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_sparrow_hawk's review against another edition
2.0
While I think it's relevant to discuss the political and economic climate the Wailers were living in and how it shaped their personalities and their music, hardly any of this book was about the musicians themselves. His efforts to combine his vast knowledge of Jamaica's history with what little he knew about the band's history into one cohesive book was clumsy and made it hard to follow.
andhereadstoo's review against another edition
5.0
A great read about the history of the iconic band. Colin Grant not only gives an account of the early lives if the 3 Wailers but goes into detail describing the social and political climate in Jamaica at the time.
All 3 Wailers were born in rural areas, Bob and Bunny being from the same parish were friends, but moved as young boys within a few streets of each other to Trenchtown in West Kingston. Here they received quick lessons in class and racial discrimination as poor black boys were not allowed to even wander beyond certain areas in Kingston.
Among the movements which arose out of the social climate, Rastas arose as a subversion of the status quo by refusing to take part in the “shitstem” (system) in any way. The Wailers, to varying degrees and at their own pace became enthralled by Rasta and eventually became ardent believers.
The book details the Wailers early curiosity with Rasta and their education in Rasta primarily under Mortimo Planno. It also details the birth of reggae music from ska and how (although predatory), the music industry was one of the only ways for poor youth to achieve a degree of success.
Also, the book speaks to the rivalry that developed between Marley and Tosh after the group’s split with Tosh establishing himself as more militant and confrontational than Marley, though he never achieved the same individual success.
Finally, the book is punctuated with the author’s search for Bunny Wailer, who has become somewhat of a recluse. When he finally meets him he speaks to the changing of the guard from Reggae to Dancehall and what Wailer sees as the future for reggae music.
All 3 Wailers were born in rural areas, Bob and Bunny being from the same parish were friends, but moved as young boys within a few streets of each other to Trenchtown in West Kingston. Here they received quick lessons in class and racial discrimination as poor black boys were not allowed to even wander beyond certain areas in Kingston.
Among the movements which arose out of the social climate, Rastas arose as a subversion of the status quo by refusing to take part in the “shitstem” (system) in any way. The Wailers, to varying degrees and at their own pace became enthralled by Rasta and eventually became ardent believers.
The book details the Wailers early curiosity with Rasta and their education in Rasta primarily under Mortimo Planno. It also details the birth of reggae music from ska and how (although predatory), the music industry was one of the only ways for poor youth to achieve a degree of success.
Also, the book speaks to the rivalry that developed between Marley and Tosh after the group’s split with Tosh establishing himself as more militant and confrontational than Marley, though he never achieved the same individual success.
Finally, the book is punctuated with the author’s search for Bunny Wailer, who has become somewhat of a recluse. When he finally meets him he speaks to the changing of the guard from Reggae to Dancehall and what Wailer sees as the future for reggae music.
archytas's review
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.75
I had trouble following the narrative in this one - I'm not sure if the issue was me, or Grant's style which does involve a series of interlinked digressions. Having said that, the book remained engaging throughout, and coming in knowing very little I came out knowing a lot. He covers the history of Jamaica in covering the band, weaving their success, passions and frustrations with those of the island.
I particularly enjoyed the way Grant interwove his own reactions travelling Jamaica. As a second generation migrant, Grant so wants Jamaica to be a better version of itself, and somehow through his love for the island - and the way others love it warts and all - makes the place all that Grant, Marley, Tosh and Wailer want it to be.
I particularly enjoyed the way Grant interwove his own reactions travelling Jamaica. As a second generation migrant, Grant so wants Jamaica to be a better version of itself, and somehow through his love for the island - and the way others love it warts and all - makes the place all that Grant, Marley, Tosh and Wailer want it to be.
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