Probably the UK's most highly-regarded roots reggae outfit, Steel Pulse originally formed at Handsworth Wood Boys School, Birmingham, and comprised David Hinds (lead vocals, guitar), Basil Gabbidon (lead guitar, vocals) and Ronnie McQueen (bass). However, it is Hinds who, as songwriter, has always been the engine behind Steel Pulse, from their early days establishing themselves in the Birmingham club scene onwards. Formed in 1975, their debut release, 'Kibudu, Mansetta And Abuku" arrived on the small independent label Dip, and linked the plight of urban black youth with the image of a greater African homeland. They followed it with 'Nyah Love' for Anchor. Surprisingly, they were initially refused live dates in Caribbean venues in the Midlands because of their Rastafarian beliefs. Aligning themselves closely with the Rock Against Racism 1 organisation, they chose to tour instead with sympathetic elements of the punk movement, including the Stranglers, XTC etc.: "Punks had a way of enjoying themselves - throw hordes at you, beer, spit at you, that kind of thing". Eventually they found a more natural home in support slots for Burning Spear, which brought them to the attention of Island Records. Their first release for Island was the 'Ku Klux Klan' 45 rpm, a considered tilt at the evils of racism, and one often accompanied by a visual parody of the sect on stage. By this time their ranks had swelled to include Selwyn 'Bumbo' Brown (keyboards), Steve 'Grizzly' Nesbitt (drums), Fonso Martin (vocals, percussion) and Michael Riley (vocals). Handsworth Revolution was an accomplished long playing debut and one of the major landmarks in the evolution of British reggae. However, despite critical and moderate commercial success over three albums, the relationship with Island had soured by the advent of Caught You (released in the US as Reggae Fever). They switched to Elektra, and unveiled their most consistent collection of songs since their debut with T
1 | Your House | True Democracy |
2 | Reaching Out | State of Emergency |
3 | Handsworth Revolution | Handsworth Revolution |
4 | Prediction | Handsworth Revolution |
5 | Steel Pulse - 09 - Melting Pot | State of Emergency |
6 | Ravers | True Democracy |
7 | Black Enough? | Rage And Fury |
8 | Babylon Makes The Rules | Tribute To The Martyrs |
9 | Black And Proud | Rage And Fury |
10 | Handsworth Revolution | Reggae Sunsplash '81-A Tribute To Bob Marley |
11 | Steel Pulse - 07 - Said You Wa | State of Emergency |
12 | Sound Check | Handsworth Revolution |
13 | Leggo Beast | True Democracy |
14 | Steel Pulse - 11 - Reaching Ou | State of Emergency |
15 | P.U.S.H. | State of Emergency |
16 | Brown Eyed Girl | Rage And Fury |
17 | Uncle George | Tribute To The Martyrs |
18 | Love This Reggae Music | State of Emergency |
19 | Can't Stand Losing You | Reggatta Mondatta: A Reggae Tribute To The Police |
20 | Steal A Kiss | State of Emergency |