Peter Tosh

Peter Tosh broke free from Bob Marley and the Wailers in 1974-75; by 1976 he released Legalize It and guaranteed himself reggae superstardom. It's a classic album, filled with smoky rhythms, subtle politics and some surprisingly playful love songs. Check the title track, "Why Must I Cry" (co-written with Marley) and "Ketchy Shuby."

It's taken awhile, but an American label has finally seen the light and taken the plunge into
reggae. More than a decade ago, Peter Tosh formed a vocal trio, the Wailers (then called
the Wailing Rudeboys), with Bob Marley and Bunny Livingston. On Legalize It Tosh is
backed by the Wailers' instrumental quintet and two of the I-Threes -- Rita Marley and Judy
Mowatt -- who replaced Tosh and Livingston when they quit the band about a ye... More >

Unlike most sidemen who go on to pursue their own artistic interests, ex-Wailer Tosh has managed to gather about half an album for his solo debut, which ain't bad. "Ketchy Shuby" even has the makings of a novelty hit. But oh, how his light heart and romantic spirit are missed among his old mates. (Grade - B)