Looking back as Catch A Fire turns 40
The album that placed Bob Marley and the Wailers - Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer - at the helm of superstardom debuted in the marketplace on April 13, 1973.
Saturday marked 40 years since the release of The Wailers' Catch A Fire, one of the seminal albums in pop music.
Despite the fire and brimstone that branded Reggae music's revolutionary appearance in the 1970s, forty years later, Catch A Fire remains as one of the most successful and to many the greatest Reggae albums of all times.
When Catch A Fire was released in 1973, the Wailers already had three studio albums (The Wailing Wailers (1965), Soul Rebels (1970) and Soul Revolution (1971)) under their belts, along with a best of collection and varying singles that popped up throughout the time span at which point they were signed to CBS Records.
Here are some other reggae recordings released in 1973 that have stood the test of time.
Beat Down Babylon: The debut album from singer Junior Byles, this set was produced by Lee 'Scratch' Perry and released in Britain by Trojan Records. Contains the ominous title track.
Book Of Rules: Produced by Harry 'Harry J' Johnson, this song is arguably the Heptones' finest moment. Features Barry Llewellyn on lead vocals.
All I Have Is Love: Gregory Isaacs was not yet 'The Cool Ruler' but this Phil Pratt-produced hit certainly paved the way for his later success as a lovers rock singer.
Funky Kingston: Toots and The Maytals lose little to The Wailers on this masterpiece which includes the monster title track. This album proved reggae was an international force.
Everyday Wondering (Skanga): Fresh out of Jamaica College, singer Johnny Clarke cut this 'rockers' for producer Rupie Edwards. Became a minor hit in Britain.
Silver Words (Ken Boothe) and Westbound Train (Dennis Brown): Both songs produced by Winston 'Niney' Holness for his emerging Observer label, they feature the Soul Syndicate band on top of their game.
Saturday marked 40 years since the release of The Wailers' Catch A Fire, one of the seminal albums in pop music.
Despite the fire and brimstone that branded Reggae music's revolutionary appearance in the 1970s, forty years later, Catch A Fire remains as one of the most successful and to many the greatest Reggae albums of all times.
When Catch A Fire was released in 1973, the Wailers already had three studio albums (The Wailing Wailers (1965), Soul Rebels (1970) and Soul Revolution (1971)) under their belts, along with a best of collection and varying singles that popped up throughout the time span at which point they were signed to CBS Records.
Here are some other reggae recordings released in 1973 that have stood the test of time.
Beat Down Babylon: The debut album from singer Junior Byles, this set was produced by Lee 'Scratch' Perry and released in Britain by Trojan Records. Contains the ominous title track.
Book Of Rules: Produced by Harry 'Harry J' Johnson, this song is arguably the Heptones' finest moment. Features Barry Llewellyn on lead vocals.
All I Have Is Love: Gregory Isaacs was not yet 'The Cool Ruler' but this Phil Pratt-produced hit certainly paved the way for his later success as a lovers rock singer.
Funky Kingston: Toots and The Maytals lose little to The Wailers on this masterpiece which includes the monster title track. This album proved reggae was an international force.
Everyday Wondering (Skanga): Fresh out of Jamaica College, singer Johnny Clarke cut this 'rockers' for producer Rupie Edwards. Became a minor hit in Britain.
Silver Words (Ken Boothe) and Westbound Train (Dennis Brown): Both songs produced by Winston 'Niney' Holness for his emerging Observer label, they feature the Soul Syndicate band on top of their game.
