Classic Marley Albums Will be Available via Analogue Productions in a Variety of Configurations, Including 33rpm UHQR, 45rpm UHQR, 2LP 45rpm, SACD & Reel-To-Reel Tape
Coming Spring 2025, Pre-Order HERE
Join Acoustic Sounds Founder Chad Kassem on His Journey to Jamaica and Explore the Magic of Marley — Watch HERE
February 6, 2025 - Today, in celebration of what would have been Bob Marley's 80th birthday, Acoustic Sounds’ Analogue Productions label has joined forces with the Marley family to proudly announce an ambitious slate of reissues of several of the global legend’s most iconic albums in a number of deluxe configurations. Centered around the theme of Uprising, the series will honor Marley’s spirit and legacy as one of the most significant artists of the 20th century.
Launching in Spring 2025 with specific release dates to be announced, the series will include seven classic Marley titles reissued in a variety of formats: 33rpm UHQR, 45rpm UHQR, 2LP 45rpm, SACD, and reel-to-reel tape (15 IPS on 1/4 inch tape). The configurations vary by title, see below for details.
Each of the Ultra High Quality Record (UHQR) and 2LP 45rpm releases will be sourced from original master tapes and meticulously mastered by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound. Pressing will be handled by Acoustic Sounds’ world-class Quality Record Pressing plant in Salina, KS, to deliver exceptional sound quality and a listening experience worthy of Marley's timeless music. Bringing forty years of expertise and unparalleled reverence for historic releases to the series, these Analogue Productions titles will ensure Bob Marley’s music is preserved in its purest form, all while delivering an experience as close as possible to the original studio sessions.
“We’re honored to be working with the Marley Family to give these records the treatment they deserve,” said Acoustic Sounds founder Chad Kassem. “The experience of going to Jamaica, visiting Tuff Gong, and meeting the people carrying Bob Marley’s legacy forward was incredible, and we believe this series is a beautiful tribute to one of music’s greatest innovators.” Kassem shares more about his time in Jamaica and the making of Uprising HERE.
The UHQR format from Analogue Productions/Quality Record Pressings sets a new standard in vinyl, surpassing previous UHQR records with innovative manufacturing techniques that meet Kassem’s exacting expectations. Originally produced at Japan’s JVC plant in the 1980s for various audiophile labels, UHQRs were costly but revered for their unmatched quality. Reviving the UHQR name required significant investment and a complete redesign of vinyl production, solidifying its legacy as the ultimate LP, elevating it above any other pressing series.
BOB MARLEY RELEASES LAUNCHING SPRING 2025 FROM ANALOGUE PRODUCTIONS:
Catch a Fire (1973), featuring “Stir It Up,” “Concrete Jungle,” and “Kinky Reggae.” This album will be available as a 1LP UHQR @33rpm, 2LP UHQR @45rpm, reel-to-reel, and SACD.
Burnin’ (1973), Marley’s sixth album and the second release by Bob Marley & The Wailers for Island Records, continues the series. The record features “Get Up Stand Up,” “I Shot The Sheriff,” and “Burnin’ & Lootin’.” Available as 1LP UHQR @33rpm, 2LP UHQR @45rpm, reel-to-reel, and SACD.
Natty Dread (1974), Marley’s groundbreaking album that introduced the I-Threes and a new musical direction, includes “No Woman No Cry,” “Them Belly Full (But We Hungry),” and “Lively Up Yourself.” The reissue will be released as a 1LP UHQR @33rpm, 2LP UHQR @45rpm, reel-to-reel, and SACD.
Rastaman Vibration (1976) followed the success of Natty Dread and features politically charged tracks like “Roots Rock Reggae,” “War,” and “Rat Race.” It will be reissued in 2LP UHQR @45rpm, reel-to-reel, and SACD configurations.
Exodus (1977), widely regarded as one of Marley’s most transformative works, features classic hits like “Three Little Birds,” “Jamming,” and “One Love.” This album, recorded during Marley’s exile in the U.K., cemented his status as a global superstar. It will be reissued as a 2LP UHQR @45rpm, reel-to-reel, and SACD.
Kaya (1978) recorded simultaneously with Exodus in the U.K., showcases a softer side of Marley, with songs such as “Is This Love,” “Satisfy My Soul,” and “Easy Skanking.” A love letter to the lifestyle Marley embraced, this album will be available in 2LP @45rpm and SACD configurations.
Uprising (1980), the last studio album released during Marley’s lifetime, reflects a deeply spiritual and prophetic vision. Tracks such as “Redemption Song,” “Could You Be Loved,” and “Pimper’s Paradise” highlight Marley’s artistry and message of resilience. This album will be reissued in 2LP @45rpm and SACD formats.
Acoustic Sounds has created a masterfully-crafted and meticulous series through which listeners can relive these celebrated classics. For over forty years, Acoustic Sounds has championed the art of vinyl, reissuing historic recordings with the utmost care and precision. Other recent releases include Steely Dan’s 1970s recordings, Buena Vista Social Club’s self titled album, and Miles Davis’ Birth of the Blue with many more exciting releases on the horizon.
ABOUT BOB MARLEY
Bob Marley, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, is notable not only as the man who put Reggae on the global map but also as a statesman in his native Jamaica; he famously brought together the country’s warring factions. Today, Bob Marley remains one of the 20th century’s most important and influential entertainment icons. Marley’s lifestyle and music continue to inspire new generations as his legacy lives on through his music. The 2024 biographical drama and musical film based on Marley’s life, Bob Marley: One Love, opened at #1 at the domestic box office on Wednesday, February 14th, with a record-breaking $14M, and a CinemaScore and 5 out of 5 stars on PostTrak. It had a strong Valentine’s Day opening internationally, setting new records for a music biopic opening in the U.K., New Zealand, and Belgium. Overall, the movie opened at No. 1 in 13 international markets, including the U.K., France, Australia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, and Norway, and the film set the record for the biggest film opening of all time in Jamaica. After only 10 days in theaters, Bob Marley: One Love surpassed $100 million at the worldwide box office. Overall, the movie grossed $185M at the worldwide box office.
In the digital era, he has the second-highest social media following of any posthumous celebrity. The official Bob Marley Facebook page draws over 66 million fans, ranking it among the Top 50 of all Facebook pages (#47), and the Top 20 among all celebrity pages (#17). Marley’s music catalog has sold millions of albums worldwide. His iconic collection LEGEND is the longest-charting album in Billboard Magazine’s Catalog Albums chart and remains the world’s best-selling reggae album, and second longest charting album of all-time overall. “Could You Be Loved,” the first single off Marley’s last album, Uprising (also featured on Legend,) was named one of the "500 Best Songs of All Time" by Rolling Stone Magazine (2021) and surpassed one billion streams on Spotify this Fall (2024). Marley’s accolades include inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1994) and ASCAP Songwriters Hall of Fame (2010), a GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award (2001), multiple entries in the GRAMMY® Hall Of Fame, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2001). For more information, visit bobmarley.com and facebook.com/bobmarley.
ABOUT ACOUSTIC SOUNDS
For over forty years, Acoustic Sounds has championed the art of vinyl, reissuing historic recordings with the utmost care and precision. The company was founded by Chad Kassem, whose unlikely journey from a small apartment-based vinyl resale operation to the helm of the world’s largest vertically integrated vinyl production facility has transformed the high-end audio industry. His Salina, Kansas-based company houses Acoustic Sounds in its entirety, a reissue label (Analogue Productions), state-of-the-art pressing plant (Quality Record Pressings), a mastering facility (The Mastering Lab at Acoustic Sounds), a recording studio and concert venue (Blue Heaven Studios), print shop (Consolidated Printing) and original recordings label (APO Records). Kassem’s relentless dedication to sound quality and preservation of historical recordings has made Acoustic Sounds a trusted source for high-fidelity music.Today, the company presses over a million records each year, bringing legendary labels and artists - from Verve, Impulse, Atlantic and Contemporary Records, to John Coltrane, Jimi Hendrix, Steely Dan and The Doors - as they’ve never been heard before to fans worldwide. Chad Kassem’s commitment to excellence has redefined the boundaries of high-quality vinyl production and built an empire grounded in authenticity and quality.
