Rating: *** (3 stars)
Title: Protest
Company: Island
Catalog: ILPS 9512
Year: 1978
Grade (cover/record): VG/VG
Comments: name written in black ink on back cover
"Zohn" (small letters)
Available: 1
Price: $20.00
Isn't it odd how fate works? In the wake of the near-cannonization of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh's widespread post-Wailers commercial successes, today few people realize that Neville O'Riley Livingston (aka Bunny Wailer) was actually the founding member of The Wailers. That said, as the sole surviving original member of The Wailers, he may have had the last laugh.
While 1978's "Protest" has never attracted the attention and commercial recognition of Wailer's 1976 solo debut "Blackheart Man", in some ways it's the better album. Always the most politically and socially oriented member of the band, tracks such as "Moses Children", the philosophical "Scheme of Things", "Follow Fashion Monkey" and "Wanted Children" make it clear Wailer hasn't mellowed. At the same time, his singing has seldom been as attractive and appealing. Smooth and confident, virtually the entire album is worth hearing. Personal highlights include the thoughtful "Who Feels It" and a remake of The Wailers' "Get Up Stand Up". With the tempo slowed down, the result is simply stunning.
"Protest" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Moses Children (Bunny Wailer) - 5:23
2.) Get Up Stand Up (Bob Marley - Peter Tosh) - 6:13
3.) Scheme of Things (Bunny Wailer) - 4:14
4.) Quit Trying (Bunny Wailer) - 4:16
(side 2)
1.) Follow Fashion Monkey (Bunny Wailer) - 4:11
2.) Wanted Children (Bunny Wailer) - 5:11
3.) Who Feels It (Bunny Wailer) - 5:41
4.) Johnny Too Bad (Bunny Wailer) - 5:51