Global a Go-Go

Infobox Album | Name = Global a Go-Go
Type = Album
Artist = Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros


Released = 24 July 2001
Recorded =
Genre = Rock
Length = 73:19
Label = HellCat
Producer = Scott Shields, Martin Slattery, Joe Strummer and Richard Flack
Reviews =
* Allmusic Rating|3|5 [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:otdqoawaqij9 link]
Last album = "Rock Art and the X-Ray Style"
(1999)
This album = "Global a Go-Go"
(2001)
Next album = "Streetcore"
(2003) |

"Global a Go-Go" is the second album by Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros, displaying trademark genre-melding folk-rock and Strummer's unique lyrical style. As the title suggests, there are world music influences on the album, mostly on the title track and "Bhindhi Bhagee", a celebration of the "humble" but diverse and exciting ethnic and multi-cultural areas of London and other major cities. The album is heavy on acoustic instruments, especially in the instrumental "Minstrel Boy," a nearly 18 minute long arrangement of a traditional Irish song. Other topics covered include Strummer's radio show, which was broadcast on the BBC World Service (Global a Go-Go) and left-wing political issues Strummer was well-known for expounding as a member of The Clash. The album was well-received by critics and fans, making much more of an impact than the group's previous effort "Rock Art and the X-Ray Style". The title track "Global A Go-Go" features backing vocals from longtime friend of Strummer, Roger Daltrey. Pete Townshend is also rumoured to be buried in the mix of Minstrel Boy, but this has never been positively confirmed.

A different version of "Minstrel Boy" was used as the closing track on the Ridley Scott film "Black Hawk Down", this film version is significantly shorter and does feature the actual lyrics to the song. Likewise, "Mondo Bongo" is featured in the Doug Liman film "Mr. & Mrs. Smith".

The lead track "Johnny Appleseed" is the opening theme to the HBO show "John from Cincinnati".

The "Minstrel Boy" track is also known as the "Worldcom Dirge" after being featured in a commercial by the soon-to be-bankrupt telecommunications company.

Track listing

All songs by Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros, unless otherwise noted.
#"Johnny Appleseed" – 4:03
#"Cool 'n' Out" – 4:22
#"Global a Go-Go" – 5:55
#"Bhindi Bhagee" – 5:47
#"Gamma Ray" – 6:58
#"Mega Bottle Ride" – 3:33
#"Shaktar Donetsk" – 5:57
#"Mondo Bongo" – 6:14
#"Bummed Out City" – 5:33
#"At the Border, Guy" – 7:08
#"Minstrel Boy" (Traditional) – 17:49

Personnel

* Joe Strummer - vocals, producer
* Martin Slattery - synthesizer, bass, fuzz guitar, drones, Wurlitzer, hammer dulcimer, melodica, saxophone, Hammond organ, accordion, guitar, flute, backup vocals, producer
* Scott Shields - bass, guitar, bongos, Hammond organ, bells, loops, drums, backup vocals, producer
* Pablo Cook - udu, Cuban percussion, screams, guiro, shaker, bodhran, glass harmonica, noise, bells, drums, bongos, tambourine, whistle, conga
* Tymon Dogg - classical guitar, violin, mandolin
* Richard Flack - cymbals, backup vocals, producer
* Roger Daltrey - vocals
* Antony Genn - strings, loops
* Chris Lasalle - sequencing
* Bob Gruen - photography

ee also

*"Let's Rock Again!" - a documentary shot during the "Global a Go-Go" tour