the selecter

by John Dougan
Despite being the band that got the least press during the ska revival of the early 80s, the Selecter, while only recording one undeniably fine record, deserved better than they got. Hailing from Coventry, England, the same hometown as ska pals the Specials, the Selecters secret weapon was lead singer Pauline Black, arguably the best lead singer of the ska revival, who gave the jumpy and jittery songs an edge that veered into haunting drama. Although they got off to a roaring start with their debut record, 1980s Too Much Pressure, the second record, Celebrate the Bullet, was a strained follow-up that led to the bands rapid demise. Black spent some time singing solo and eventually re-joined guitarist Neol Davis in a Selecter reunion in the early 90s that has seen them become dance club favorites. According to those attending Selecter shows, the vibe is strong and the music great.