Peter Tosh: Legalize It [LEGACY/COLUMBIA]

Why you'll love it

This Columbia/Legacy reissue presents the original nine-track album as it first came out in 1976. The RIAA certified it platinum in 1999, and it appears in 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

About the album

1976 was a busy year for former Wailers. Bunny Wailer issued Blackheart Man, Bob Marley and his new Wailers put out Rastaman Vibration, and Peter Tosh stepped out with his first solo album, recorded at Treasure Isle and Randy's in Kingston and mixed at CBS Studios in New York. The title song had come out as a single in Jamaica the year before, where it was banned from airplay; the attempt to bury it sent Tosh's name around the world instead.

Tosh produced and arranged the record himself with a crack band around him: Aston and Carlton Barrett, Robbie Shakespeare, Carlton Santa Davis, Al Anderson, Donald Kinsey and Tyrone Downie, with Bunny Wailer among the backing voices. "Burial" and "Till Your Well Runs Dry" are co-writes with Bunny, "Why Must I Cry" was written with Bob Marley, "Igziabeher (Let Jah Be Praised)" is a stately hymn, and "Ketchy Shuby" is pure playful bounce. Lee Jaffe co-produced and took the photographs.

It is a warm, deep-rooted reggae record, full of deep grooves and Tosh's commanding baritone. He also played guitar and keyboards and sang backing vocals on it, which by our count leaves very little for the rest of us to take credit for.

Also at Kops: more Peter Tosh on vinyl · browse Reggae & Caribbean

Tracklist

Listen

On Columbia / Legacy, a reissue of the 1976 album.