Customer Reviews

Police State: Tribute to Clash

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I'm not sure what I was thinkin' when I first heard this cd. I dismissed it for some reason thinking it was not that strong or particularly enjoyable. Wot a nut. I broke it out again, though, I gotta admit, after immersing myself in CLASH books, Passion is a Fashion and Complete Clash and the Penny photo book and the Bob G. photo book and the recent Uncut/NME and Mojo Classic Clash magazine issues, I've been revitalized in my enjoyment of the CLASH. I thought the music was great back in the day (I'm 51 in 2005)and it has stood the test of time well. Turns out there's more strong tribute CD's of the CLASH than I realized. To me, a test of whether I'm digging a record, particularly a cover one, is whether I bust out in singing along, loudly. Sure enough, most of the songs here must make for a funny sight when people may see me drivin' by cuz I virtually listen to all my tunes while driving as a compromise to my less musically hard edged family.

This is, no question, another CLASH cover CD that's got the goods. The 2 weakest songs are still not bad. Out of 12 songs I'm turnin' it up for 10 of them. Police & Thieves is incredible instrumentally. Very powerful beats, actually exceeding the intensity of the original. However, once the vocals begin it's that of a gal who sounds like the RAINCOATS/SLITS/KLEENEX style of high female punk vocals that don't particularly match the rich intrumentation. It's not bad if you like those gal bands. Still, I'd love to hear it with no vocals or maybe some stronger vocal presence. Mostly, the songs are true to the punk sound and, as with most of these CLASH cover CD's, sound like they feel it's an honor to be doing these songs. If yer a CLASH fan, feel no hesitation in getting this CD, particularly at its great inexpensive price. Trust me, you'll be glad. ps, if you like Burning London, the big names CLASH tribute CD then, uh, I guess you don't like punk rock cuz that thing's the opposite of punk, ok, not quite BARRY MANILOW or NEIL DIAMOND or LOVERBOY, but, still, a sad attempt at a cover of a classic punk band.

Not that good... get Burning London.. better