Ya heard the Ramones release on Trojan? Waahhh? How about the Troggs on the same imprint? No? Well bredren, rub the grit from your eyes and blast out the waxy build up from your lobes as the UK’s leading reggae label branches out with this ambitious and dynamic new compilation. Based on songs covered by punk legends The Clash over their 9 year career, “Revolution Rock” spans the genres of soul, jazz, blues, rockabilly, 60’s beat and of course, reggae, punk’s sibling genre and one closely associated with the group’s razor sharp sound.
Witness their cover of Junior Murvin’s “Police & Thieves” as evidenced on their self titled debut from 1977 (the original is included here) and see how the savvy mob of Joe Strummer, Paul Simonon, Terry Chimes,Topper Headon and Mick Jones soaked up their love of far off rhythms and paid much respect with their own unique versions. In fact, the Clash played a concert in Jamaica as part of the Jamaica World Music Festival, which was held at the Bob Marley Centre, on 27th November, 1982. Their trip to Jamaica was troublesome for the group, particularly when attempting to hit the streets to score weed. They spent a lot of time writing songs in their hotel room, but the experience solidified their love of reggae, having previously worked with Mikey Dread (producer of “Bankrobber” from 1980’s “Black Market Clash”).
It was in fact Mikey’s influence that enhanced the Clash take on reggae sonically and structurally. He introduced keyboards and other authentic reggae instruments/tools to deepen the tunes such as “Junco Partner” which was recorded at the legendary Channel One studio. On this disc of influences, the New Orleans original of “Junco partner” performed by eye-patch supporting piano legend James Booker can be heard, just another solid original making up this rich tapestry of a compilation. Mikey Dread’s presence ferried the band into the triple LP set “Sandanista!” and as fitting with a release on Trojan, tracks such as Willie Williams classic “Armegideon Time” and The Rulers’ “Wrong ‘Em Boyo” (covered by The Clash on “London Calling”) really give the listener an ear into the particular tunes that the band were hearing at the time.
The compilation is also an interesting insight into the listening habits of individual Clash members. Bassist Paul Siminon learnt his instrument of default (he originally tried lead guitar and failed) playing along to his favourite sound – that of reggae. He wrote probably the best known Clash reggae influenced tune (“Guns Of Brixton”) in retaliation to Jones and Strummer reaping all the royalty rewards and in doing so made a bassline as instantly recognisable as any. Mick Jones is a huge fan of 50’s and 60’s artists such as those on the Jukebox from artists such as Bo Diddley, The Troggs, Vince Taylor and his Playboys and Lloyd Price.
The beauty of this cd is that it isn’t just a great document for fans of the Clash, but also for anyone with a love for rollicking, fun, exciting music that needs to be played loud. Elsewhere on the disc, you’ll find music from Booker T & The MG’s (the mod/soulgroove of “Time Is Tight”), Mose Allisons’ snappy hipster jazz (“Look Here”) and the tune that really foretold punk’s emergence and a tune also covered by the Sex Pistols, Johnathan Richman & The Modern Lovers’ “Roadrunner”, originally from 1972 (!) which still sounds as cool, fun and dumb today as it ever did.
Trojan is a longstanding, quality label that has undergone such a rebirth over recent years, it’d make any reggae fan cry tears of joy. This is a great compilation and one you won’t regret nestling in your collection to be pulled out in time for your next party where it truly deserves to be heard.
Lyndon Pike
