1/3/2012

The Clash -- "Version City"

In case you've never made it to the end of Sandinista!, let me tell you that you can skip most of side six unless you're a die-hard fan of The Clash.  There's not much that I would want to cut from the earlier sides except to edit the sequencing, maybe, and to trim a few songs down to size.  On side six, though, there's not much that needs to be there except for the novelty remake of "Career Opportunities" with child vocalists (not a track anyone is likely to listen to often, but it provides some minor amusement) and this little number.  The song itself is nestled in between spoken-word segments offering a largely unnecessary send-up of the hi-fi lifestyle of the 1960s, but it's worth bearing through because, starting at about 32 seconds into the track, you'll find The Clash's most credible exploration of the funk genre.  Play this song to someone who has never listened much to Sandinista!, tell them it's The Clash, and see their reaction.  The bass playing is note-perfect -- no offense to the great Paul Simonon, but I suspect that it's actually guest bassist Norman Watt-Roy of The Blockheads playing here.  Joe Strummer is there with his voice as well as his harmonica.  Topper Headon is spot on, as always, with his snares and his hi-hat.  Mick Jones is playing a subdued role, mostly behind the sound desk, one imagines.  Micky Gallagher of The Blockheads is playing the keys, and in all this song is an absolute gem, one that highlights the great and often underappreciated versatility of one of the greatest bands of all time.