Handsworth Revolution Rsd 2024 Vinyl

Striking debut from Steel Pulse, that was a top-10 UK album on release, in 1978, and a critically acclaimed, landmark British reggae album. Not only a strong musical statement, the record resonated with the period’s militant and radical punk undercurrents – a fiercely political record, reflecting the struggles and atmosphere of late-70s Britain. The title comes from Birmingham’s Handsworth area where the band formed and the district they celebrated, lamented and ‘tropicalized’ on the sleeve. Features three singles – Prediction, a deep roots, Biblical message accompanied by sparkling Spanish guitar lines, the strong anti-racism message of Ku Klux Klan, which the band played live in Klan robes (a brave move, though they were clearly speaking of racists closer to home) and the gorgeous Prodigal Son – a Rasta repatriation song and a celebration of someone discovering of their roots. Other highlights include Bad Man, drawing a parallel between crime and the need to be free; Soldiers references the invasion of Ethiopia. Sound Check simply celebrates the power of reggae music, over a loping, skanking beat. The album closes with Macka Splaff, the obligatory reggae homage to ganja. Produced by Karl Pitterson (who had worked with Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh), giving the music a certain intellectual urgency. The band’s instrumental virtuosity and the power of singer David Hinds, is impressive given their youth and relative inexperience. The band’s incendiary appearance at the landmark ‘Rock Against Racism’ concert, in London, April 1978, their intense political attitude and vibrant roots reggae endeared them to the punk rockers of the time. Now reissued as a bespoke, limited edition double LP for RSD 2024. Remastered at Abbey Road Studios, London. Features a bonus LP of dub mixes and extended versions. Expanded artwork in gatefold sleeve.