Wailers question and recommendations?

[flashman]

I'm embarrassed to admit I'm woefully uninformed about Pre-Perry Wailers stuff, and I've recently noticed that some of my favorite Wailers stuff seems to fall in this sort of post-ska pre-Perry era. Actually I love the Perry stuff, but I'm well familiar with it.

I'm talking about tunes like Caution, Burial, Hurting Inside , Jail House. Though I guess I just confused things because Jail House is more ska, I guess and Hurting Inside I can't quite place. '72 but not Island or Perry? I'm confused on that one.

Anyway, my question is: is there a good compilation that focuses more on the rock steady period? Or compiles the non-album tracks. It seems like there are dozens of compilations with lots of overlap, but I don't see one that is really specific to what I'm talking about. But then it's all a bit vague in my mind anyway.

[davek]

Hi flashman

This is the one that you need:

http://www.roots-archives.com/release/4215

Had this compilation been released during the era it was recorded, many people would be hailing this as possibly the best Wailers release. It's my personal fave, shot after shot after shot that all still sound fantastic today. It's an absolute must if you are a Wailers fan.

[AnorakTrev]

Top notch recommendation (tu)

[star]

The most complete compilation from that period is Fy-Ah Fy-Ah. Although I don't know if you'll be able to find an affordable copy anymore.

[flashman]

Thanks!! That's a huge help as it's so hard to wade through all the various compilations out there. And, really, just based on the cover I might have skipped over that one without thinking about it much because it looks like any one of a million cheap knock off comps!

But with davek and AnorakTrev endorsements, I will acquire this post haste!

[Congo Bunny]

Hi flashman

This is the one that you need:

http://www.roots-archives.com/release/4215

Had this compilation been released during the era it was recorded, many people would be hailing this as possibly the best Wailers release. It's my personal fave, shot after shot after shot that all still sound fantastic today. It's an absolute must if you are a Wailers fan.

Inspired recommendation! that compilation is amazing, I listened to it only last week

[flashman]

Item has been ordered! I notice that Fy-Ah Fy-Ah is on iTunes, so I may supplement by downloading some of those tracks as well.

Thanks Again! I like the Leslie Kong stuff they did too.

[Mick Sleeper]

The Complete Wailers series on JAD is also excellent, even if it's not - er - complete.

[flashman]

So, is this sort of close to a correct breakdown of Wailers history:

1. Ska years @ Studio One
2. Wail'n Sou'm rock steady period (self produced, own label? Or was it Randy's/Impact?)
3. Early reggae @ Leslie Kong/Beverly's
4. Perry
5. Island

[ice]

I agree with Mick - JAD boxes are pretty good

if you are really really interested go and get yourself a copy of Roger Steffens' discography