New Release of the Week:

The Selecter - Too Much Pressure

The Selecter were one of the key bands of the ska revival in the late 70s and one of the few racially and sexually integrated bands on the scene. Indeed vocalist Pauline Black wrote about sexism, racism and social issues.

Their debut release was the AA side of The Specials single ’Gangsters’ in the summer of 1979, which only consisted of Neol Davies and John Bradbury (of The Specials) before quickly forming a full band by the end of the year.

They released their follow up single ’On My Radio’ which reached number six in the UK charts. Their debut album ’Too Much Pressure’ was released in February 1980 and reached number five in the UK charts. The album also included two further hit singles ’Three Minute Hero’ and ’Missing Words’.

Now celebrating 40 years since the release, this anniversary reissue is on half-speed remastered vinyl and includes a bonus 7" of the ’On My Radio’ single in its original two-tone sleeve.

Sounds Pick:

Cha War - My People

Cha Wa hail from New Orleans, and showcase their home city’s vibrant and eclectic musical and cultural heritage on their funky-as-anything new album.

’My People’ is the follow-up to their Grammy-nominated 2018 release, ’Spyboy’. Jazz, funk, soul, hip hop, brass band music, and African and Native American influences are blended together into a potent, party-starting sound.

But there is also a socially conscious side to what’s on offer here. Through their music, lyrics and costumes the band highlight the Mardis Gras Indian culture, which dates back to at least the mid-19th century and plays an important part in the Crescent City’s celebrations and communities.

That sense of community, and coming together during times of adversity - something which New Orleans knows about all too well - are key messages within.