EARTH CRISIS

Steel Pulse: David Hinds (vocals, guitar); Jimmy Haynes (lead guitar, bass); Carl Atkins (saxophone); Selwyn "Bumbo" Brown (vocals, keyboards); Ronald "Stepper" McQueen (bass); Stevie "Grizzly" Nesbitt (drums, percussion); Alphonso Martin (percussion, vocals). Recorded at Horizon Studios, Coventry, England. Steel Pulse: David Hinds, Alphonso Martin, Selwyn Brown, Stevie "Grizzly" Nesbitt, Ronnie McQueen. Personnel: David Hinds (vocals, guitar); Selwyn Brown (vocals, keyboards); Alphonso Martin (vocals, percussion); Jimmy "Senyah" Haynes (guitar, bass guitar); Jimmy Haynes (guitar); Carl Atkins (saxophone); Ronnie McQueen (bass guitar); Steve Nisbett, Stevie "Grizzly" Nesbitt (drums, percussion). Audio Mixers: Dennis Thompson; Mark "Spike" Stent; Terry Barham. Audio Remasterers: Daniel Hersch; Bill Inglot. Audio Remixers: Jack Nuber; Steve Thompson ; Tony Humphries. Liner Note Author: Roger Steffens. Recording information: Horizon Studio, Coventry, England; Jacobs Studio, Farnham, Surrey, England; Jacobs Studios Ltd., Farnham, Surrey, England. Editor: Steve Thompson . Photographers: Colin Brooks ; Ebet Roberts; Jimmy Ellis . Unknown Contributor Role: Richard Bailey . Arrangers: Steel Pulse; Jimmy "Senyah" Haynes. According to Steel Pulse front man David Hinds, Elektra Records informed the band--just prior to the 1984 recording of EARTH CRISIS--that they wanted the band to sound like then-popular, commercially oriented reggae artist Eddy Grant. Elektra's bid for a mainstream reggae cash-in helps explain the slick, highly polished sound of EARTH CRISIS. The breezy "Steppin' Out" and the bouncing, poppy "Tightrope" (both of which became permanent additions to the band's live repertoire) kick off the set, buttressed by bright synth lines and lush, layered vocal harmonies. Yet Steel Pulse's particular skill has always been in giving lock-step reggae grooves singable melodies and a smooth, accessible patina. In this way, EARTH CRISIS is one of the band's most emblematic albums, a fact reflected in its great commercial success. Admirably, Steel Pulse maintains their commitment to socially and politically conscious themes here, on the environmentally concerned title track and the self-explanatory "Grab Education," among others. Though it does not match the artistic heights of other Steel Pulse releases, EARTH CRISIS is characterized by strong songs and fine musicianship, and remains one of the band's best-known albums.

• Genre: Pop
• Format: CD
• Released: 06/07/2005