Handsworth Revolution cover

Handsworth Revolution

Released

In the 1970s, England’s reggae scene was second only to Kingston’s in its richness and depth. And at the very top of the heap of UK reggae bands was Steel Pulse, a Birmingham-based outfit with an unusual depth of musical and songwriting virtuosity. Frontman David Hinds had a jazzy delivery and a deep well of righteous anger, and he drew on all of those elements to produce sharp protest songs like the title track and the classic “Ku Klux Klan.” Handsworth Revolution was melodically rather dry compared to Steel Pulse’s later work, but it remains a classic of the UK roots genre.

Rick Anderson

Recommended by

Suggestions
Tala Matrix cover

Tala Matrix

Tabla Beat Science
Return from Planet Dub cover

Return from Planet Dub

Ari Up, Lee "Scratch" Perry
Good Vibes cover

Good Vibes

Horace Andy
Culture Dub & Medley Dub cover

Culture Dub & Medley Dub

Errol Brown, The Revolutionaries
Manara cover

Manara

Alsarah and the Nubatones
Cultural Fashion cover

Cultural Fashion

Various Artists
Blackboard Jungle Dub cover

Blackboard Jungle Dub

The Upsetters, Lee "Scratch" Perry