Track Listing

1. Handsworth Revolution
2. Bad Man
3. Soldiers
4. Sound Check
5. Prodigal Son
6. Ku Klux Klan
7. Prediction
8. Macka Splaff

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #21669 in Music
• Released on: 1990-11-27
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds
• Running time: 37 minutes

CD Description
Compared to the crossover-oriented, synthesizer-heavy soundof its mid-1980s records (EARTH CRISIS and STATE OF EMERGENCY), the vibe of Steel Pulse's 1978 debut is pure, stripped-down roots. HANDSWORTH REVOLUTION may not appeal to fans of the band's later formula, but there is no denying the spare,surging energy of cuts like "Bad Man" and "Sound Check", with their classic reggae rhythms. The record also shows that Steel Pulse's political and religious convictions emerged fully formed--"Ku Klux Klan" and "Prediction" establish the band's militant stance on social issues and Rastafarian beliefs.
But for all of the group's hard-edged allegiance to traditional reggae principles, Steel Pulse distinguishes itself from its Jamaican influences (the band is from Birmingham,England) with a sleek, tight-knit sound that contains uniquely textured percussion webs and the hints of pop and jazz fusion. (The bridge in the title cut wouldn't sound out of place in a Steely Dan song.) That Steel Pulse is able to mix these musical advances with a no-nonsense roots sensibility is among the reasons for the group's longevity and popularity. The ensemble's auspicious debut marks that trajectory, andremains one of the strongest and most compelling releases in its catalogue.

Customer Reviews

handsworth revisited
I'd forgotten just how good this album is! A blast from the past, Handsworth Revolution resurrects the spirit of the time; Rock Against Racism marches, Anti Nazi League protests all rounded up with a party of punks, dreads and like minded people in unison! Enough nostalgia, Steel Pulse's Handsworth Revolution has stood the test of time; smooth vocals over original dub bass representing the struggle of that era all contribute to an album which should be hailed as a reggae classic.

'The' classic British reggae album
Birmingham's Steel Pulse provided us with the only truly great British reggae album of the last 30 years in 1978's Handsworth Revolution. Seven great reggae musicians from all over north Birmingham, ie ,Lozells, Handsworth and Handsworth Wood, got together to create an unforgettable sound that is true to the roots of Jamaican reggae, unlike the over-commercialised offerings of UB40 and Aswad throught the 1980s (although both bands did strive for authenticity on their first couple of albums).

There is a real positive vibe to this music, with classics such as Klu Klux Klan, Sound System and Prodgical Son (a Top 40 hit) providing the standout moments.

Meanwhile, fellow Brummies UB40, together with Aswad, were waiting in the wings with their crossover reggae-pop for the 'reggae-ignorant' mainstream audience. Forget this lot, this is true reggae with real spirit.

A milestone for reggae music
This album is a milestone in the development of reggae music. It demonstrated that although the sound of British reggae was different to the sounds coming from Jamaica, it was as thought provoking and melodic as anything the Wailers produced. Simply this album put British reggae on the map. It will always be a vital and enjoyable musical experience.