THE STRAIGHT DOPE:
This collection of early Bob Marley and the Wailers music is really not something you'd think cries out for the DVD-audio treatment. The songs are outstanding, of course, but for all the instrumentational creativity and vocal mastery on display they are strictly lo-fi. Still, the mixing here brings the music a clarity that approaches the clean sound of modern recording technology without robbing these reggae classics of their earthy feel. The vocals sound less up-to-date, still sounding a bit muffled when compared to the latest mega-studio productions.

But all the extra studio gadgetry can't buy soul and these cuts have that in excess. Starting with the skanking groovy "Soul Shakedown Party," with its chugging organ and bouncy bassline, this is music that works just about anywhere: In headphones, for dancing, for serious thought. Marley, whose rough-edged voice was never as smooth as Jimmy Cliff's gorgeous croon, nonetheless did the most with a limited range. He pours his soul into these songs and it comes through loud and clear. The complex artistry of the musicians, which retains the ability to surprise, as in "Sun is Shining," adds to the mix. This is total music, with all elements weaving together to create one voice. Like James Brown's band or Stop Making Sense-era Talking Heads you can imagine that no words needed to pass between the musicians, that they felt their way through each groove.

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