Catch a Fire [Bonus Tracks]

1	Concrete Jungle 4:15
2	Slave Driver 2:54
3	400 Years 2:46
4	Stop That Train 3:56
5	Baby We Got a Date (Rock It Baby) 3:58
6	Stir It Up 5:34
7	Kinky Reggae 3:39
8	No More Trouble 4:00
9	Midnight Ravers 5:11
10	High Tide or Low Tide 4:44
11	All Day All Night 3:29

Barnes & Noble

The 2001 reissue of Catch a Fire is digitally remastered with fully annotated liner notes and features two bonus tracks, "High Tide or Low Tide" and "All Day All Night."

All Music Guide

For a majority of the world, Catch a Fire was not only the introduction to Bob Marley & the Wailers, but to reggae as well. The intimate and organic nature of the band's compositions coupled with its trademark mantra-like rhythms attracted the attention of producer and musical entrepreneur Chris Blackwell. So smitten was Blackwell that he commissioned the band to record for his primarily rock-oriented Island Records label. Although greatly encouraged by the Wailers' efforts, Blackwell was likewise cognizant of creating a fuller and more polished effort aimed specifically for the ears of the burgeoning "album rock" consumer. His idea was to "flesh out" the sonic atmosphere that supported and drove Marley and company's otherwise stark and unadorned folk songs. With the blessings of Marley and under the direction of Blackwell, sporadic instrumental augmentations were made, featuring Wayne Perkins (guitar), John "Rabbit" Bundrick (keyboards), Robbie Shakespeare (bass), and Tyrone Downie (organ). Although Catch a Fire was their international debut, Marley and fellow Wailer Peter Tosh used the medium to conjure and translate universal themes of love ("High Tide or Low Tide") and hope ("Stir It Up"), as well as the pain ("400 Years") and fear ("Slave Driver") of not only Jamaicans, but all humanity. Like Bob Dylan and John Lennon before him, Marley could project not only for his people and time, but also for those who would come before and after. The 2001 remastered version also comes with two bonus tracks that were not issued on the original LP, "High Tide or Low Tide" and "All Day All Night." Enthusiasts should also be aware of the two-disc Catch a Fire: Deluxe Edition, including the "Jamaican Version" (read: sans overdubs) of this timeless album. Lindsay Planer

All Music Guide

Catch a Fire was the major label debut for Bob Marley and the Wailers, and it was an international success upon its release in 1973. Although Bob Marley may have been the main voice, every member of the Wailers made valuable contributions and they were never more united in their vision and sound. All the songs were originals, and the instrumentation was minimalistic in order to bring out the passionate, often politically charged lyrics. Much of the appeal of the album lies in its sincerity and sense of purpose -- these are streetwise yet disarmingly idealistic young men who look around themselves and believe they might help change the world through music. Marley sings about the current state of urban poverty ("Concrete Jungle") and connects the present to past injustices ("Slave Driver"), but he is a not a one-trick pony. He is a versatile songwriter who also excels at singing love songs such as his classic "Stir It Up." Peter Tosh sings the lead vocal on two of his own compositions -- his powerful presence and immense talent hint that he would eventually leave for his own successful solo career. More than anything else, however, this marks the emergence of Bob Marley and the international debut of reggae music. Marley would continue to achieve great critical and commercial success during the 1970s, but Catch a Fire is one of the finest reggae albums ever. This album is essential for any music collection. -- Vik Iyengar