Steel Pulse

Bulldog · 11-25-2008, 06:45 PM

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...

jackhammer · 11-26-2008, 08:05 AM

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.

Terrible Lizard · 11-26-2008, 03:19 PM

MUST GET......

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

Bulldog · 11-27-2008, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackhammer

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.

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

Bulldog · 11-27-2008, 09:56 AM

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

jackhammer · 11-28-2008, 02:08 PM

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

Bulldog · 11-28-2008, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackhammer

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

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

Good man

Thrice · 04-08-2009, 01:53 AM

Leggobeast.

4ZZZ · 04-08-2009, 07:51 AM

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.

Bulldog · 04-08-2009, 01:00 PM

I knew keeping the mix online was worth it

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.

11-25-2008, 06:45 PM	#1 (permalink)
Bulldog why bother? Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: UK Posts: 4,840	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... Last edited by Bulldog; 11-25-2008 at 06:58 PM.

11-26-2008, 08:05 AM	#2 (permalink)
jackhammer Ba and Be. Join Date: May 2007 Location: This Is England Posts: 17,331	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. __________________ It be my music and film collection. “A cynic by experience, a romantic by inclination and now a hero by necessity.”

11-26-2008, 03:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
Terrible Lizard **ER OF HOLES Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Butt**, Nebraska Posts: 1,211	MUST GET...... I love this site, everyday I find another great band. __________________ “YOU ARE SCUM SLUT.” -John Martyn

11-28-2008, 02:08 PM	#6 (permalink)
jackhammer Ba and Be. Join Date: May 2007 Location: This Is England Posts: 17,331	Apart from two tracks I already have them all but a nice mix. __________________ It be my music and film collection. “A cynic by experience, a romantic by inclination and now a hero by necessity.”

04-08-2009, 01:53 AM	#8 (permalink)
Thrice أمهاتك[وهور]Aura Euphoria Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Florida/Buffalo/CT Posts: 2,077	Leggobeast. __________________ Lew Harrison, who looked like an anarchist with his red eyes and fierce black beard, had been writing furiously in one corner of the room. "That's good—happiness by the kilowatt," he said. "Buy your happiness the way you buy light."

11-27-2008, 09:56 AM	#5 (permalink)
Bulldog why bother? Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: UK Posts: 4,840	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

04-08-2009, 07:51 AM	#9 (permalink)
4ZZZ Forever young Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Brisbane Posts: 608	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. __________________ Terra Music Est Non A Vitium.

04-08-2009, 01:00 PM	#10 (permalink)
Bulldog why bother? Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: UK Posts: 4,840	I knew keeping the mix online was worth it 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.