Nevertheless, we are here to discuss one of the most beautiful vinyl records I have in my collection. The tri-colour, as you can see in the photographs, is simply exquisite. It is reminiscent of not only Bob Marley, but the reggae sound and associated culture. I was honestly blown away when I first saw the records as a number of other multi-coloured releases I have are questionable, regarding the colours and the way the colour has been mixed. To get it so accurate, there has to be some magic sauce in the mix. YouTube is full of videos that detail how records are pressed and when I watch those videos, I’m honestly amazed this turned out so well. It is so accurate that it reminds me of the way picture discs are created, yet I don’t believe this process was used as coloured vinyl vs picture disc vinyl have quite a different appearance and the noise floor is also a key noticeable difference. With that in mind, this pressing is basically silent, with only a little surface noise noticeable between tracks. It is really no worse than a solid colour or black pressing and the sound presentation is amongst the best in my collection. You can really turn the volume on this album up! If anyone has any information on how they pressed this record, I would love to know. I know this isn’t a new technique as the Icehouse album Man Of Colours was also released in a limited tri-colour pressing in 1987. Unfortunately, I have never been able to source a copy of that record for a reasonable price. They literally go for a few hundred in mint condition. If you’re one of the lucky few to have a copy that you no longer want, shoot me a message.

Anyway, what album was I reviewing again? Honestly, I have wanted to do this review for the longest time, but I knew that I would digress excessively.

The vinyl sleeve itself is presented as a gatefold and looks simply stunning. The forwards that are included in the before mentioned Blu-ray release, are also present within in the gatefold. Despite that, I still want the ultimate digital edition to go with the ultimate vinyl edition. It is the collector in me and I feel no need to apologise for my consumeristic behaviour.

Most pleasing is the level of detail that is included with each song on the back of the sleeve. It is concise but includes important information relating to the album it was originally released on, along with a short review. I truly believe this additional information should be included with all albums, but it seems to be the exception rather than the rule.

Let’s progress to my subjective thoughts of the songs, before I digress any further.

LP 1 / SIDE 1

Is This Love was a fantastic choice for the first track of the album as it highlights the key sound signature that we recognise as belonging to the reggae genre. It has a simple, yet complex beat, combined with vocals and an overall tonality that will get your body moving.

No Woman No Cry is a lovely song, but I’ve always disliked the lows in the song, especially within the first few chords as the keyboard introduction sounds too distorted for my liking. Of course, it is important to note that this is the live version of the song, from the London Lyceum concert – released on the Bob Marley & The Wailers Live! album. The original studio recording, found on Natty Dread, doesn’t exhibit this effect. However, the studio recording is arguably not as strong a performance as the live recording. Let’s just say that I’m glad we have both editions, but neither is 100% perfect. While both versions are not on the tri-coloured vinyl release, the studio edition does also feature on the before mentioned 30th Anniversary Blu-ray (HFPA) release. That all said, once the song gets going this initial dampener dissipates and I find myself singing along to the chorus line.

Could You Be Loved has such an addictive beat. I dare you to remain still while this song is playing. Yes, that could likely be said about all reggae music as it is a genre that encourages uninhibited movement, but I have also heard many reggae songs and artists that don’t have the resounding effect that Marley and the Wailers did. I truly believe it was Marley’s inclusion of rock and roll elements that assisted in their sound signature.

Three Little Birds shifts the style to being a little more melodic, in direct comparison to the speed of Could You Be Loved, but I love it. Three Little Birds is one of those sing-a-long style songs that has such a positive chorus. I’ve no doubt that many parents have sung the chorus to their children over the years.

LP 1 / SIDE 2

Buffalo Soldier is my son’s favourite song. He has the standard CD edition and despite only being 9, he can belt out a fairly good rendition. Although, some of the lyrics are a little different to those that Marley and Williams penned. Buffalo Soldier certainly follows on well from the pace of Three Little Birds. While this is a compilation album, I find that the song selection and track positions are perfect. There is never a sonic jolt to dampen this collection of incredible songs. It is as if all the songs were composed at the same time. I mention this because many compilations do not present such a smooth transition from track to track.

Get Up Stand Up is certainly motivation from a societal perspective, but I find that I’m conflicted with regards to the speed of the song. Subjectively, I would like the tempo to be a little faster. Seriously, I’m clutching at straws aren’t I? It is an incredible song!

Stir It Up follows a similar tempo to Get Up Stand Up, hence it tracks well. I find Stir It Up is a very simple composition, but rather evolved as each time I listen to the song I experience the different layers of musicality the song has to offer. Over the years I have appreciated Marley’s music for its flexibility, thereby allowing appreciation by both novices and the collector/audiophile community. While Stir It Up isn’t my favourite track on the album, I can’t exactly say what I dislike about the song. I guess I’m just not feeling the groove. In reflection, and somewhat fickly, I can’t help but wonder if it is a little too complex and my mind is struggling to identify a key groove.

Easy Skanking is simply awesome. The tempo is perfect and I love the backing vocals. Sometimes backing vocals can be a distraction, but occasionally they work exceptionally well. This is one case where I couldn’t imagine the song without the backing vocals.