Search - Bob Marley, Lee Scratch Perry :: 1970-1971: Upsetter Years

Definitive

Robert Maguire | Stamford, CT | 02/06/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These 1970-71 tracks were some of purest, rootsiest reggae the Wailers (or anyone for that matter)had ever recorded. Lee Perry's uncharacteristically laissez-faire production underscores the music's raw, uncompromising power. Although the Wailers went on to achieve worlrdwide commercial success(sans Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer), they were never better than in their pre-Island days, and this CD proves it. One quibble: CD needs better packaging, with liner photos and recording date info."

Bad mixing..can be had elsewhere

Sean M. Kelly | Portland, Oregon United States | 09/21/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The original Wailers' most endearing recordings occurred with Lee Perry in the late 60's and early 70's, and are considered by most reggae aficionados to be their best.Perry was not the studio wizard that he became in the 70's, and even had an almost completely laissez-faire approach to recording. This allowed the Wailers to record their very raw, bare bones, songs with complete ease. Of interest will be hearing Bunny actually sing lead vocals, (he possesses a beautiful tenor voice) and Peter Tosh's amazing "400 Years," which sounds better here than on "Burnin'"While essential recordings for any Wailers' completist or fan, the quality of this cd is quite subpar; thankfully, there are 3 Wailers box sets out covering just the Lee Perry and Leslie kong era exclusively on which you will find these, and many other, tracks- complete with booklets, excellent photos, and wonderful post-production mastering. This will prove much more satisfactory for completists.One of many Perry/Marley/Wailers combination cds out there, this one is nice, but there are much better to be had."

Great songs, lousy sound

Sean M. Kelly | 07/13/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Great collection of the early Wailers stuff, but the sound is horrid--very heavy bass. I realize these are old tunes, but I'm wondering if there's not a version somewhere that's better mixed."