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Steel Pulse — Chant A Psalm
Album: True Democracy
Avg rating:
6.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 624









Released: 1981
Length: 4:24
Plays (last 30 days): 1
Rejoice rejoice
Good tidings I bring you
Hear ye a message to you my friend
Voices cry invoke your angels
When pressure drop it cannot conquer dread no
So blow away your bluesy feeling
Spirits say take the world off you shoulder
One foot in the grave is a foolish step to take (dancer)

Who sow in tears shall reap in joy
Wise man doctrines assure your safety
No more stumbling block back stabbers get down
To the righteous revealed
The secret of the scriptures
The wicked dem portion is vanity
Disciples of Lucifer

In your hands lie your destination
The book of true life you hold the key
Mystical powers to you unfold
Seek ye the half that has never been told
Get behind me satan (in dis ya Armageddon)
I've got chant

CHORUS
------
Chant a psalm a day

Reach you in a vision yeh come on
Come walkies down easy street
Attract these angels in dreams and your prayers
Remember the three holy children
Remember the visions of Daniel
Remember the magic of Moses so
Dash away your bluesy feeling
Spirits say take the world off you shoulder
One foot in the grave my friend
A foolish step to take
When pressure drop it cannot conquer dread
Got to be wise yes yes in dis ya Iwa
Woe betide for the wicked
Disciples of Lucifer
Get behind me Satan (in dis ya Armageddon yeh)
I got to chant

CHORUS
------
Chant a psalm a day

Moses he did chant chant
Samson he did chant chant
Elijah he did chant chant
I want the whole a we fe chant chant
Solomon he did chant chant
His father King David chant chant
John the Baptist chant chant
I want the whole a we fe chant chant.
Comments (97)add comment
Thanks Bill, for playing a cut from one of my favorite albums during college, lots of great memories. 
 sajitjacob wrote:
Are they wearing leg warmers? Ahh I see someone else said the same; My wife assures me that yes, guys did wear such thing in the early 80's the decade that taste forgot.


Leg warmers are great! Try them out and see
C'mon people, only 6/10? This song is great!
Jam A Summer Day? Huh?
Love Steel Pulse.......but not this one.
"Higher than High" or "Rumors (Not True)" so much better! 
The sounds of Handsworth.... brings back many memories of growing up in the West Midlands in the 1970's, a punky reggae party all round (but I have to say this is not one of their best tracks)
Are they wearing leg warmers? Ahh I see someone else said the same; My wife assures me that yes, guys did wear such thing in the early 80's the decade that taste forgot.
Specials then Steel Pulse. It's high school all over again.
Sex, D... and Reggae that's the 80's, - Great African track 
I thought this was the cat empire when it first came on. So if you like this then listen to them :)
{#Dancingbanana}is it me or this music why I feel so good?? {#Smile}
 fredriley wrote:

Secular reggae? Ok, how's about UB40? Peter Tosh? Just off the top of my head, you understand - I'm sure that there are many more. I always thought that the heart of reggae was the struggle against oppression, but wtf  do I know?

The trouble with Rastafari is that it uses the same religion, Christianity, that was and still is instrumental in racial and class oppression from which rastas wish to liberate themselves. All rasta does is tweak christianity a bit but at heart it's the same old same old.
 
Not sure if I agree with you on this Fred. Rastafari is not a highly organized religion, it is a movement and an ideology. Many Rastas say that it is not a religion at all, but a way of life. In this respect it is a long, long way from most mainstream religions. 

Personally, I am anti religion, and choose to put 'Jedi Knight' on my 2011 government census form in the hope it becomes recognised officially. However, if I were forced to choose I would convert to become a Rasta in a moment. 
 
You mean Peter "Mystic Man" Tosh? UB40, hmm, well, I don't know, yes, they're a reggae band, but pretty commercial.

Christianity instrumental in class oppression? Ever hear of negro spirituals? Martin Luther King?

 fredriley wrote:

Secular reggae? Ok, how's about UB40? Peter Tosh? Just off the top of my head, you understand - I'm sure that there are many more. I always thought that the heart of reggae was the struggle against oppression, but wtf  do I know?

The trouble with Rastafari is that it uses the same religion, Christianity, that was and still is instrumental in racial and class oppression from which rastas wish to liberate themselves. All rasta does is tweak christianity a bit but at heart it's the same old same old.
 


Only STEEL PULSE have been able to wash away this foul "NINA HAGEN" taste in my mouth!

GREAT MUSIC!!!

Love the legwarmers.
{#Dance}.....yes!
This band was one of the best of their time. I stumbled into Rhino Records one day, back when it was on Westwood Blvd...one of the best all-time record stores. They had it goin' on, with a rack of Store Fav's and turntables that you could listen to the used records before buying.

The first Steel Pulse album was on the Store Fav shelf, I said "What the heck..." What a friggin' great album that is—Handsworth Revolution. The rhythms, blends of acoustic guitars and such. Ahead of their time, I'd say.
 inindian wrote:
Hahaha, that's one of the stupidest things I've ever heard! The heart of reggae is Rastafari. But hey, how about some secular hymns and prayers in church on Sunday...
 
Secular reggae? Ok, how's about UB40? Peter Tosh? Just off the top of my head, you understand - I'm sure that there are many more. I always thought that the heart of reggae was the struggle against oppression, but wtf  do I know?

The trouble with Rastafari is that it uses the same religion, Christianity, that was and still is instrumental in racial and class oppression from which rastas wish to liberate themselves. All rasta does is tweak christianity a bit but at heart it's the same old same old.

 superfido wrote:

{#Jump}When a song starts with "rejoice, rejoice" one can not help but feel good.

yes rejoice that we're not facing 4 more years with a Bush croonie.

Rejoice that we have enough food.

Rejoice that we have a cool station like Radio Paradise to entertain us during our luxury of free time.


 

the obama deception drops march 15. everyone in americashould watch that film.

don't worry about finite problems such as eating or sleeping being gone, go preorder it until that time. over and over again.
just to make sure.
{#Sunny}


One of my all-time favorites! I love listening to this track in the car on warm sunny days. The whole album is amazing as well.

RP jumps up yet another notch in my esteem!

 xkolibuul wrote:
Are those dudes actually wearing leg warmers?
 

Come on admit it, you wore them too in the 80's.


{#Jump}When a song starts with "rejoice, rejoice" one can not help but feel good.

yes rejoice that we're not facing 4 more years with a Bush croonie.

Rejoice that we have enough food.

Rejoice that we have a cool station like Radio Paradise to entertain us during our luxury of free time.


Yerrrr, the sun is shining on me now!!! {#Sunny} Headphones on - ears nearly bleeding  {#Music}
 inindian wrote:

Hahaha, that's one of the stupidest things I've ever heard! The heart of reggae is Rastafari. But hey, how about some secular hymns and prayers in church on Sunday...

 

{#Clap}
 fredriley wrote:


I do wish we could hear more secular reggae. Love the music, loathe the religion. It's like listening to Songs of Praise with spliffs.



 
Hahaha, that's one of the stupidest things I've ever heard! The heart of reggae is Rastafari. But hey, how about some secular hymns and prayers in church on Sunday...

fredriley wrote:
I do wish we could hear more secular reggae. Love the music, loathe the religion. It's like listening to Songs of Praise with spliffs.
"Loathe the religion"? what harm has it ever done you to say a thing like that?.... I suggest you stick to song/singer comments and leave religion alone.
All-time favourite. Gorgeous! True summer tune.
I do wish we could hear more secular reggae. Love the music, loathe the religion. It's like listening to Songs of Praise with spliffs.
garthwb wrote:
Wicked band live! Longtime favourite...
Agreed! Seen them live in Sunsplash 82.
Wicked band live! Longtime favourite...
This song never fails to put me in an absolutely great mood for some reason. I'm not even that great a fan of reggae music... just the magic of music I suppose.
This is going to be a cool class, check out the teacher's hair!
This song came on, I figured I'd get up and get some tea and it would be gone when I got back. It's still playing. 2 for being music I don't like, 1 for not ending soon enough.
Hell a go broke loosseeeeee!!!!!
I wore this tape out when it came out in the summer of 82.
Inhale...hold it then exhale...repeat till state of relaxation ensues
Ahhhhh. The beach and playing this albumn and The Cult's Electric over and over again.
ahhhh, much better! Toke up mon!
js5280 wrote:
Back in the late 80s/early 90s there was irreversible global cooling thus Jamaica was a cool climate and leg warmer were common garb for its citizens. It was the peak of Jamaica's quest for Olympic Gold in bobsledding. Regretfully their medals were stripped for doping (elevated levels of THC). Don't they teach kids history in schools anymore…
... but SP are from the UK, so that would be the more obvious explanation.
classical root stuff.... no need to say that it's awesome, huh? worth a 9...
xkolibuul wrote:
Are those dudes actually wearing leg warmers?
Back in the late 80s/early 90s there was irreversible global cooling thus Jamaica was a cool climate and leg warmer were common garb for its citizens. It was the peak of Jamaica's quest for Olympic Gold in bobsledding. Regretfully their medals were stripped for doping (elevated levels of THC). Don't they teach kids history in schools anymore…
Are those dudes actually wearing leg warmers?
I just love this song.
Sounds stellar on the boat H2O skiing
jah_blessed wrote:
These guys really have a knack for catchy riddims and melodies. They hit a slump in the 90s, but their most recent disc (African Holocaust) is superb. Might upload some tracks from that someday.
Please do upload. I'd sure like to hear a bit more SP on RP...and more Toots and more Jimmy Cliff, etc. Irie, mon.
very positive vibrations! me likey in limited doses.
Always wanted to request this song on a Christian radio station to see if they'd play it. Of course, it would force me to listen to the station to know when/how to request it and to see if the station fulfills my prediction -- i.e., refuses to play it. Too bad these guys "popped" out -- their last really strong album.
rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrastaFAR-I...
So is a "jammer's holiday" like a busman's holiday?
hello from the beach everyone
refreshing!
Wow, never thought there'd be Steel Pulse I'd actually like! Well, almost, I give it a 6. Most stuff streaming from "Right On Scales" really sucks, never knew this side of them.
ploafmaster wrote:
You know, I think I understand why, hearing this again...It must be a combination of the pace and the vocals - not just the lead vocals, but the little harmony sections that come in from time to time.
Man, why analyze it? Just feel the music!
ploafmaster wrote:
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!! It's Reggae, but I like it! AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! I actually gave it a 7...
You know, I think I understand why, hearing this again...It must be a combination of the pace and the vocals - not just the lead vocals, but the little harmony sections that come in from time to time.
I heart Steel Pulse.
These guys really have a knack for catchy riddims and melodies. They hit a slump in the 90s, but their most recent disc (African Holocaust) is superb. Might upload some tracks from that someday.
I&I Bill, great band and what a cover, gotta love SP:
1 each for Bill, Rebecca & Andrew... thank you!
Fond memories of drinking some Belikins at Palapa Bar on Ambergris Caye (aka - La Isla Bonita).
:sunny.gif:
Having suffered more than one of their less than enthusiastic live performances I was quite grooved by this album track. Good tune
Reggae + Friday = :)
ok gave it a 3, but it does have a little scootin' beat....
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!! It's Reggae, but I like it! AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! I actually gave it a 7... :flamed.gif:
OHHHH this is a great song! Thank you for playing!!! :sunny.gif:
Johray63 wrote:
Yes, that's him! Great flashback Mm, on second thought, he was pretty serious about it himself, I believe :-k
I believe this could be called a piloerection!
Great song as most are on "True Democracy". Takes me back to college.
great tune...how 'bout some desmond dekker
Now if I were running RP I would definitely play this song as well.
RichardPrins wrote:
What he said.
Not bad, but treading dangerously close to pop.
Steel Pulse is one of my all time fav's. Thanks, Bill.
Thanks for playing Steel Pulse. Listened to them heavy in my college dorm in '84. Saw them in a great show at the Austin Opera House in 1986. Their first 3 albums are very good.
Haven't heard Steel Pulse in a looong time. Great to hear them again.
pkeys wrote:
I love reggae with special respect for the roots pioneers, but for some reason I've always found Steel Pulse to be somewhat annoying. IMHO, there are a lot of more substantial acts out there.
Yeah Like Ace of Base Me loves me some Ace of Base!!! All that I want is another baby
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
I agree: I didn't enjoy reggae too much until a Steel Pulse concert. Good show, and nice guys too. And the hair is a hoot, too.
Yes, that's him! Great flashback Mm, on second thought, he was pretty serious about it himself, I believe :-k
I love reggae with special respect for the roots pioneers, but for some reason I've always found Steel Pulse to be somewhat annoying. IMHO, there are a lot of more substantial acts out there.
LOVE Steele Pulse!!! :sunny.gif: :sunny.gif:
Zweiblumen wrote:
Unfortunately, it's becoming the auto-reggae 1 for me....I just can't figure this type of music out I guess. Oh well...at least someone likes it.
I'm with you... it all seems to annoy me. Maybe I just need some more Red Stripe.
I first discovered this song while living in Anaheim at the Personics System station at a local record store, circa 1988. Personics allowed you to pay a per song fee and make your own mix tapes. I guess it was the legal predecessor to Napster. Not a big reggae fan, but Steel Pulse always gets my attention for some reason. Aaah, memories...
Originally Posted by Johray63: I once saw this band live and was certainly impressed, while I'm not that much into Reggae. Reggae music needs the right atmosphere (among other things ;)) probably even more than other music does and also a very DEEP BASS to really come alive I think. All those ingredients were present that time. Oh, I suddenly remember the singer had a very high point bonnet on and at a certain moment, when he took it off, it appeared that his hair was in the same shape, standing up underneath it!
I agree: I didn't enjoy reggae too much until a Steel Pulse concert. Good show, and nice guys too. And the hair is a hoot, too.
Originally Posted by OiZo: The vibe makes me happy and content... I completely luv reggae. It even sounds better for each year that pass. Thanx for the joy!!!!!!!
Unfortunately, it's becoming the auto-reggae 1 for me....I just can't figure this type of music out I guess. Oh well...at least someone likes it.
I have a spiritual connection with Steel Pulse and see them EVERY TIME they come to town. If you haven\'t had the opportunity, even if you\'re not a reggae fan, I would encourage it. They are magical.
Here we go, once again RP introduces me to another great song, and undoubtedly another great band. Thank you!!! Great choice in the morning by the way, nice and relaxing
I once saw this band live and was certainly impressed, while I'm not that much into Reggae. Reggae music needs the right atmosphere (among other things ;)) probably even more than other music does and also a very DEEP BASS to really come alive I think. All those ingredients were present that time. Oh, I suddenly remember the singer had a very high point bonnet on and at a certain moment, when he took it off, it appeared that his hair was in the same shape, standing up underneath it!
yah man :)
:)