Peter Tosh's "Legalize It" and "Equal Rights" Albums to be Re-released as Prestigious Legacy Edition Double-CD Sets

Peter Tosh's first two solo albums released by Columbia Records will be commemorated with the releases of LEGALIZE IT: LEGACY EDITION and EQUAL RIGHTS: LEGACY EDITION.  Both double-CD packages will contain a lion's share of previously unreleased material from the original sessions (and material previously available on very limited edition Dub Plates), along with new essays by Reggae scholar Roger Steffens (on Legalize It) and former manager Herbie Miller (Equal Rights).

Both packages will be available through Columbia/Legacy, a division of SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT on June 21st at all physical and digital retail outlets.

The re-releases of Legalize It (1976) and Equal Rights (1977) coincide with the 40th anniversary birthday in March 2011 of NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, based in Washington, DC).  Tosh endorsed and supported the organization, and recorded a PSA (public service announcement) for NORML in 1976, promoting the legalization of marijuana.  In 2011, Tosh's PSA is being re-launched at radio in a partnership between Legacy and NORML.

In recognition, the two classic title tracks, "Legalize It" and "Equal Rights," will be coupled as a special 7-inch vinyl single. The double-A sided single will be released in conjunction with this year's fifth annual National Record Store Day on Saturday, April 16th.   Honoring the colors of Tosh's beloved Rastarian and Ethiopian flags, the single will be available in collectible red, green and gold vinyl editions.

An evocative 2,000-word liner notes essay written by Roger Steffens will be included with LEGALIZE IT: LEGACY EDITION. Roger Steffens, was a close friend to Peter Tosh in his lifetime, and an enduring keeper of the flame as the curator of the Reggae Archives, the world's largest collection of Wailers and Peter Tosh material. Steffens also co-authored (with Jodie Pierson) Bob Marley and the Wailers: The Definitive Discography (2005), and Reggae Scrapbook (2007, with Peter Simon).  He has also annotated dozens of reggae collections and reissues, including virtually every major Peter Tosh album.  Among them is Legacy's 3-CD box set of 1997, Honorary Citizen.

A liner notes essay will also be included on EQUAL RIGHTS: LEGACY EDITION and will be written by Herbie Miller who is internationally known for his work as the trusted former manager of Peter Tosh and a highly-respected  member of the Jamaican community. He is the director/curator of the Jamaica Music Museum, based in the Institute of Jamaica in downtown Kingston.  A cultural historian and photographer, Miller has also annotated many historic reggae releases, including Live & Dangerous: Boston 1976 by Tosh, a previously unreleased chronicle (issued on Legacy, 2001) of his first American tour, in support of Legalize It.

Check out the track listings and details of these prestigious Legacy Edition Double-CD Sets below: 

LEGALIZE IT: LEGACY EDITION by PETER TOSH (Columbia/Legacy 88697 76490 2)  CD One – Selections: 1. Legalize It * 2. Burial * 3. What'cha Gonna Do * 4. No Sympathy * 5. Why Must I Cry * 6. Igziabeher (Let Jah Be Praised) * 7. Ketchy Shuby * 8. Till Your Well Runs Dry * 9. Brand New Second Hand * Bonus tracks: 10. Legalize It (Demo) * 11. No Sympathy (Demo) * 12. Why Must I Cry (Demo) * 13. Igziabeher (Let Jah Be Praised) (Demo) * 14. Ketchy Shuby (Demo) * 15. Till Your Well Runs Dry (Demo) * 16. Brand New Second Hand (Demo).

Notes:

Tracks 1-9 originally issued August 1976, as Legalize It (Columbia 34253).

Tracks 10-16 previously unreleased.

CD Two (Original Mix) – Selections: 1. Legalize It * 2. Burial * 3. What'cha Gonna Do * 4. No Love, No Sympathy * 5. Why Must I Cry * 6. Igziabeher (Let Jah Be Praised) * 7. Ketchy Shuby * 8. Till Your Well Runs Dry * 9. Brand New Second Hand * 10. Legalize It (Alternate Version) * 11. Burial (Dub Plate) * 12. What'cha Gonna Do (Shajahshoka Dub Plate) * 13. (Igziabeher) Let Jah Be Praised (Shajahshoka Dub Plate) * 14. Second Hand (Shajahshoka Dub Plate) * 15. Burial (Dub Plate) * 16. Legalize It (Dub Plate).

Notes:

Tracks 1-10 previously unreleased.

Track 13 previously released on The Ultimate Peter Tosh (Shanachie, 2008).

Tracks 11-12 & 14-16 previously available on very limited edition Dub Plates.

EQUAL RIGHTS: LEGACY EDITION by PETER TOSH (Columbia/Legacy 88697 74691 2)  CD One – Selections: 1. Get Up, Stand Up * 2. Downpressor Man * 3. I Am That I Am * 4. Stepping Razor * 5. Equal Rights * 6. African * 7. Jah Guide * 8. Apartheid * Bonus tracks: 9. 400 Years (Out-take) * 10. Hammer (Extended Version / Out-take) * 11. Jahman Inna Jamdung (Out-take) * 12. Vampire (Out-take) * 13. Babylon Queendom (Out-take) * 14. You Can't Blame The Youth (Out-take) * 15. Mark Of The Beast (Out-take).

Notes:

Tracks 1-8 originally issued April 1977, as Equal Rights (Columbia 34670).

Tracks 9-15 previously unreleased original session Out-takes.

CD Two – Selections: 1. Get Up, Stand Up (Alternate Version) * 2. Dub-Presser Man (Dub Plate) * 3. I Am That I Am (Shajahshoka Dub Plate) * 4. Heavy Razor (Shajahshoka Dub Plate) * 5. Equal Rights (Extended Version) * 6. African (London Sound System Dub Plate) * 7. Jah Guide (Dub Plate) * 8. (Fight) Apartheid (Alternate Version) * 9. Vampire (Demo) * 10. Jahman Inna Jamdung (Demo) * 11. Hammer (Shajahshoka Dub Plate) * 12. Blame The Yout (Dub Plate) * 13. Babylon Queendom (Dub Plate) * 14. Vampires  (Dub Plate) * 15. Get Up, Stand Up (Extended /Alternate Version).

Notes:

Tracks 1, 5, 8-10 & 15 previously unreleased original session alternate and extended versions.

Tracks 2-4, 6 & 11-14 previously only available on extremely limited edition Dub Plates.