Celebrate the Bullet

by The Selecter

Released: February 27, 1981

Ska, 2 tone, new wave

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The Album

It was released in February 1981, following the departure of the band's original keyboardist Desmond Brown who was replaced by James Mackie for this album. "Celebrate The Bullet" is the second album by the British ska band The Selecter. The title track proposes non-violence, a direct response to the riots that broke out in UK in the summer of 1981.

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The Complete Album Story

"Celebrate The Bullet" is the second album by the British ska band The Selecter. It was released in February 1981, following the departure of the band's original keyboardist Desmond Brown who was replaced by James Mackie for this album.

The album was produced by Roger Lomas, who played a key role in defining and shaping the signature sound of The Selecter. The title track proposes non-violence, a direct response to the riots that broke out in UK in the summer of 1981.

Sadly, the album wasn't as successful as their debut album, "Too Much Pressure," despite its high production values and insightful lyrics. Its release coincided with the decline of ska's popularity in Britain. After the album's release and the subsequent tour, the band split up due to musical differences and tensions within the group.

Overall, "Celebrate The Bullet" is considered to be an overlooked classic that captures The Selecter's unique sound, a blend of ska and punk with influences from reggae. The album displayed their lyrical maturity and musical versatility while still carrying their ska roots strongly.