One Love at Studio One 1964-1966
This two-CD compilation chronicles the urgent and early artistry of Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, and of course, Bob Marley. These historic sessions, recorded at the legendary Studio One in Kingston, showcase the embryonic stage of the Wailers band, backed by the Skatalites, The Mighty Vikings, Rita Marley, Junior Braithwaite, and many of Jamaica's finest musicians.  Even on these old discs, Marley steals the show with his riveting and revolutionary vocals, as evidenced by the pulsing, prehistoric renditions of "Simmer Down," "Hooligan Ska," and his anthem "One Love." Several unreleased tracks and alternate takes--like Marley and company's riff on the Beatles' "And I Love Her," and a rare rehearsal track, "Wages of Love"--reveal their stylistic range and work ethic. To put it in evolutionary terms, this collection traces reggae's musical and philosophical DNA down to its R&B;, doo-wop, Rastafarian, ska, and rock steady roots.--Eugene Holley, Jr.