Many Gems. Best for its heights, not for its consistency...
04/08/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Bob, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer (and Rita and Marcia, too). Backed by the Skatalites on many cuts. Early Wailers, when they were all together. The early Wailers have a deep, transcendently great catalog of music, and this is just a taste (even stronger material remains in the vaults). This particular set's value lies in its heights, not in its coconsistency. There are some absolute gems, e.g., "This Train," Simmer Down," "I'm Gonna Put It On," "Jailhouse," and early versions of songs such as "Bend Down Low." Other material, including alternate takes, good but not as strong. If you're not familiar with the pre-Island, pre Scratch Perry- era Wailers, this is a good place to start."