AUDIO: My Morning Jacket’s Jim James Remixes Bob Marley’s “Waiting in Vain”

June 10, 2013

Words by Tasha Brown—

bob-marley-legend-remixed

Remixing any legend’s tunes is risky business. But remixing Bob Marley is like remixing Michael Jackson. You don’t do it unless you really know what you’re doing.

UME/Tuff Gong’s upcoming Legend: Remixed (out June 25) is a re-imagination of the definitive Bob Marley and The Wailers hits collection and the greatest selling reggae album ever, Legend. Putting their spin on Bob’s most seminal tunes is a multi-genre crew that includes Jim James of My Morning Jacket, Thievery Corporation, RAC, Pretty Lights, DJ Z-Trip & Lee “Scratch” Perry, and Ziggy Marley.

Last month, Stephen Marley and Jason Bentley gave fans a preview of the album with their version of “Three Little Birds,” which you can listen to here. Now, guitarist/songwriter/vocalist Jim James’ has added his flavor to the iconic “Waiting in Vain.” The track starts raw with a few vocal asides and minimal production, a good setup for the rest of the song. Jim makes the track his own with more guitar and some more rock-style drumming, but no need to worry, the track still remains gentle. The island groove is still there, just with a more uptempo vibe.

Stream the track here, and look out for more from Legend Remixed soon.