Track Listing

1. Concrete Jungle
2. Slave Driver
3. 400 Years
4. Stop That Train
5. Baby We've Got A Date (Rock It Baby)
6. Stir It Up
7. Kinky Reggae
8. No More Trouble
9. Midnight Ravers
10. High Tide Or Low Tide
11. All Day All Night

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8603 in Music
• Released on: 2001-06-25
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Original recording remastered, Original recording reissued, Extra tracks
• Dimensions: .23 pounds
• Running time: 44 minutes

CD Description
It is nearly impossible to imagine a time when reggae was not part of the cultural currency. Though Bob Marley and the Wailers cannot be said to have invented the style, they certainly brought it to the world stage, and this album was the torch that lit the way. CATCH A FIRE hit with the force of arevelation when it was released in 1973, and though Chris Blackwell tailored its sound with a rock audience in mind, the album was still unlike anything that had ever come down the pike. Ironically, even given its relatively full production and electric guitar solos, CATCH A FIRE sounds more organic and rootsy than any of the Wailers' subsequent releases.
While the percolating rhythms and burbling bass lines of the Barrett brothers, and the sweet, impeccable harmonies of Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer soothe and move, CATCH A FIRE also introduces the conscious, politically minded themes that would remain at the centre of Marley's songwriting for the rest of his career. "Concrete Jungle", one of the towering standout tracks, addresses the trap of inner cities, while "Slave Driver" and "400 Years" take on racial/historical issues. Yet Marley's penchant for gorgeous love songs is evident here too on his all-time classic "Stir It Up". Even after everything that followed, and the cult of idolatry that formed around Marley, this remains soulful, message-driven music that goes straight to the blood. Utterly essential.

Customer Reviews

An epoch in the history of Reggae!
Released in early 1973, this album was the Wailers first for Island records. Recorded in a very short period of time, in which tension was already beginning to show between Bob & Peter.

In my opinion this is still their best work, raw, fresh and uninhibited. Standout tracks include Concrete Jungle, Stir it up and Slave Driver but their are no bad tracks.

The familier 'Wailing Wailers' sound is here to enjoy with the classic bouncy reggae rhythems. For me a classic album of a classic period of time were reggae would reach heights never before accomplished.

JAH RASTAFARI!

Classic marley, unbeatable
If your up for a taste of Bob like you've never heard him before this is it. It was his first album with Island Records and probably his best. With Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer still in the band they created a master piece, it sounds more raw and simple than the later Marley albums with some beautiful male harmonys. The opening song 'Concrete jungle' is probably my favourte Marley tune ever with an awesome intro and beautiful groove throughout along with one of the best guitar solo's of all time.

High tide or low tide is the most under appreciated Marley song ever. Its soooo nice it deserves to be a world wide sing along and should have been on legend. The rest of the album is amazing, never over produced and always tasteful. A MUST have for any Marley fan, reggae fan or human being.

Excellent Music.....
This version of 'Catch A Fire' by the legendary Bob Marley & The Wailers has been digitally remastered which means that the sound quality is better but the music speeded up a little which may, or may not, please you... The tunes are varied and some such as 'Stir It Up' may be more recognisable to the more commercial listener yet there are several tracks here that haven't gained as much commercial success despite their classic sound. 'Kinky Reggae' and 'No More Trouble' become instant classics when you listen to this CD and the rest are all presented in the harmonious style that Bob Marley & The Wailers are renowned for. Those seeking a more original style (or should I say original recording...) may do well to try and hunt down those Bob marley albums that have not been digitally remastered where as those who prefer these fresher productions, and all those who want an introduction to the great reggae singer and his trusty support should look no further.....