STEEL PULSE
Ultimate Collection (Hip-O)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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In recent years Steel Pulse has become a bit too automated for my tastes, as UK reggae groups sometimes do. Don't get me wrong, we're not talking about UB40 pablum here. Steel Pulse still make some interesting music, but they seem to have strayed from the deep grooves that drew me to them in the first place, and I have to think a lot of people probably agree. This being a best of, that's a moot point, but I point it out to illustrate just how wonderful the music on this collection is by comparison. These are classics of reggae, songs that have weathered as many as 22 years without losing a bit of impact. This is Steel Pulse as they were when they were often mentioned in the same breath with Jamaican artists like Burning Spear and Culture. As has been the case throughout the Ultimate Collection series, Hip-O doesn't skimp on content, packing the CD with 73 and a half minutes of prime Pulse, ranging from their deepest grooves ("Ku Klux Klan," "Revolution Dub Take 1") to their finest high spirited vocal harmonies ("Burning Flame," "Evermore"). Some reggae buffs automatically dismiss UK artists as immitations of the Jamaicans, and they're often right to do so. If you know one of these people, please buy him or her this CD, because they sure won't buy it on their own. The evidence of Steel Pulse's authenticity is in every tune on The Ultimate Collection.

Track List

Handsworth Revolution * Ku Klux Klan * Prediction * Revolution Dub (Take 1) * Prodigal Son * Tribute To The Martyrs * Babylon Makes The Rules * Sound System * Uncle George * Burning Flame * Caught You Dancing * Not King James Version * No Justice To Peace * Settle The Score * Back To My Roots/Dub To My Roots * Evermore

© 2000 - DJ Johnson