BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS

EXODUS 30^TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

TUFF GONG/ISLAND

Last month was littered with articles about the 40^th anniversary of the release of Sgt Pepper, an album that has grown in legend but is not necessarily The Beatles’ best album at all. Nevertheless, the coverage afforded the anniversary probably reflected society’s – or perhaps the mainstream media’s - myopic view of music history.

At the same time there was another anniversary that some might claim was even more important – the 30^th anniversary of the release of Exodus – an album that Time magazine named as ‘album of the century.’ It is worth reflecting that, to a different community, this album was as much of a landmark as Sgt Pepper and certainly it has become far more culturally significant.

This is not to denigrate the innovation behind The Beatles’ work but, frankly – and I think John Lennon would agree - Marley’s album not only had a lot more to say but was more culturally and politically important. After the demise of the Beatles, Lennon went on to become a similar political figurehead as Marley.

Exodus was recorded and mixed in London, not long after an attempt on Marley’s life in Jamaica. The title was apt. The album was released on Friday, June 3, 1977 and went on to make Marley not only the biggest reggae act in the world but also on a par with rock stars of the day. Thirty years on there has still not been a reggae act to rival Marley’s position of supremacy. It also launched him into the upper reaches of the album charts (it stayed on the UK chart for over a year) and provided three hit singles: the title track, ‘Jamming’ and ‘One Love/People Get Ready.’ Almost one third of the tracks on the Legend anthology come from Exodus!

While Marley was no doubt the star here, The Wailers were an incredible backing band and their influence lives on as well. The line-up at this stage included bassist Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett, drummer Carlton Barrett, keyboard player Tyrone Downie, Alvin ‘Seeco’ Patterson on percussion, Julian ‘Junior’ Marvin on lead guitar and backing singers Rita Marley, Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt (the I Threes). A marvelous supporting cast.

Exodus begins slowly with ‘Natural Mystic’ and ‘So Much Things To Say’ that lead in to the more politically charged ‘Guiltiness’ (‘they live a life of false pretence’) and ‘Heathen’ (‘Rise and take your stand’). Then the knockout blow is delivered with the title track.

Some editions of Legend were released with an edited version of ‘Exodus’ but the original here is one of the greatest songs of any genre ever recorded. The song might be seen as Marley’s response to the assassination attempt but it is a far more sweeping statement and is not just about the Rastafarian movement (‘movement of Jah people’) and Marley’s religious beliefs. When he sings ‘Are you satisfied with the life you’re living?’ it has universal intent. ‘We know where we’re going / We know where we’re from’ is not only affirmation of Rasta philosophy but a challenge to everyone to find a purpose in life. The song’s hypnotic refrain (which you recognise from the first notes) also makes it one of the most memorable songs in music history.

‘Jamming’ marks a change of tone into something more joyous. This is followed by the ballads ‘Waiting In Vain,’ ‘Turn Your Lights Down Low’ and the beautiful ‘Three Little Birds.’ The closer of ‘One Love’ combined with Curtis Mayfield’s ’People Get Ready’ leaves us with an inspiring and uplifting statement. This song was also used for years as the closer for the Neville Brothers (who have, unfortunately, been absent from Jazz Fest for the past two years).

The re-released version of the album also comes with a DVD of the famous performance at London’s Rainbow Theatre soon after the release of Exodus. This show was chosen by the New York Times for inclusion in a time capsule to be opened in 1,000 years – high praise indeed. There are three songs from Exodus (with, naturally enough, its title song) and nine other selections, including ‘I Shot The Sheriff,’ ‘No Woman No Cry,’ ‘Get Up, Stand Up,’ and ‘Trenchtown Rock.’ The strength of the band is never more keenly illustrated as Marley is able to strut the stage (sometimes in almost Mick Jagger style) while the musicians can riff, fill in the gaps and fire into full throttle when needed. It’s brilliant.

As a signpost to the future, Exodus in being re-released in a variety of formats. There is a standard CD, then the CD/DVD format of 5,000 copies (reviewed here) plus a 4,000 copy limited edition Memory Stick produced in the Rastafarian colours of red, green and gold! This contains not only the 10 original songs on Exodus but also three of the video tracks from the Rainbow concert. There is also a Micro SD Memory Card of 2,000 copies. Finally, there is the original and 10-track vinyl album, as first released in June 1977. The DVD of Exodus Live at the Rainbow is also available and a new 144-page hardback book – which includes the full CD – is also available. Plenty of options for avid collectors!

Whatever format you choose, Exodus is an absolutely essential and indispensable album.

Brian Wise