It’s pretty good, it’s got some great live footage
that I wasn’t expecting. The only real complaint I have is that it’s a
bit of a mishmash of materials. Every time I see the live clips, I wish
I could see the entire concert or appearence. Some of the more amazing
performances were on BBC, and there is inevitably some sort of voice
over half way through the performance. The version of Curfew/Burnin and
Looting is amazing, I only wish they didn’t have an interview over part
of it. I am now going to have to track down as much live Bob Marley
stuff as I can…
One thing that jumps out at me is what a great soul
singer he is. No, he’s not from Memphis, but all the qualities that
made Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and even Arethea great are there.
Marley’s ability to dig way down and bring out notes and noises that
perfectly communicate his message is uncanny. He can also sweat with
the best of them:-) While American soul singers almost always spring
from gospel roots, Bob also had a religious background. Despite his
appearently mistaken belief that Hallie Salasie was the second coming
of Christ, you can hear the faith, dedication, and inspiration he got
from his faith. I think he’s at least as good as Nusfarat Ali Khan or
Mahalia Jackson in that regard. Bob Marley is one of those performers
that I am more and more impressed with the more I listen to him.
Watching the live footage of him in 1980, you realize what a terrible
loss it was that he died later that year (may I think). Think I’ll try
to listen to Exodus before I go to bed…
Isaac