Steel Pulse
 

I don't think anyone's started a thread on Birmingham's finest reggae band (I used search and found nowt), so here goes. Any other fans of these guys? To me they're definitely one of the best reggae groups of all time, being the ones who officially got me into reggae and all.

From what I've heard (6 albums) they've always gone for a much more polished sound than those of their contemporaries since they released their debut in '78, which certainly makes them more accessible to anyone who isn't really a fan of reggae (in my opinion of course). In some cases this tactic has a reverse effect, but when the songwriting is strong enough to make it work (as it is in quite a few cases) it results in some of the best reggae I've ever heard.

Anyway, videos... videos... [edit - obviously these are all live recordings and don't really help the jist of what I'm saying about their studio sound]


Rally Round


Rollerskates


Chant a Psalm

When it comes to albums, Handsworth Revolution is the best starting point for sure, and an essential for any music collection. From there, True Democracy is the next best thing (and one of my favourite albums of all time). They've released plenty of other great albums, but those two are the standouts.

Got that off me chest then...

Their early releases are excellent and they put the other Brummie Reggae band UB40 in the shade. It's a shame that Steel Pulse did'nt even get half the praise that UB40 got.

:o: MUST GET......

I love this site, everyday I find another great band.

It's definitely a shame that Steel Pulse, while very popular with reggae followers, aren't anywhere near as well-known as UB40. They deserve more recognition for sure - a truly fantastic band.

As I did with my Midnight Oil thread I'll post the link to a 10-track sampler a bit later to satisfy anyone's curiosity

Alright, here's that compilation I was on about;

1. Global Warming [African Holocaust]
2. Ravers [True Democracy]
3. Tribute To the Martyrs [Tribute To the Martyrs]
4. Prodigal Son [Handsworth Revolution]
5. Bodyguard [Earth Crisis]
6. Sound System [Tribute To the Martyrs]
7. Throne Of Gold [Earth Crisis]
8. No More Weapons [African Holocaust]
9. Find It... Quick! [True Democracy]
10. Macka Splaff [Handsworth Revolution]
11. Roller Skates (live)
12. Gang Warfare (live)
Steel Pulse - 10 Of the Best.rar

Apart from two tracks I already have them all but a nice mix.

Ah, that means you've got True Democracy then?

Good man :thumb:

Leggobeast.

Another band I caught live an eternity ago. I went with no knowledge and came away impressed. Looking forward to the mixtape Bulldog as I stupidly never gave them a further listen.

I knew keeping the mix online was worth it :D

An old friend of mine actually saw the band at a bus stop in Brum once back in '78. This is the same guy who told me they're a brilliant live act. I had the opportunity to see myself them at WOMAD in 2007 (I think), but never did end up going. Baaba Maal was headlining too - another potentially awesome gig I missed out on there.