I just picked up this CD. There may be other Toots and the Maytals compilations out there that are more comprehensive, but I LOVE this one. As I said in the title, this wonderful music is JOYOUS. It will put a smile on your face and make you want to dance. God bless Toots and the Maytals.
First let me make a distinction: There's reggae and then there's Marley. Marley is a god, but he is also the king of a breed of music that is entirely his own.
When it comes to pure old-skool, shake-your-rump-Reggae, Toots & The Maytals are the undisputed champions. Their music IS reggae. It's the sound that every other reggae band has tried to duplicate, but has only managed to emulate. Toots, a.k.a. "The Ska Father," makes music that moves you, not spiritually or emotionally, but in raw physical sense. His songs (particularly "54-46" and "Pressure Drop") are just fun!
Recently I had the opportunity to Toots perform live at the TLA in Philly, and I must say that while he may appear aged, he's still a kid at heart. He pours every ounce of energy he's got into his shows. That one concert was the most amazing inn-person musical experience I've ever had. Mid-way through the show he literally invited the audience up onto the stage, where I and everybody who felt the urge cut loose to the band's thumping reggae beats. Toots even took the time between songs to shake every audience member's hand as they climbed down from the stage.
This album is incredible. It's jam packed with 75 minutes of classic riddims; songs maybe you've never heard but have always felt. Taken from the original 8-tracks, the songs (all 24 of them) preserve their antique feel.
An essential album for anyone who loves music that makes you feel good. A classic.
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