4. Jah War - The Ruts (1979)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01zIS6oYqec The Ruts career was cut short by the tragic death of lead singer, Malcolm Owen, who was found dead at aged 26 from a heroin overdose. But in the short time that they operated, their brand of militant, socio-political punk was as energetic and important as any other band that emerged in the late 70s. The younger brothers of The Clash in terms of their reggae vibe, a diverse style that referenced the punk-reggae crossover that was weaving its way through the London scene courtesy of icons such as Don Letts, the Ruts music was unflinchingly realistic and political. Jah War tells the tale of a peaceful protest gone awry in Southall and lays into the police brutality and violence that was becoming an all-too-common occurrence on the streets of London. Voiced in Owens shrewd cod-Jamaican vocal, the front man encapsulates the tension and chaos that abounded during the ensuing riot but displays enough poignancy to nail home the injustice of this aggression, referencing the injured Clarence Beaker as no trouble maker in an alternative headline of sorts to enlighten a popular consciousness blinded by a distorted, official truth. A pulsating bass line, clanging guitars and evocative brass ensure of a more complex musical soundscape that moves away from punks conventional minimalism to reinforce the depth and integrity of The Ruts message making this entry a seldom heard... but essential 7.
Dan Owens
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A 22 year old English Literature graduate from Birmingham. I am passionate about music, literature and football, in particular, my beloved Aston Villa. Lover of words and consumer of art, music is the very air that I breathe.
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