By now most agree that the late Peter Tosh's career seemed dominated more by his outsized ego than by artistic triumph. That his greatest hits album is titled "Scrolls of the Prophet" should warn the wary. A genuine prophet is concerned with his message, not himself.

Tosh's career has benefitted from more than a little revisionist history. The breakup of the Wailers is, in reality, well documented. Reviewer Sean's note that Bob's career was promoted due to his lighter skin color is startling, and untrue, and I wonder about his source for that. The simple fact is that the Wailers reorganized around Bob's material in the late 1960s at the behest of Lee Perry. Perry-produced releases from that era (especially the crucial "Rasta Revolution" and others compiled on "African Herbsman") were the first "Bob Marley and the Wailers" records. It's beyond comprehension that Scratch cared a wit about the color of Bob's skin; the dreadest of the dread producer obviously cared everything about the quality of Bob's songs. Peter's just didn't measure up.

Only two of Tosh's albums are worth discussion, the fair "Legalize It" and Tosh's best, "Equal Rights." Tosh is often credited for "fiery social commentary," but in fact his songs are hardly insightful, never revelatory. Other artists (and Marley too) are simply more interesting on these subjects.

Tosh's songs assert, they don't explain, and thus just don't have the artistry and impact of others. Marley (and Bunny, and Burning Spear) can tell you why Jah rules (a considerable challenge); Tosh never gets beyond the assertion. Marley (and Culture, and Black Uhuru) will tell you society is oppressive, and also tell you what to do about it; Tosh would just grab a gun. Tosh undoubtedly was a genuine "stepping razor," but legions of Jamaican singers have plausibly claimed to be just as tough.

Tosh's songwriting has its moments, but too often his albums just drone, and get lost in repetitive, bombastic proclamation. "Legalize It" took over two years for Tosh to complete, and the record accordingly suffers from overproduction. The title song is clever, but the message is simplistic, and it and the album will eventually bore you. The "Equal Rights" album is more focused and sounds rawer. "Stepping Razor" is wonderful, rough and tough. The song "Equal Rights" is Tosh's best social commentary, though it takes more than lyrics like "I don't want peace, I want equal rights" to be insightful. His following albums, which account for only a few songs on "Scrolls," sink into a self-absorbed morass.

Tosh's main attractions were his distinctive baritone and use of rock-style guitar leads, which gave his sound some menace. And Tosh was definitely a superior live performer.

But it's no coincidence that "Scrolls Of the Prophet" is dominated by "Equal Rights" songs, because Tosh's career was otherwise fairly unremarkable, and hardly prophetic. Buy this CD if you must, but all you really need is "Equal Rights."

In the pantheon of reggae, as I see it, there is Peter Tosh, and there is everyone else, Bob Marley included.

Tosh wrote or co-wrote several of the original Wailers' most potent songs, including "Get Up Stand Up," "400 Years," "Stop That Train," and "One Foundation," as well as the classic rude boy anthem "I'm the Toughest." Tosh's mix of fiery social commentary with solid Rastafarian beliefs made him a hero to many, and as the fortunes of the Wailers rose, so should have Peter's...

Fate intervened, however, and Bob was chosen as the "leader" of the group as they marched towards international fame reportedly due to his lighter skin tone as opposed to Peter's very dark ebony. Tosh and Bunny Wailer both saw no alternative but to leave the group.

Tosh's solo efforts, such as the classic lp's "Legalize It" and "Equal Rights" made him fans the world over and enemies at home. The brutality that Tosh suffered and put up with in Jamaica, including several near death beatings in prisons, only served to solidify both Tosh's standing in the communities he preached to, as well as his anti-government rhetoric.

This compilation shows well the power that Tosh possessed in his short life, and his razor sharp delivery of the messages he so believed in.

Much of this collection are from his "Legalize It" and "Equal Rights" lps, and both lps are must haves in any reggae fan's collection.

An amazing collection showcasing reggae's true Bush Doctor. As Tosh himself said, "I am a stepping razor, don't u judge my size, I'm DANGEROUS!"

Indeed you were, Peter. Jah be praised.

This, along with The Best Of Peter Tosh: Dread Don't Die (which duplicates only the Tosh/Jagger duet "(You Gotta Walk And)Don't Look Back") makes for a fine introduction to Tosh's excellent songs. My only quibble is that it includes the Wailers "One Love", which features Bob Marley's lead vocals. As great as the song is, it was recorded over a decade before these songs were released. The stylistic shift along with the inferior sound quality was jarring to me. That aside, I like this CD very much. Buy these CDs now and enjoy!

Released by Sony's Columbia/Legacy imprint, this collection primarily focuses on songs recorded 1976-1978, taken from the albums "Legalize It" (1976), "Equal Rights" (1977), and "Bush Doctor" (1978).

SCROLLS OF THE PROPHET: THE BEST OF PETER TOSH consists of 15 songs, most from the late 1970s; songs are not in chronological order. Disc packaged in clear jewel case; total running time: 72:46. Booklet includes an essay by KROQ's Native Wayne Jobson, several small b&w photos, and track information (recording dates for all but track 11, albums of origin, and songwriter credits). Sound quality is good.

Tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 are from "Equal Rights"
Tracks 7, 9, 12, and 13 are from "Legalize It"
Tracks 5 and 8 are from "Bush Doctor" (track 5, "(You Gotta Walk And) Don't Look Back", is a duet with Mick Jagger)
Track 15 is from "Honorary Citizen" and track 10 is from 1981's "Wanted Dread or Alive".
Track 14 is a 1964 version of "One Love" by Bob Marley & the Wailers featuring Peter Tosh (an up-tempo version different from the "One Love/People Get Ready" Bob Marley recorded in the `70s)
Track 11, "Mystery Babylon" is "an updated version of Babylon Queendom".

This is far from a comprehensive compilation (two of my favorite songs, "Where You Gonna Run" and "That's What They Do", are not included), but it is enjoyable, and a decent tribute to the late great Peter Tosh.

"Scrolls of the Prophet" is the Best of Peter Tosh. This is really all that you need if you are a normal fan or are interested in Tosh. It is a good intro to his career. You may want to purchase more of his individual albums after hearing this CD.

This best of Tosh CD starts out basically where Bob Marley left off. If you are a fan of Bob Marley's "Legend", or if you're a fan of good reggae, this would be a good purchase. Highly recommended.