Roots Archives Forum

I was always wondering - why Iron Lion Zion, which for me is one of Bob's best songs, wasn't released until 1992?

Or maybe it was on some b-side?
Any info about this track - when and where recorded, who plays etc...

Any help would be really appreciated:)

DOOP

Iron, Lion, Zion

The 'lost' song that was recovered in 1992 during the compiling of the 'Songs Of Freedom' boxset. It was recorded circa 1974, but remained forgotten until an engineer left a tape reel running while he went to make a cup of tea. After a few minutes silence the track burst from the speakers, and another piece of history was discovered. The original, which was included on the Songs Of Freedom box set, features a jerky rhythm, with bubbling organ, tambourine and wah wah guitar. Bunny claims that this was originally recorded with himself and Peter on harmony, but that recording has yet to surface.

www.hilltop61.freeserve.co.uk/bob.html

Hey Rambo,

As far I remember, your file is a 1974 version from Songs Of Freedom set.

Thanks anyway(tu)

aren't there 2 versions of this song? The more modern one with horns that sounds more towards 1980. I think this one is on the Natural Mystic compilation. And the more rootsier one that is on the Songs of Freedom box set. I guess we are talking about the rootsier version, which I agree, is one of BMWs best.

Two versions of one. My text above describes the rough history of the song's rediscovery.

The original recording is on the SOF box set.Bunny claims that there is another version featuring his and Tosh's backing vocals , which hasn't been found (unless he is mixing up with Tosh's similar "Lion")

The version on SOF was remixed in 1992 (the one on Natural Mystic) and was a big hit.

@mick d
@django68

You are 100% right guys, but I understood that Rambo put a link to this "lost" version with Tosh and Bunny on backing vocals. In fact, what he put is a SOF version.

Btw, to say the truth, I admire this 1992 version, although rootsy original is also very good;)

Thanks for your precious input!!!

i didn't hear about that, that the wailers recorded a version together

django68: I am interested in that bunny wailer interview. where can i find it?

I forget the exact source, but believe it was Roger Steffens quoting Bunny; maybe in an issue of Distant Drums.

oh really..........sorry

I personally heard it was an outtake, that Bob deliberately chose to remove from the Natty Dread album, as Amadu, if you kow dis demo. And I u nderstand, to me this song sound particularly commercial. Every one his taste though.