Forces Linton Kwesi Johnson

Early 90s and still hitting it hard, this is top-shelf LKJ. Some of the harder edges may have softened, just a bit, since his ‘Forces of Victory’ days but the trade-off is a broader sonic palette on the arrangements. The first track features a violin solo, and the recording features a variety of woodwinds, brass, pianos, B3 organ, and accordions. Whether or not the similarity to Brazilian forró on the track “Di Good Life” is purely coincidental, I can’t say. “Mi Revalueshanary Fren” is a highlight here, easily the funkiest reflection on the early-90s state of post-Soviet radical politics and black liberation you’re likely to encounter. Incidentally, the following year LKJ would publish a book of his poems with the same title that would go on to become (in the mid-2000s) one of the only Penguin Classic editions of a still-living poet.

Steel Pulse - Handsworth Revolution (1978) {2CD Set Deluxe Edition Island 4726050 rel 2015}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 888 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 336 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 68 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1978, 2015 Island Def Jam / Universal | 4726050
Reggae / Roots Reggae / Dub

Widely acclaimed as a classic, Handsworth Revolution not only established Birmingham-based Steel Pulse as one of reggae’s most talented and original groups, it also proved beyond doubt that the UK could produce roots music of the highest quality. The release of this deluxe 2CD set with the original 8 tracks augmented by an incredible 22 bonus tracks. Lovingly packaged and released to coincide with the band’s reunion for a European tour, this 30 track is an essential acquisition for the group’s fans and those simply wishing to discover why Handsworth Revolution is still so revered, some 37 years after its original release.