Soul Rebel: Bob Marley & The Wailers pt.1

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 figure in culture in the process. Beginning with their first Ska singles from the mid-'60s, we hear how the original 1965 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 in a fortnight with part two of our deep dive on Marley. One Love.

Tim Lawrence and Jeremy Gilbert are authors, academics, DJs and audiophile dance party organisers. They’ve been friends and collaborators since 1997, teaching together and running parties since 2003. With clubs closed and half their jobs lost to university cuts, they’re inevitably launching a podcast.

Produced and edited by Matt Huxley.  

Tune in, Turn on, Get Down! 

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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