for yourself. Below are three tracks—I had a tough time picking which ones to showcase. Enjoy.

Bob Marley & The Wailers – Trenchtown Rock (Live) (YSI) (filesavr)
Bob Marley & The Wailers – Burnin’ and Lootin’ (Live) (YSI) (filesavr)
Bob Marley & The Wailers – Kinky Reggae (Live) (YSI) (filesavr)