Aug 10
17
Bob Marley & The Wailers – Exodus (Deluxe Edition)
How do you improve upon one of the greatest albums of all time? Simple: remaster the already impeccable sound to beyond perfection, throw in some very fine alternate song takes, and then add an entire second disc of live material and previously unissued session recordings. 1977′s Exodus was already a perfect album in almost every respect and this Deluxe Edition actually makes it even better (however impossible that may seem).
Coming down from a botched assassination plot on his life (he was still shot several times), Bob Marley fled to London to write and record this masterpiece of an album. After reassembling his band they immediately went to work recording more than 20 tracks that would eventually make up Exodus and it’s follow up Kaya. The material, which at times seems quite gentle, actually serves as Marley’s own brand of retaliation to those who meant to do him harm; careful consideration of the lyrics to the joyous party favorite “Jammin’” make mention of both the attack, and Marley’s defiance to be stopped. It is this unique aspect of Marley’s music, the ability to blend rousing, foot tapping music with serious, insightful lyrics, that make Exodus such an inspirational listen.
Recorded on 24 track, the sound is full, vibrant, and made all the more beautiful through a wonderful remaster. There is a layered beauty that mirrors the music to such a degree that the sound itself is as important as the material within; it draws you in deep and doesn’t let go. The title track, “Exodus,” sounds exceptional with it’s layered horns, endless percussion, pulsating bass, and all sorts of little sounds weaving in and out of the song. It is truly a remarkable stereo experience and sounds especially amazing on headphones.
As great as the original Exodus album is, what I really want to focus on is the bonus material contained on the Deluxe Edition, which opens the vaults for a very unique snapshot of this period in Marley’s career. Disc 1 brings us a great gem of a song, and the original B-side to “Waiting in Vain,” titled “Roots” that lays back like a summer day. Next we get a wonderful alternate version of “Waiting in Vain,” followed by two alternate versions of “Jammin’.” The first, subtitled “Long Version,” is more than two minutes longer than the original and features some excellent vocal production; I actually enjoy this version more than the original. The second version, simply subtitled “Version,” is all instrumental and may have been an early backing track. We also get a short “Exodus,” subtitled “Version,” that is odd but nice to have.
Disc 2 opens with five tracks recorded during the 1977 Exodus tour at the Rainbow Theatre in London. Somehow, the band was able to bring the thick, textured, layered sound found on Exodus right to the stage and it was beautifully captured in stunning sound. The band works together as a unit, sympathetically backing their leader and taking the audience on a reggae journey of perfection. Every song is played with such precision, and such passion, that I sometimes forget I’m listening to live tracks. Junior Marvin on lead guitar is especially fiery here and delivers exactly what Marley needs: high precision leads with just enough funk to keep things grooving.
A long, loose version of “Jammin’” is followed by a blindingly tight “Exodus.” The interplay between the musicians here is incredible, everyone moving and grooving in complete unison. In its near 12 minutes it never once strays from the beat, which, working like clockwork, delivers near delirium to the appreciative and excited audience. These five live tracks are a stunning document of a band in complete command of it’s material, and a testament to just how powerful the Wailers were in their later years. If you thought Marley was nothing but “Buffalo Soldier” and “One Love,” these tracks will turn you around to the heavier, harder, funkier edge the band was capable of. Truly remarkable, and yet still not even as heavy as 1978′s live Babylon By Bus which documents their European tour.
Special mention needs to be made of the beautiful packaging of the Deluxe Edition. Even if you are a download only person you need the real thing just to experience the care that went into making this. The fold out cd case is fantastic, with excellent photos on the interior and two beautiful looking discs (I know most of you won’t care, but to me a good looking disc just adds to the overall character). A wonderful booklet is included as well, containing an insightful essay, full lyrics, recording info (which I love!) and other assorted greatness. This is one spectacular piece of work in every respect and deserves a home in the music library of every music lover out there.
Truly stunning for Jah people.
Tracklist
Disc One:
- “Natural Mystic” – 3:28
- “So Much Things to Say” – 3:08
- “Guiltiness” – 3:20
- “The Heathen” – 2:32
- “Exodus” – 7:40
- “Jammin’” – 3:31
- “Waiting In Vain” – 4:16
- “Turn Your Lights Down Low” – 3:39
- “Three Little Birds” – 3:00
- “One Love/People Get Ready” – 2:56
- “Roots” (B-side of “Waiting in Vain” single) – 3:44
- “Waiting in Vain” (alternate version, previously unreleased) – 4:44
- “Jammin’” (long version, A-side of 12″ single) – 5:52
- “Jammin’” (version, previously unreleased) – 3:06
- “Exodus” (version, B-side of “Exodus” single) – 3:08
Disc Two:
- “The Heathen” (June 4, 1977 Rainbow Theatre) – 6:48
- “Crazy Baldhead/Running Away” (June 4, 1977 Rainbow Theatre) – 9:22
- “War/No More Trouble” (June 4, 1977 Rainbow Theatre) – 7:44
- “Jammin’” (June 4, 1977 Rainbow Theatre) – 7:07
- “Exodus” (June 4, 1977 Rainbow Theatre) – 11:49
- “Punky Reggae Party” (A-side of Jamaican 12″ single) – 9:19
- “Punky Reggae Party” (dub, B-side of Jamaican 12″ single) – 8:50
- “Keep On Moving” (previously unreleased original mix) – 6:26
- “Keep On Moving” (dub, previously unreleased original mix) – 7:15
- “Exodus Advertisement” – 1:08
