It’s finally Friday, so tell your boss Hidden Track said you can slack the work day away and enjoy a full concert with us. Let’s take the Hidden Track Way Back Machine to the year 1979 and visit Harvard Stadium in Boston which on July 21st hosted a concert called Amandla: Festival Of Unity. Amandla was a concert held to raise funds which would benefit the on-going struggles in Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa that was headlined by Bob Marley & The Wailers.

Marley’s 100+ minute set is the stuff of legend with Island Records head Chris Blackwell calling it “without a doubt, Marley’s best performance ever captured on film.”  The setlist reads like a list of the reggae pioneer’s best songs as Positive Vibration, Them Belly Full, War, Lively Up Yourself, No Woman No Cry, Jammin, Get Up Stand Up and Exodus were among the tunes played on this night . Bob made a few short speeches during the encore which featured two debuts, Zimbabwe and Wake Up & Live, that would be featured on Marley’s forthcoming album Survival. The event’s producers had the concert professionally filmed and mixed the resulting footage with soundboard audio before selling it to the Marley Estate. At some point it leaked on YouTube for our viewing pleasure…

Bob Marley & The Wailers: Live at Harvard Stadium

Set: Positive Vibration, Slave Driver, Them Belly Full, Runnin Away, Crazy Baldhead, The Heathen, War, No More Trouble, Lively Up Yourself, No Woman No Cry, Jammin, Get Up Stand Up, Exodus

Encore Applause:  Zimbabwe, Wake Up & Live, Band Intros by Junior Marvin
Band Members: Bob Marley – rhythm guitar & vocals

The Wailers: Carlton Barrett – drums, Aston “Family Man Barrett – bass, Junior Marvin – guitar, Al Anderson – lead guitar, Tyrone Downie – keyboards, Earl “Wya”Lindo – organ & clavinet, Alvin “Seeco” Patterson – percussion

I Threes: Rita Marley – backing vocals, Judy Mowatt – backing vocals, Marcia Griffiths – backing vocals

[Originally Published: August 21, 2008]

One of the more unfortunate aspects of being a rock star is that fame and fortune attract shady elements like a moth to a flame. Local boy does good only to meet his demise at the hands of a hanger-on gone bad — we’ve seen the same story repeated on all 150 episodes of Behind The Music. So many legendary musicians have been robbed from us under the most suspicious of circumstances.

Perhaps this week’s B List is a little too morbid, but hey…life isn’t just sunshine and lollipops (go fuck a rainbow, hippie). So we’ve assembled a list of 10 rock stars whose lives were cut short when they were violently murdered. Some of these stories are absolutely crazy and deserve a whole post. But we’re not going to get into all the gory details, so click on the rocker’s name to find out more.

1. Jaco Pastorius: John Francis Anthony Pastorius II was arguably the best musician to ever play bass. His solo work, and the time he spent as a member of Weather Report, showed off the precision and speed he brought to the table. Check out this clip of Pastorius nailing Slang for an example of what made him such a unique player. Jaco’s career ended tragically in 1987 when he was beaten to death by a bouncer at a nightclub in Florida. Read on for more…

READ ON

Today marks the 30th anniversary of the death of reggae legend Bob Marley. The international superstar succumbed to the complications of skin cancer in a Miami hospital on May 11, 1981. Despite his untimely death his popularity continues to grow and today many of his fans and fellow musicians took to Twitter to express their feelings about the fallen star.

READ ON to see what some current artists had to tweet…

This week, featured columnist Brian Bavosa lets legendary artist Bob Marley do most of his talking for him by sharing this playlist of videos that represent who Marley was…

There are few artists we have ever known that are considered by some more than just a mere mortal. Some are revered to legendary, idol-esque status, for not only mastering their craft, but the very essence of their being and what they represent. One such musician is Bob Marley.

There is nothing more that I can say about Marley that you don’t already probably know, or is written about in dozens of books. So instead, this week’s installment of Postcards was simply inspired by my walks to and from work these past few days in the freezing temperatures of New York City. Being a man of many words, I figured I’d mix things up for you loyal readers this week, and instead focus on a man and an icon that speaks volumes by himself. So, sit back, relax and simply enjoy this playlist of some of my favorite – and most poignant – Marley tunes to help get you over hump day.

1.) This first track, War, is a timeless piece that still resonates today. In a recent issue of Rolling Stone, musician Jack Johnson speaks of Marley as “royalty” in the islands, and has some specific comments about this track. ”Marley was able to dive into politics and take on the darkest issues. That’s what made him amazing. The thing is, he had sweetness in his voice, but he also had fire, and when he opened up, nobody could do it better.”

READ ON for clips and Brian’s thoughts on six more Marley tracks…

On February 1st, Universal Music/ Tuff Gong will put out a new live album from Bob Marley and the Wailers called Live Forever taped at the reggae legend’s last recorded performance on September 23, 1980 at the Stanley Theatre in Pittsburgh, PA. At the show, Marley and his band rocked a number of songs from his new album at the time, Uprising, as well as plenty of Bob’s greatest hits from throughout his career.

This marks the first time this long-bootlegged show will be released officially, though the version of Redemption Song from this gig was released as the final song on 1992′s Songs of Freedom box set.

Here’s a look at six other stories of note this week…

• Doors singer Jim Morrison finally gets his pardon
• List Time: Best Cover Albums of 2010, Part One
• Madison Square Garden buys The Forum in LA
• Matt Dickey celebrates the release of his new LP, Try This at Home, on December 16th at the Williamsburg Music Center
• Help craft Gov’t Mule’s New Year’s Eve setlist
• Gorillaz to gift fans with a new album on Christmas

Finally, Paul McCartney stopped by Late Night With Jimmy Fallon to perform a couple of songs and sit for an interview with the comedian. Not only did Macca play the Lennon tribute, Here Today, he also treated the audience to a version of the Beatles’ classic Yesterday that included the original verse “scrambled eggs/oh my baby how I love your legs”  and additional made up lyrics that McCartney came up with in a dream before changing the words to the more familiar version we all know.  Take a look…

Looking back on the early 1990s in Grateful Dead lore, it’s easy to understand why some folks view this as a less than heroic era for the band. Between the death of Brent Mydland in July of 1990, rumors of Phil quitting the band earlier that year and the transition into the Vince Welnick/Bruce Hornsby keyboard era not being met with entirely open arms, the bigger stories took precedent over the individual evenings.

However, when taken out of the broader context, some effortless digging uncovers countless gems from 1990 and 1991, as the band pulled out a lot of stops in the form of playful setlists, choice covers and impromptu jams. This edition of Bust Outs* hits on those high notes.

* Last Bust Outs [354 days]

It’s a Bullshit Lie! – Cal Expo, CA, 6/10/90

Let’s just clear one thing up right off the bat.

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Stir It Up Jam – Capital Centre, Landover, MD, 3/21/1991

This is quintessential Bruuuuuce. In lockstep with Phil, Hornsby leads the band through a festive, uplifting improvisation on Bob Marley’s household tune, which didn’t culminate in anybody taking a crack at the lyrics, but this works better as just a jam anyway.

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• Previously on HT: 10 Favorite Grateful Dead Bust Outs

READ ON for more Early ’90s Grateful Dead Bust Outs…

This week’s Stormy Mondays features a full performance by Bob Marley and the Wailers in London from 1973. Not too long before Peter Tosh left the band, the gig has a nice balance of both songwriters’ material, with strong versions of 400 Years and Stop That Train, and an especially great run of Midnight Raver, Stir It Up and Concrete Jungle late in the set. It’s a good dose of classic reggae, so as always, enjoy!

Rastaman Chant, Slave Driver, Stop The Train, No More Trouble, 400 Years, Midnight Raver, Stir It Up, Concrete Jungle, Get Up Stand Up, Kinky Reggae

• CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THIS WEEK’S MIX

If you’re ever in need of a good gift idea, this random assortment of music for this week’s Friday Mix Tape comes from my little brother’s Christmas gift this past year. He plopped his entire music catalog onto an 80 gig harddrive and presto, the best gift ever. So, today’s mixtape is just a smattering of different stuff I found in perusing the halls of the new library.

We kick off with the cathartic finale of Roger Water’s live performance of the Wall, Outside the Wall, performed in almost a Celtic feel. Day of the Locusts is a fabulous Bob Dylan song off New Morning, the album better known for hosting Man in Me of Lebowski fame, but less so for the rest of the songs. After hitting the cheerful virtuoso number Big Country by Bela Fleck, Mike Marshall, and Edgar Meyer off Uncommon Ritual, we take a trip back in time for some Bone Thugs n’ Harmony and Tha Crossroads. From there, we have a couple of Bob Marley gems including an extended live No Woman, No Cry and an instrumental demo of Time Will Tell, which sounds like it leaked just before Bob hit the studio to layer on his vocals tracks.

Next, we bounce back to Jerry Douglas for another uplifting instrumental, Snow’s First Fall, off his solo release The Best Kept Secret. Then back to some hip hop with Jurassic 5′s Concrete Schoolyard off their original EP. Finally, we close with the bluegrass pickers on the title track off Josh Bell and Edgar Meyer’s crossover classical album, Short Trip Home. I actually used this tune in my wedding ceremony, yet not one single person recognized it, so was pleasantly surprised to see it appear on the playlist.

Happy Birthday Bob Marley!

Bob Marley – Trenchtown Rock

After attacking the crappy music played at stadiums and arenas last week, I figured this would be a good time to talk about some music that brings joy instead of cringes. So as you crank up the BBQ and break out the Roman Candles for the Fourth of July, here are five albums that are bound to make you smile:

1. Juno Soundtrack

I defy anyone to listen to the Moldy Peaches’ Anyone Else But You (which is also covered by the stars of the movie – Michael Cera and Ellen Page) or Barry Louis Polisar’s All I Want is You and not feel good. Throw in classic rock gems such as Velvet Underground’s I’m Sticking With You, the Kinks rocking Well Respected Man and Mott the Hoople’s cover of All the Young Dudes and you’re bound to be smiling. Good movie taboot. READ ON for more of Luke’s list of smile-inducing albums…

It’s been a bit of a hectic week for me as the real job has been getting in the way. I’ve been so out of touch that Google Reader is telling me I have over a 1,000 stories that I still need to get to. Luckily, I’ve got a few choice links to share with you this beautiful afternoon. Let’s take a look at what’s goin’ on…

• After his debacle at Bonnaroo, Kanye West is now Lollapalooza’s problem
• Pete Doherty played a five hour solo acoustic set in London
• Cover Lay Down gives us – Covered In Folk: Bob Marley
  
• People Playing Songs I Love features The Flaming Lips’ Do You Realize?
• MGMT blames Phish imitators for ruining jambands
• List Time: 11 Best My Morning Jacket songs
• The Village Voice visited the new Woodstock museum

Finally, is everyone in the country about to get a free can of Dr. Pepper? Yesterday, news surfaced about a newly leaked version of the perpetually delayed GnR album Chinese Democracy. Rolling Stone-who heard all nine tracks, including three new ones-was quite impressed with they heard. Bring it on!

Springtime means several things: the return of flip flops and sundresses, baseball season in full swing, margaritas, outside seating at restaurants, playing hookey from work and busting out music that always sounds better with the sun shining.

Just like whiskey tastes better in the winter, certain artists just feel more like “spring.” Here are some favorite springtime artists and some recommendations for that sun-drenched day playlist:

The Allman Brothers Band – The Allman Brothers Band and springtime always seem to go great together. Back when there was an actual spring in April, the Allman’s Beacon run was an annual celebration. Unfortunately this year, April in New York City has consisted of about 3 spring-like days total and the Allmans had to cancel their Beacon dates due to Greg Allman’s illness.

1. Blue Sky – Live at Jones Beach 1990
2. Jessica – Live in Gainesville 1982
3. Dreams – Live at the Syria Mosque 1970
4. Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More – Live in Macon 1973
5. Little Martha – Performed by Leo Kottke

READ ON for four more artists with a certain spring in their step…

We envy Taylor Hawkins. Not only does the guy have a cushy job as the Foo Fighters’ drummer, but he’s gotten to live out his childhood dreams. Hawkins spent the majority of his time growing up in Fort Worth, Texas listening to Queen and Rush records. A few years back Taylor got to play with Queen’s Roger Taylor and Brian May, and Saturday night he jammed with Rush’s Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson at a Foo Fighters gig in Toronto. That’s one lucky dude.

Geddy and Alex joined the Foo Fighters an hour into their set just as Taylor Hawkins started his drum solo. The trio improv’d for a bit before busting out a killer YYZ that showed off Hawkins’ prowess on the kit. Check out the crowd’s reaction on this decent video of the YYZ.

Here’s a look at what else went down this weekend:

• You can watch the Black Crowes’ recent Unplugged taping on VH1.com
• Ultimate Guitar unveils the first inductees to the Groupie Hall of Fame
• Jimmy DeRo finds out why Ticketmaster isn’t so necessary of an evil
• R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe talks to Billboard about the making of Accelerate
• It’s time for yet another classic rock lyrics quiz [via Here Comes TFlood]
• Girl Talk’s Greg Gillis discusses the “leak” of the Night Ripper follow-up
• Joshua Redman delivers on the promise he showed as a young phenom
• Find out why Bob Marley’s heirs are jamming the Weinstein Brothers
• Miss Cellania finds photos of nearly every Abbey Road parody ever made

We loved the lo-fi feel of the Black Kids demos that made the rounds a few months ago, so we were a little worried that the band would overproduce their Almost Gold debut. Well perhaps we should spend less time worrying and more time writing, because the re-recorded version of I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You sounds pretty fuckin’ good.

Read on after the jump for the deliciously bizarre video for the single…

Wait, you missed our full coverage of Day One? Click here to get the skinny…

I’d love to look back and say all 16 acts we caught on the second day of Austin City Limits brought the heat, but instead it was the equatorial Texas sun that did the job. It was the kind of day that can convince even the laziest lardass to shed a few pounds. At one point the front of my lower legs from knees to ankles were drenched in sweat, which is something I never knew was possible. At least this festival is teaching me the basics of human perspiration.

Day Two of ACL lacked the sense of intensity and must-see urgency that the Friday session delivered, but that first day was admittedly tough to top. Still, only four of the 16 sets managed to truly floor me, with the rest of the day’s performances ranging from generously mediocre to only fairly impressive. Those four, though — Dr. Dog, Paolo Nutini, Andrew Bird and Arcade Fire — validated the entire afternoon and evening, even if we’re still a little pissed at the White Stripes for pulling out of the Saturday headlining spot against Quebec’s finest.

That introduction to the second day’s festivities shouldn’t imply a complete lack of good times at Zilker Park. But sandwiched between the instant reminiscence of Friday’s spectacular beginning and the eager anticipation of Sunday’s jam-packed lineup, the middle-day quasi-letdown was only natural. In any event, read on after the jump for a full recap of the day’s events, including our second straight photo gallery supplied by our photographic genius, Danfun.

Soundchecks are a touring band’s chance to work out new material, get comfortable with a stage and, sometimes, let loose with each other (non-sexually). This week’s B List kicks off a two-part series in which we’ll feature the best soundcheck videos on YouTube. Some are hilarious, some rock, and others are simply…bizarre.

The first 10 videos follow after the jump, so read on for little-seen footage of Marley in Canada, Steve Vai showing off, Randy Rhoads rockin’ out, Mastodon, Macca, Axl Rose and more. Go on…