Joe Strummer & The Mescoleros-Global A Go-Go ***½


Being completely honest I must say that Global A Go-Go is the weakest of the three Mescolero albums. Not quite as solid as the debut, Rock Art & The X-Ray Style and not as rocking as Streetcore, really this is just a mixed bag with a few really great songs, and then the rest are just average songs. This was the second album for the band but this is also somewhat of a different line up, which I don't think meshed totally well, and that is the problem with the album.

If Joe Strummer knows how to do one thing it is have a great opening song. All The Clash albums, all his solo albums, and all of his albums with The Mescoleros feature a killer opening song, and `Johnny Appleseed' is no exception. It is pure Strummer with insightful lyrics and heartfelt vocals. The perfect way to open the album showing that Strummer has lost none of his punk roots. `Cool N' Out' keeps things going. Starting with a "we have late breaking news" quote from Strummer over a mega phone really sets the pace for the song. The title track, `Global A Go-Go' couldn't have been a great song but just didn't pull it off, just missed it's mark. The same can be said for `Gamma Ray.' `Mega Bottle Ride' is a Strummer ode to booze, something the man had loved his entire life. `Shaktar Donetsk' is an amazing song, one of the best Strummer has ever written.

As for the rest of the album, `Bhindi Bhagee' is difficult and depends on your mood when you listen to the album really, it's one of those songs. `Mondo Bongo' Bummed Out City' and `At The Border Guy' are all forgettable but have great lyrics. They are not bad songs, just they do nothing to make themselves stand out, they sort of get lost in the shuffle of the album. `Minstrel Boy' ends the album and is really a great song, but drags on for a bit to long, I do realize that it is part of the point of the song, and that they did that on purpose but I really do think it would have served better a minute or two shorter.

Now a lot should be said for Strummer, those who have called the man a sell out are just ignorant. He did what everyone musician wishes they could have done, and that is grow. He never lost sight of what was important and always managed to work it into his music in one form or another. Strummer was an original and his work with the Mescoleros was a testament to that.

Old hippie here, no lack of great muzak back in 60's and 70's, and of course the Clash helped me get through the 80's, so. The mescaleros make me wish I was still doing drugs...uh, you really don't have to with this troupe. A batch of very very good musicians, always makes you happy, eh? cya

If you like the Clash, or BAD, or even Strummers solo career, this cd will blow you away.

Awesome album from one of the most awesome artists who ever lived. Joe Strummer, rest in peace, even in his later years, has created uniquely beautiful music.

Hauntingly beautiful, Global a Go-Go is filled with rich, raw, melodic, luscious, exotic tunes. Joe Strummer is a
genuis with a raw voice who sings to you personally. You willl be deeply moved from Track 1 onward. Every song is a winner! Treat yourself and your friends to some of the best music ever!! It's mesmorizing and joyfully addicting! I love you Joe Strummer!