Name: Political / Generals
Brand: Musical Youth

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

rarc021v

{"blocks": [{"data": {"text": "rarc021v"}, "type": "paragraph"}]}

Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2017-11-10

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Shellshock

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

5052571073278

{"blocks": [{"data": {"text": "5052571073278"}, "type": "paragraph"}]}

Total Cap

1 / 7" / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Musical Youth

Genre GB

Reggae / Dub

Label GB

Reggae Archive

Musical Youth, formed in Birmingham in the early 1980s, were more than just a child novelty act. They honed their musical skills by playing in local pubs before being signed by MCA in 1982. Their first single "Pass The Dutchie" became a global hit and they were the first black act to appear on MTV. Despite their initial success, the band struggled to find a balance between serious reggae and youthful energy, leading to their eventual disintegration.

During their time in the spotlight, Musical Youth collaborated with artists like Donna Summer and toured around the world. However, internal conflicts and external pressures caused tensions within the band. Their second album "Different Style" failed to make an impact and ultimately led to their downfall.

Since then, only Michael Grant has continued his music career as part of 5am. Junior Waite and Kelvin Grant have faced mental health challenges while Patrick Waite tragically passed away at age 24 while awaiting trial on drugs charges.

Limited edition of 500 copies 7". Musical Youth burst into the public consciousness in 1982 with Pass the Dutchie. It became a well deserved stepping stone to huge success as the major label pop friendly marketing tool kicked into full effect. The band's first single, featuring former Techniques member Frederick Waite Senior on lead vocals, didn't fit the picture and became an all but forgotten part of their story. That single, Political / Generals was a fund raising effort for a community music facility and was released on Birmingham's independent 021 label in the early years of Thatcherism and at a time of high unemployment. Political was a scathing attack on the inability of the government to provide millions of people with employment. A cry for both work and a better future where the children will be given a chance to have jobs and security; it ably reflects the desperation and despair that so many felt at that time. Almost as much a part of the 1981 political landscape was The Cold War and fear of nuclear Armageddon. Generals touches on its anti-war call for pacifism, naming and shaming the officers rather than the ordinary soldiers who ultimately pay the price for wars. Both sides have an unmistakeably British roots reggae sound, a sound that for many years was underappreciated by both critics and fans alike who saw anything non Jamaican as second class. Finally the gems of non Jamaican reggae are being objectively heard and given the status they deserve.

Political / Generals

Music GB