E11: Soul Rebel – Bob Marley & The Wailers pt.1

Hear the full episode here:

In this week's episode Tim and Jeremy focus on the early life and work of Bob Marley & The Wailers. They explore the role Marley and the group played in bringing Reggae to the world, with the singer becoming a singular and ubiquitous cultural figure in the process. Beginning with their first Ska singles from the mid-'60s, we hear how the original1965 recording of One Love articulated a nascent form of philosophical universalism, with love as a political virtue to overcome difference. We also follow Marley on his journey towards Rastafarianism, and reintroduce Island Records' Chris Blackwell to the show.

Tim and Jeremy discuss the powerful, dub-inflected production of the Wailers' second album Soul Rebels, consider the anti-imperialism of rootsyness, and explore the recording and marketing of their follow up, Catch A Fire.

We'll be back next episode with part two of our deep dive on Marley. One Love.

Produced and edited by Matt Huxley.  

Tracklist:
The Wailers - Simmer Down
The Wailers - One Love (1965)
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Soul Rebel
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Rebel's Hop
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Concrete Jungle

Books:
Timothy White - Catch a Fire: The Life of Bob Marley