i always have had a soft spot for certain bands irrespective of their perceived lack of cool, one such band was apollo 440, and the other was mick jones post-the clash dance-rock experiment with big audio dynamite, big audio dynamite 2, big audio before mick re-added the necessary explosive extras for the final official album, f-punk. an album that predated the current love of london-centric lyrics, thin scattershot beats, and in-yer-face rock chords.
basically, jamie t has definitely heard a lot of big audio dynamite records.
many many years ago, when i first plumped up the money for a cd player (big fat and chunky sony portable thing) the silver disc playing machine came with an offer for 5 free cds, so desperately scanning the list of options available (hello sade!), i picked the classic this is big audio dynamite, as my cassette version had warped beyond repair, so again i fell in love with the whole mess of guitars, movie samples, dubby production and lashings of old school beatbox rhythms. this newfound rediscovery meant that over the years whenever i saw one of the followup albums in the cheapo bins (a situation that’s becoming less and less of an occurance, as i would like to think that those who have the originals are beginning to reappraise the band perhaps ?) i always fell for the urge, as there was often a few tracks worthy of attention, despite the ongoing love for dreadful cover art, overtly corny lyrics, and a general less than essential vibe setting in.
anyway, rather than me rattle on, the whole story is best mulled over on this spot on the net : here
so, for todays treat, here’s a track lifted from the unreleased final album, entering a new ride. the excellent marriage of a great big lolloping bass line and guitars easily prove that mick still had a knack at a rhythm and melody, a factor that is probably reinforced by the appearance of ranking roger thus recalling the golden era of the band that included the toasting of film maker and don letts all underpinned with a addictive ska based loop. whether the new carbon/silicon material continues to make me part with cash is highly debateable, but in the meantime can i recommend you turn up the volume and just let this 7 minute beast bounce around your speakers.
note : just seconds before i was going to post this i spotted this blog posting on the guardian site ! spooky synchro-whatsits