LISTEN TO THE BEST BASEMENT 5 SONGS IN STREAMING
Basement 5 were a reggae punk fusion band from London founded in 1978. Their first vocalist was Winston Fergus, then Don Letts.
Basement 5: The Revolutionary Band of the Post-Punk Scene
When we talk about the post-punk scene, the name that comes to our mind is usually that of Joy Division, Gang of Four, or even The Clash. However, there was one band that was equally deserving of recognition but didn't quite make it to that level of fame. And that band was Basement 5.
Hailing from London, this underground outfit created a unique sound that blended post-punk, dub, and reggae. Their music was a perfect reflection of the social upheavals that took place in Britain in the late 70s and early 80s, with lyrics that spoke of police brutality, racism, and political discontent.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the musical biography of Basement 5, delve into their best songs that shaped their legacy, explore their music genre, and discuss their most notable concerts and a critic.
Basement 5 was formed in 1978 by Dennis Morris, a photographer who had previously worked with the Sex Pistols. The band's lineup included Colin Jerwood on vocals, Richard Dudanski on drums, Terry Dangerous Forbes on bass, and Don Letts on guitar and vocals. What made Basement 5 stand out from other post-punk bands was the fact that they were all of mixed race, with Letts being of Jamaican descent, and their music drew influences from the Caribbean, Africa, and the UK.
The band released their first single, Last White Christmas in 1978, which was a commentary on racism and police brutality, and was followed by their debut album, 1965-1980, in 1980. The album was produced by Martin Hannett, who had previously worked with Joy Division and New Order, and featured tracks that fused punk, dub, and reggae in a seamless manner.
The standout tracks from the album included Silicon Chip, Paranoiaclaustrophobia, and No Ball Games, which were all critical of the UK's political and social situation at the time. The band's lyrics were often politically charged and spoke about the need for unity and resistance against the system.
Basement 5's music genre was a unique blend of post-punk, reggae, dub, and funk. They were able to create a sound that was both experimental and accessible, with a heavy emphasis on bass and percussion. Their use of dub effects and reverb also gave their music a distinct sound that set them apart from other bands in the post-punk scene.
In terms of their live performances, Basement 5 were known for their high-energy shows that often included projections and visuals that complemented their music. They played several notable gigs in the UK, including a support slot for The Clash and a residency at the legendary Roxy club in London.
In terms of their live performances, Basement 5 were known for their high-energy shows that often included projections and visuals that complemented their music. They played several notable gigs in the UK, including a support slot for The Clash and a residency at the legendary Roxy club in London.
Despite their critical acclaim, Basement 5 were unable to achieve the same level of commercial success as some of their post-punk contemporaries. They disbanded in 1983, but their legacy as pioneers of the post-punk/reggae fusion lives on. They continue to be an influence on contemporary bands such as TV on the Radio and Death Grips.
In conclusion, Basement 5 were a band ahead of their time. Their music spoke to the social and political issues of their era, and their blend of punk, reggae, and dub was a blueprint for future bands to follow. Their legacy lives on in the post-punk canon, and their music remains relevant to this day. If you haven't listened to Basement 5 before, do yourself a favor and check them out. You won't be disappointed.
Basement 5: The Revolutionary Band of the Post-Punk Scene
When we talk about the post-punk scene, the name that comes to our mind is usually that of Joy Division, Gang of Four, or even The Clash. However, there was one band that was equally deserving of recognition but didn't quite make it to that level of fame. And that band was Basement 5.
Hailing from London, this underground outfit created a unique sound that blended post-punk, dub, and reggae. Their music was a perfect reflection of the social upheavals that took place in Britain in the late 70s and early 80s, with lyrics that spoke of police brutality, racism, and political discontent.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the musical biography of Basement 5, delve into their best songs that shaped their legacy, explore their music genre, and discuss their most notable concerts and a critic.
Basement 5 was formed in 1978 by Dennis Morris, a photographer who had previously worked with the Sex Pistols. The band's lineup included Colin Jerwood on vocals, Richard Dudanski on drums, Terry Dangerous Forbes on bass, and Don Letts on guitar and vocals. What made Basement 5 stand out from other post-punk bands was the fact that they were all of mixed race, with Letts being of Jamaican descent, and their music drew influences from the Caribbean, Africa, and the UK.
The band released their first single, Last White Christmas in 1978, which was a commentary on racism and police brutality, and was followed by their debut album, 1965-1980, in 1980. The album was produced by Martin Hannett, who had previously worked with Joy Division and New Order, and featured tracks that fused punk, dub, and reggae in a seamless manner.
The standout tracks from the album included Silicon Chip, Paranoiaclaustrophobia, and No Ball Games, which were all critical of the UK's political and social situation at the time. The band's lyrics were often politically charged and spoke about the need for unity and resistance against the system.
Basement 5's music genre was a unique blend of post-punk, reggae, dub, and funk. They were able to create a sound that was both experimental and accessible, with a heavy emphasis on bass and percussion. Their use of dub effects and reverb also gave their music a distinct sound that set them apart from other bands in the post-punk scene.
In terms of their live performances, Basement 5 were known for their high-energy shows that often included projections and visuals that complemented their music. They played several notable gigs in the UK, including a support slot for The Clash and a residency at the legendary Roxy club in London.
In terms of their live performances, Basement 5 were known for their high-energy shows that often included projections and visuals that complemented their music. They played several notable gigs in the UK, including a support slot for The Clash and a residency at the legendary Roxy club in London.
Despite their critical acclaim, Basement 5 were unable to achieve the same level of commercial success as some of their post-punk contemporaries. They disbanded in 1983, but their legacy as pioneers of the post-punk/reggae fusion lives on. They continue to be an influence on contemporary bands such as TV on the Radio and Death Grips.
In conclusion, Basement 5 were a band ahead of their time. Their music spoke to the social and political issues of their era, and their blend of punk, reggae, and dub was a blueprint for future bands to follow. Their legacy lives on in the post-punk canon, and their music remains relevant to this day. If you haven't listened to Basement 5 before, do yourself a favor and check them out. You won't be disappointed.
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SONGS OF BASEMENT 5 - THE BEST SONGS OF THE ARTIST
1 - Chip Butty
2 - Last White Christmas
3 - Riot
4 - Heavy Traffic
5 - No Ball Games
6 - Hard Work
7 - Immigration
8 - Omega Man
9 - Immigrant Dub
10 - Silicon Chip
11 - Games: Dub