Bob Marley & the Wailers - Exodus [Deluxe Edition] (CD)

All Music Guide

The contents of Exodus [Deluxe Edition] broaden the context of the album to include the CD debut of 7" and 12" B-sides as well as rare mixes and live tracks circa the Exodus album and tour. This is Bob Marley at his most Lion-esque. His music can alternately be ferocious in tone and tender in intent. This may have something to do with the duress under which the record was made. Disc one of this "Deluxe Edition" consists of the original album and related singles. "Roots" is a B-side only track, which was backed with "Waiting in Vain." The alternate version of the track is available here for the first time. "Jamming [Long Version]" was originally issued as the 12" mix. The second is simply titled "Jamming [Version]," and is previously unreleased. A similar moniker is attached to the title track -- "Exodus [Version]" -- which was originally issued as a B-side. Nearly 45 minutes of live performances as well as some amazing remixes and dub work by Lee "Scratch" Perry grace disc two. The con...cert is from a run of shows that the Wailers performed at ~the Rainbow Theater in London in support of the release of Exodus. Additional performances from this run were likewise videotaped and have been released as the Live at the Rainbow home video. The Lee Perry sessions are recordings that offer a glimpse of the magic that these two have. The hard funk of "Punky Reggae Party" predicts the decidedly boisterous flavor of the Survival album. Just as with the other deluxe and expanded editions in the 2001 overhaul of Bob Marley the Wailers' Island Records catalog, the sound is opulent when compared to the prior incarnations. This may not be everything, but what is here has never been presented as completely or as vividly. - Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide Read more Less