Looking for catchy steel drum music
July 14, 2016 10:32 AM Subscribe
I've found myself infatuated with the way steel drums sound, especially as an instrument in a pop / dance-pop context. What are some good catchy songs that use steel drums prominently?
(This question spurred by a live performance of Hot Chip's "I Feel Better", performed alongside a steel drum ensemble.)
(This question spurred by a live performance of Hot Chip's "I Feel Better", performed alongside a steel drum ensemble.)
I love steel drums too, but normally like them best in a mellow, downbeat context. Here are two faves.
posted by bifter at 11:08 AM on July 14, 2016
posted by bifter at 11:08 AM on July 14, 2016
Architecture in Helsinki - Heart It Races - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZjpWs1h7pU
posted by exquisite_deluxe at 11:31 AM on July 14, 2016
posted by exquisite_deluxe at 11:31 AM on July 14, 2016
Best answer: Also: http://ask.metafilter.com/280375/Steel-drums-Pop-Music
posted by exquisite_deluxe at 11:32 AM on July 14, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by exquisite_deluxe at 11:32 AM on July 14, 2016 [1 favorite]
This cover of one of my favorite Aphex Twin songs should fit the bill.
posted by STFUDonnie at 11:37 AM on July 14, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by STFUDonnie at 11:37 AM on July 14, 2016 [1 favorite]
The Katzenjammer's cover of Cars (Gary Numan) is pretty awesome... http://youtu.be/AR3q0IrpWlM
posted by chr1sb0y at 11:42 AM on July 14, 2016
posted by chr1sb0y at 11:42 AM on July 14, 2016
The cover of I Want You Back by the Esso Trinidad Steel Band is a glorious thing.
posted by neroli at 11:47 AM on July 14, 2016
posted by neroli at 11:47 AM on July 14, 2016
Another classic: 20th Century Steel Band - Heaven and Hell is on Earth
posted by neroli at 11:50 AM on July 14, 2016
posted by neroli at 11:50 AM on July 14, 2016
a long shot, but is this up your alley? if so, check out their first few albums (as portico quartet, before the hang player left).
posted by andrewcooke at 12:48 PM on July 14, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by andrewcooke at 12:48 PM on July 14, 2016 [1 favorite]
I'm not sure it totally fits what you're looking for, but I feel I must mention Pan in A minor by Lord Kitchener, and the over the top instrumental cover by the Amoco Renegades which is 10 minutes of a wall of steel drum sound.
posted by bjrn at 1:12 PM on July 14, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by bjrn at 1:12 PM on July 14, 2016 [1 favorite]
Yves LaRock - Rise Up
(kinda sound more synth-y than real steel drums but they sound close enough to me...)
posted by Noisy Pink Bubbles at 1:44 PM on July 14, 2016
(kinda sound more synth-y than real steel drums but they sound close enough to me...)
posted by Noisy Pink Bubbles at 1:44 PM on July 14, 2016
Haiti - Arcade Fire
Calypso Rock - Original Tropicana Steel Band
Ride Your Donkey - Esso Steel Band
posted by The Card Cheat at 3:47 PM on July 14, 2016
Calypso Rock - Original Tropicana Steel Band
Ride Your Donkey - Esso Steel Band
posted by The Card Cheat at 3:47 PM on July 14, 2016
Is a hang drum similar enough? Bjork has been using them in her tracks of late.
posted by gregr at 7:44 PM on July 14, 2016
posted by gregr at 7:44 PM on July 14, 2016
Finder by Ninetoes was a big club hit a few years ago, sampling The Path by Concept Neuf.
posted by iivix at 2:28 AM on July 15, 2016
posted by iivix at 2:28 AM on July 15, 2016
Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band's recent cover version of Was Dog A Doughnut is pretty great. (Cat Steven's original)
posted by iivix at 2:33 AM on July 15, 2016
posted by iivix at 2:33 AM on July 15, 2016
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posted by thelonius at 11:05 AM on July 14, 2016