Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros, Global A Go-Go (Hellcat Records) 9+
When former Clash frontman Joe Strummer made his 1999 comeback with Rock Art and the X-Ray Style, many people paid no mind. After all, it seems every day some washed-up punker or rocker is attempting a comeback from obscurity with yet another hopelessly flaccid attempt to regain lost glories. But hey, this is Joe Strummer we're talking about. His debut with The Mescaleros was spotty, but showed promise. Global A Go-Go fulfills that promise with flying pancultural colors. We're all familiar with the story of how The Clash extended punk's comfy relationship with dub reggae into even more eclectic explorations of funk, dancehall, even hip hop. Their influence is far reaching, and now it's time for Strummer to collect on some of the benefits. Manu Chao, whose band Mano Negra capitalized on The Clash's groundbreaking work, is now an international superstar. Global A Go-Go is a celebration of Chao-style globalista ethnic eclecticism. Standouts include "Bhindi Bhagee," an exuberant mix of Cornershop-like post-Indian pop, and the world-weary "Shaktar Donetsk," a Sandinista-ish chant with African rhythms, horns and a variety of folky ethnic instruments. Much of the mood is subdued, taking a more laid-back approach to the roots music explorations, exemplified on the strolling Cuban ballad "Mondo Bongo" and spacey mambo of "Gamma Ray." More familiar territories are revisited, from American roots rock to Irish folk and reggae, but with the lyrical confidence and conviction of a man who's legendary artistry is back in full force.
