Complete Captured Live – Peter Tosh

Originally released with less than half the songs featured here, Complete Captured Live documents a Los Angeles concert from August of 1983. Although he is often accused of not living up to his potential, Tosh's fiery performance on this disc is a brash and powerful reminder of how good he could be when he was focused. Featuring material from his late-'70s/early-'80s period, his political motivations blend wonderfully with his band's tight and exploratory approach to the music. From the psychedelic breakdown that accompanies the emotional speech during "Rastafari Is" to the sweet Motown influence on the encouraging "Not Gonna Give It Up," Tosh has impeccable taste for delivery both as a composer and as a singer. The album doesn't begin nearly that strong, taking at least a few songs to warm up the group. But "Coming in Hot" brings the band to life, featuring incredible rock-influenced guitar and a bouncing rhythm that carries his forceful vocals perfectly. From that point forward, the album takes a sharp turn for the better and never looks back. The best material consists of his admonitions and advice for the downtrodden, like his gorgeous cover of the Temptations' "Don't Look Back" or the lifting plea for unity "Glass House." His enthusiasm toward sharing his convictions is infectious, making every up-tempo track spill over with joy while every political anthem burns with a tense energy. The last two songs provide excellent examples of both; "Get up Stand Up" is a raging call to arms that can barely contain Tosh's outrage, while "Mama Africa" ends the show with a touching love letter to his family's home country. His studio albums may be the best place to enjoy Peter Tosh the musician, but Complete Captured Live captures Peter Tosh the performer. With a crystal clear clarity, this reissue transcends the original album by leaps and bounds and inspires the joy, frustration, and desire for change that Tosh proudly documents in his music. ~ Bradley Torreano, All Music Guide