2009 digitally remastered and expanded edition of this Reggae classic including two bonus tracks: live versions of 'Pick Myself Up' and 'African' recorded in '82. On 1977's Equal Rights, Tosh took a more militant stance; p... more »reaching about unity amongst the African diaspora, protesting conditions in South Africa, and elsewhere a more general call to arms. Tosh's singing is angry and forceful and the music is intricate and distinctive. The album propelled Tosh to the top of the Reggae world and remains among the handful of best, and most influential, Reggae albums ever recorded. The album features heavyweights of Jamaican music and members of The Wailers and Peter Tosh's backing band, Word, Sound and Power. These include: Bunny Wailer, Carlton and Aston Barrett, Sly & Robbie, Al Anderson, Rita Marley, Mikey Chung and others. 10 tracks. EMI.« less
2009 digitally remastered and expanded edition of this Reggae classic including two bonus tracks: live versions of 'Pick Myself Up' and 'African' recorded in '82. On 1977's Equal Rights, Tosh took a more militant stance; preaching about unity amongst the African diaspora, protesting conditions in South Africa, and elsewhere a more general call to arms. Tosh's singing is angry and forceful and the music is intricate and distinctive. The album propelled Tosh to the top of the Reggae world and remains among the handful of best, and most influential, Reggae albums ever recorded. The album features heavyweights of Jamaican music and members of The Wailers and Peter Tosh's backing band, Word, Sound and Power. These include: Bunny Wailer, Carlton and Aston Barrett, Sly & Robbie, Al Anderson, Rita Marley, Mikey Chung and others. 10 tracks. EMI.
Sean M. Kelly | Portland, Oregon United States | 09/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Few lps in any genre can be defined as absolute classics. Reggae has a few such lp's (Burining Spear's "Marcus Garvey," the Wailers' "Catch a Fire," Big Youth's "Screaming Target," Lee Perry's "Arkology" box set), and among them is "Equal Rights," Peter Tosh's tour de force.The tracks on this lp are second to none- Scatching, rebellious, on the edge, much like Tosh himself. Few lps have as potent a 1-2 opening punch as "Get Up Stand Up" and "Downpressor Man" offer this lp, only to be reinforced by the amazing "Stepping razor," "African," and "Apartheid" (Tosh's being the 1st vocal anti-apartheid song in reggae, so far as I know), and "I Am That I Am" and "Jah Guide" reinforce Tosh's roots credibility as a rastafarian. Add to that the 2 bonus live tracks and you have a nearly flawless lp.Few lps have the complete start to finish impact of this one, and therefore this lp for me ranks with Burning Spear's "Marcus Garvey" lp as the most powerful in the history of reggae. An absolute must have in your reggae collection."
The Greatest Reggae Album Of All Time
Sean M. Kelly | 05/27/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the recording that started my ongoing 17-year love of reggae, and although I like a wide variety this is hands down still the best. Incredible sound production - perfect lush quality, so clean and fresh. The songs are so well written they (like Bob Marley's best) transcend the genre and simply belong in any music fan's collection. Even people who aren't reggae fans appreciate having this on 'cause it's all SO GOOD. Thanks Peter!"
The Greatest Reggae Album Made To Date
Mutulu1 | Brooklyn, NYC | 09/13/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Approaching 300 roots reggae and dub albums in a 15 year collection period, this CD is arguably the best reggae album made. Saying that, I have to also consider timeless classics like: The Congos- Heart of the Congos, Burning Spear- Marcus Garvey, Culture- Two Sevens Clash, and The Wailers- Catch A Fire. These albums, including Tosh's Equal Rights are the top 5 in my opinion. What puts Tosh's Equal Rights ahead of the pack is quite simply the briliant songwriting, masterful instrumentation, and 100% LIVICATION to the JAH Rastafari message, and the poor people's struggle. Tosh lived, sang, and performed his message through song and his passion as an artist cannot and probably will not ever be matched by any other roots reggae singer, and yes that includes the popular Bob Marley. One listen to songs like "Apartheid","Jah Guide", "I am that I am", and "Equal Rights" might choke you up or bring a tear to your eye. This album is one of popular musics hidden gems, regardless of music genre. Tosh, who produced this masterpiece was also a gifted muscian. On this album, Tosh plays rythmn guitar, keyboards, and percussion. Fans of reggae, dub, and music in general, this artist, who is hands down the greatest reggae artist of his generation, if you do not own this CD or have not heard it, purchase this right now!! 20+ years after this artist's premediated murder by the money grubbing Jamaican government, it's time to take his music to the mainstream where it belongs. He made this album and other's like it for the people, it's time to get it to them. Start with this, you won't regret it!"
Tosh's Best Studio Album
Cindy F. Austin | Pratt, KS USA | 08/06/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is Tosh's best studio offering. It is his first album with the legendary rhythm twins, Sly Dunbar (drums) and Robbie Shakespear (bass). You can't go wrong here if you want some great conscious reggae. There aren't any bad songs on this album. The best songs are "Downpressor Man," "I Am That I Am" (my favorite), "Stepping Razor" (a song covered by Sublime), "Equal Rights," and "Jah Guide." While Tosh's best overall album is probably "Complete Captured Live," this is right there with it. Don't hesitate to buy it if you like reggae at all."