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.)
posted by LSK to Media & Arts (20 answers total) 9 users marked this as a favorite
 
Jaco Pastorius collaborated a lot with a steel drum virtuoso named Othello Molineaux , for example on his tune Opus Pocus (which also features Wayne Shorter).
posted by thelonius at 11:05 AM on July 14, 2016


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


Talking Heads "Love Comes to Town"
posted by aviatrix at 11:11 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


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]


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]


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


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


Another classic: 20th Century Steel Band - Heaven and Hell is on Earth
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]


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]


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




Boney M: Gotta Go Home
posted by splitpeasoup at 4:34 PM on July 14, 2016 [1 favorite]




Studio Version of Hedge Monkeys
posted by effluvia at 5:09 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


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


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


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