legalize it

Winston Hubert McIntosh left the Wailers and Island Records to release his legendary debut album. When Chris Blackwell refused to release it, Tosh left the band and the label and was able to get it out on CBS records. It was his first collaboration with drummer Sly Dunbar and bassist Robbie Shakespeare and the big break for Kingston's "riddim twins". There is a sense of sadness throughout; but the band's infectious grooves make Tosh's sometimes tense political themes go down easy.

'Legalize It' was banned in Jamaica, but caught the attention of The Rolling Stones, who signed Tosh to their new record label.  Tosh would reveal:   “I was taught as a boy that herb is a natural drug and medicine. Then I am with Wailers and sing songs and compose for Marley. But then I was terribly brutalized by the police and charged with ganja. Can you imagine?…Herb? Vegetables? We are the victims of Ras clot circumstances. Victimization, colonialism, gonna lead to bloodbath around here.”






http://petertosh.com/

'Legalize It' is a Rastafari anthem for the spiritual and medical use of Marijuana.

"Don't criticize it"

'Burial' features the Wailers' lead guitarist, Al Anderson.

"Let the dead bury the dead

And who is to be fed, let them be fed"

'No Sympathy'

"They don´t love themself

So they can´t love no one else"

'Why Must I Cry?' was co-written with Bob Marley.

"Why must I trod this lonely, lonely road?

Why must I carry this heavy, heavy load?

Making believe you love me only"

'Ketchy Shuby' features the background vocal talents of Rita Marley, Bunny Wailer, and Judy Mowatt.

"It don't take too long to learn

Just you do as I say

I may only take one hours or two

And by the next time you will know what to do"

'Til Your Well Runs Dry'

"You never miss your water 'til your well runs dry"

'Legalize It' full album:



All tracks composed by Peter Tosh; except where indicated

"Legalize It" - 4:35
"Burial" (Tosh, Bunny Livingston) - 3:54
"What'cha Gonna Do?" - 2:25
"No Sympathy" - 4:35
"Why Must I Cry" (Tosh, Marley) - 3:08
"Igziabeher (Let Jah Be Praised)" - 4:37
"Ketchy Shuby" - 4:53
"Till Your Well Runs Dry" (Tosh, Livingston) - 6:09
"Brand New Second Hand" - 4:03