Selecter, The: Human Algebra

Does anyone remember The Selecter? Back in the late ‘70s I had started my Ska adventures after hearing “Rudy� by The Specials. Soon after I became familiar with the Ska revival and bands like The English Beat, Madness, and yes, The Specials. Who knew after the release of their 1980 debut titled Too Much Pressure, The Selecter with its various formations would go on to release albums in each of the coming four decades, culminating with their last effort, 2022’s Human Algebra. The album features two original members; front woman Pauline Black and frontman Authur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson who sadly passed away in 2024 after a short illness. I just found out after doing a bit of research for this review. I have to admit I lost touch with the Ska scene in the later ‘80s but I still occasionally spin my favorites’ from the era. Imagine my surprise when I learned of a new Selecter disc, it felt like being in a time warp.

The band has not lost their passion, especially Black’s superb lead vocals. She still has a great voice and her socially conscious lyrics give these tunes a certain edge. Sure, the sound has been somewhat smoothed out, but damn are these some catchy rhythmic driven tunes beginning with the excellent title track that opens the album. Her vocals are spotlighted right from the start and this one has all the ingredients that make Ska music so special �" a great up-tempo groove, catchy vocals, an addictive chorus, nice sax embellishments and a fiery rhythm section. The silky smooth grooves of “Big Little Lies� follow suit and with “Boxing Clever�, Hendrickson offers up some nice scat-like vocals and the sax work from Neil Pyzer is completely refreshing. “Depends� is another catchy track, citing the concerns of alcohol abuse and with “Stay Rebel� the band find their late ‘70s roots, crafting one of the catchiest tunes on the disc.

I don’t know if this is the last we will hear from The Selecter, but if it is, Human Algebra would be an excellent final statement. Only time will tell…

Track Listing:
1. Human Algebra
2. Big Little Lies
3. Boxing Clever
4. Depends
5. Stop Them
6. Stay Rebel
7. War War War
8. Parade The Crown
9. Scandalous
10. Armchair Guevara
11. Not In Love With Love
12. Star Fell Out Of The Blue

Added: April 8th 2026
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 69
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]