Global-A-Go-Go

Well, it’s too long for a start, but then again this is the man who went from the short, sharp shock of The Clash to the sprawling Sandanista in the space of four albums. And, given that he is now resident on spiritual home Epitaph, Global-A-Go-Go is one of the least typically punk rock releases you’ll hear this year.

At it’s many heights, though, Strummer’s latest is a free-wheeling triumph. As the title suggests, he’s gone all ‘world’ on us, drawing on some of the influences that were starting to manifest themselves in The Clash, as well as some new ones – dub, hip hop, folk, bluegrass and African are all guests at the party. ‘Global-A-Go-Go’ itself (namechecking Nina Simone, Baba Maal, Bo Didley and the Skatalites amongst others) best sums up the new Strummer ethos. ‘Bhundi Bhagee’ (the songs’ titles are not their strong point) is an equally vibrant homage to multi-cultural London; here’s hoping that someone will be equally inspired by Dublin one day.

The concept – and Strummer’s voice – does wobble somewhat on more than one occasion (‘Gamma Ray’ is plain awful and as for the seventeen minute closer ‘Minstrel Boy’, jeez Joe, what were you thinking?), but if Global-A-Go-Go proves one thing, it’s that Strummer still means it.