- "Stir it Up" revisits the chord pattern of Bob Marley's 1963 song "Simmer Down" and uses cooking metaphors to reference racial tension. The song was written about Marley's wife Rita. - Originally released in 1967, it was later covered by Johnny Nash in 1972 and gained international success. Marley re-recorded it for his 1973 album "Catch a Fire." - The backing track was recorded in Jamaica with The Wailers, and then overdubbed with rock musicians in London to give it a 1970s rock sound. Marley's rhythm guitar introduces the classic reggae scratch pattern while the bass, drums, and other instruments provide a deep groove.

1. Stir it Up

2. Background ‘Stir it Up’ re-visits the chord pattern of his 1963 Jamaican ska hit ‘Simmer Down’ The cooking metaphor of ‘Simmer Down’ related to racial tension. The cooking metaphor in ‘Stir it Up’ are more sensual: “All you got to do, baby is keep it in, Stir your pot . Your recipe is so tasty” The song was written about his wife Rita

3. Background 2 Originally released in Jamaica on The Wailers own independent label in 1967 A cover version by Johnny Nash was a hit in UK and USA in 1972 Marley re-recorded the song for his 1973 Island records release ‘Catch a Fire’ The song was written about his wife Rita It re-visits the chord pattern of his 1963

4. Jamaica /London The backing track was recorded in Jamaica by The Wailers: Peter Tosh (vocals, guitar); Bunny Livingston (vocals, congas, bongos); Aston Barrett (bass); Carlton Barrett (drums) Producer Chris Blackwell overdubbed rock musicians in London to give a more 70’s rock flavour : Wayne Perkins (wahwah guitar) John "Rabbit" Bundrick (Clavinet, Synth);

5. Groove Marley’s rhythm guitar introduces the classic “1 reggae 2 reggae 3 reggae 4 reggae” scratching barre chords (ADE) A deep toned bass fills the gaps with a triad based riff. Muted guitar plays the riff in octave unison. Broken single hand hi-hat 1/16ths add snycopation Kick drum plays on the back beat with Xstick

6. Texture Sustained EQ sweeps with synth and wahwah guitar create the ‘hypnotic’ effect Blackwell hoped for. Falsetto harmony vocals add a light vocal tone. They were inspired by Marley’s musical hero Curtis Mayfield & The Impressions Subtle brush timbale adds rhythmic texture

7. Vocals The melody is closely woven with harmony Marley sings the 3rd note of the chorus. The Wailers sing 5th and high 1st above The Wailers provide counterpoint “stir stirstir it together” & “ooooooooo” The verse melody pushes Marley up to the 5th & 6th note “....my mind” The slow tempo allows lots of space for vocal ad-libs between the lines