- German release with Custom Inner Sleeve
In 1977, reggae legend Bob Marley and the Wailers released their landmark album "Exodus" in Germany on the Island label (catalogue number 28 819). This German pressing boasts a unique twist: a custom inner sleeve featuring album details and captivating photos, adding an extra layer of collectability to this timeless masterpiece.
1977 wasn’t just another year in the endless churn of albums and singles—it was the year of Exodus, a sonic scripture born from turmoil, exile, and spiritual transcendence. Bob Marley and the Wailers didn’t merely deliver a reggae album; they gifted the world a manifesto, a meditation, and a movement. Released in the midst of Marley’s own political exile to London after an assassination attempt in Jamaica, Exodus is reggae at its most visceral, soulful, and profoundly human.
Historical Context: The Shadow of Exodus
By 1977, Bob Marley was more than a musician; he was a global symbol of resistance and unity. Yet, his home country of Jamaica was teetering on chaos, divided by political violence between the People’s National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). Marley’s attempted assassination in December 1976, days before he was set to perform at the “Smile Jamaica” concert—a politically charged event—forced him to flee to London. It was in this space of displacement and reflection that Exodus emerged, blending the personal with the political, the spiritual with the sensual.
Musical Exploration and Themes
From the opening notes of Natural Mystic, Exodus announces itself as an album with a purpose. The title track is a call to action, steeped in Rastafarian ideology, urging listeners to embark on a journey of liberation—physical, spiritual, and cultural. The album seamlessly transitions between these grand ideals and deeply personal expressions of love and joy.
Side Two offers respite from the militant undertones of Side One, shifting into the universal languages of love (Turn Your Lights Down Low), peace (One Love/People Get Ready), and pure, unadulterated joy (Jamming). Marley’s ability to straddle the spiritual and the romantic, the political and the personal, is what elevates Exodus beyond genre confines into the realm of timeless art.
The Sound of Exodus
The sonic landscape of Exodus is rich and textured, underpinned by the legendary rhythm section of Aston “Family Man” Barrett on bass and Carlton Barrett on drums. Their grooves are hypnotic, with a fluidity that anchors Marley’s messages in an infectious sway. Tyrone Downie’s keyboards and Junior Marvin’s guitar add layers of melody and counterpoint, while Alvin “Seeco” Patterson’s percussion brings a heartbeat-like pulse to the album’s reggae roots.
The production is pristine yet organic, a hallmark of the partnership between Marley and Island Records head Chris Blackwell. Recorded at London’s Basing Street Studios, the album benefits from its geographic and cultural distance from Jamaica. London’s cosmopolitan energy seeps into the tracks, giving Exodus a sheen that sets it apart from earlier works like Natty Dread.
Production and Controversies
The album’s production credits are an exercise in minimalism: “Produced by Bob Marley and the Wailers.” Marley’s involvement in every layer of the album—its vision, sound, and execution—is palpable. Yet, the absence of Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer from the line-up, longtime members of the Wailers, is a noticeable shift. This absence underscores the increasing tensions within the group and Marley’s ascension as the band’s singular leader.
While many fans embraced Exodus as a masterpiece, some critics at the time accused Marley of softening reggae’s raw edge for international appeal. This criticism often centered on Side Two, with its focus on love songs and accessible melodies. Yet, these detractors missed the bigger picture: the balance between the political and the personal is what made Exodus resonate across continents and generations.
German Release and Unique Features
The German pressing of Exodus (Island 28 819) is notable for its custom inner sleeve, featuring album details and evocative photos. This edition retains the vibrant gold cover art and red text, symbolizing strength and vitality. The European releases often exhibit slight mastering differences, lending a crisper, brighter sound compared to the warmer tones of the Jamaican and UK pressings. These subtle variations enhance the experience, showcasing the adaptability of Marley’s music to diverse listening contexts.
Reggae
Island 28 819
This German pressing boasts a unique twist: a custom inner sleeve featuring album details and captivating photos, adding an extra layer of collectability to this timeless masterpiece.
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1977 Made in Germany
Produced by Bob Marley and the Wailers
Engineer: Karl Pitterson
Assistant Engineers: Guy Bidmead & Terry Barham
Mixed by: Aston Barrett, Chris Blackwell & Karl Pitterson
Cover Design & Graphics: Neville Garrick
Photos: Adrian Boot & Neville Garrick
Album Cover Photo Gallery of: BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS - Exodus |
| Front Cover Photo of "BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS - Exodus" Album |
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ). |
| Back Cover Photo of "BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS - Exodus" Album |
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Close-up Photo of "BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS - Exodus" Record Label
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