Re: Burning Spear - Social Living CD

is there any difference between the release on Blood and Fire compared to the Island CD with bonus tracks?

http://www.roots-archives.com/release/2798#rel2688

If they're both the same mix and sound quality, then the Island one will be preferable for the extra tracks.

Cannot speak for the Blood and Fire issue but the Island issue has excellent sound quality and some nice liner notes from Dave Katz.

Also the 2 bonus tracks were originally issued as an Island 12" and are both great.

Also the Island Twoofer of "Man In The Hills" and "Dry And Heavy" is also well worth picking up as they are both excellent albums imo

The B&F CD is actually the same as the Jamaican LP "Marcus Children" (but renamed "Social Living").
The Island CD is the same as the UK LP "Social Living".

Difference between the LPs:
*Track order
*Some tracks are edited differently (shorter or longer)
However, the mixing/mixes are the same!

In addition to the above, the CDs differ in the mastering:
B&F: crisper, clearer sound
Island: bassier, louder and somewhat muddier to my ears

What you prefer is probably a matter of taste, though...
Superb album for sure!

Thanks for the excellent replies!

I've ordered a used copy but don't know which release it is. If it turns out to be the B&F with fewer tracks, I was considering not taking it, and just waiting for the Island to come round later.

But the mastering differences mean a different sound, so it's probably worth picking up either way.

Track order difference is interesting too.

although in my simple mind "original us always best" i must say that of the CD's I've heard the blood and fire is the heaviest, cleanest and crispest

many B&F reissues have to be dubbed from disc - but this is one of the ones that isn't - great sound!

Yes - if money (and space) are no objection, then it's worth having both - the B&F for nicer sound, and the Island for bonus tracks.

Choosing one or the other would be tricky, because the two extended mix bonus tracks are good.

The Island CD is probably easier to find though.