Natural Mystic

Lore & Background

The selection on Natural Mystic focuses heavily on redressing the thematic balance found in the earlier Legend compilation. Where that album leaned toward love songs, this collection brings forward politicized and religious themes to address a world of massive upheaval. The opening title track warns listeners that "one and all got to face reality now." Other tracks explore specific societal pressures: "Africa Unite" addresses salvation through oneness, while "So Much Trouble In The World" examines the greed propelling the world toward an inevitable Armageddon. The album also spotlights Marley's personal experience as a persecuted leader in "Iron Lion Zion," alongside a more meditative moment in "Easy Skanking," where he partakes in Jamaica's most profitable cash crop during a spiritual time-out amidst everyday chaos.

In Their Own Story

To give the project individuality distinct from its predecessors, compilers made specific audio choices. They placed an alternate extended cut of "Crazy Baldhead" on the album, emphasizing the breakdown featuring "silly noises." Additionally, they included a remix of Bob Marley's late 1970s rendition of "Keep on Moving," which features vocals by Aswad and was released exclusively for the UK market in 1984. This new remix was fashioned strictly for this particular album project, similar to how "Iron Lion Zion" was handled for Songs of Freedom. At the ending of "One Drop," an alternate version plays a noise that may be from the end of Bob Marley & The Wailers' "Satisfy My Soul," originally released in 1978 on the album Kaya by Tuff Gong/Island.

Reader's Guide

The original producers for these tracks include Bob Marley & The Wailers, Alex Sadkin, Steve Smith, Chris Blackwell, and Lee Perry. The compilation itself was produced by Chris Blackwell, Trevor Wyatt, and Bill Levenson. Listeners should note the specific versions included: the extended "Crazy Baldhead" with its emphasis on breakdown noises, and the 1984 UK-exclusive Aswad remix of "Keep on Moving." When listening to "One Drop," pay attention to the ending, which features an alternate version containing a noise possibly sourced from "Satisfy My Soul" (1978). The GOLD version ensures all tracks are digitally remastered for clarity.

Did You Know?

• The collection was designed specifically as an addendum to the 1984 compilation album, Legend.
• An extended cut of 'Crazy Baldhead' was included to emphasize the 'silly noises' breakdown.
• The remix of 'Keep on Moving' features vocals by Aswad and was released exclusively for the UK market in 1984.
• The ending of 'One Drop' on this album contains a noise possibly from 'Satisfy My Soul,' originally on the 1978 album Kaya.
• All tracks on the GOLD version have been digitally remastered.