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Joe Strummer’s solo catalog is in good hands, having recently been acquired by Dark Horse Records, a label founded by former Beatle George Harrison and revived by his son Dhani. The company’s first release of the legendary ex-front man for the Clash, Assembly was expertly remastered by Paul Hicks, a three-time Grammy winner and a member of Dhani Harrison’s band thenewno2. The compilation is a thoughtful assembly of highlights of Strummer’s work with his backing band the Mescaleros. One of Strummer’s best songs, the upbeat “Coma Girl,” opens the record, followed by a reflective and Strummer-style socially engaged “Johnny Appleseed.” Then comes a dynamite live version of “I Fought the Law,” which the Clash famously covered. Other nods to the Clash repertoire are included (a live version of “Rudie Can’t Fail” and an acoustic “Junco Partner”). However, most of the record showcases Strummer’s utopian, purposeful, complex solo work, which draws from a variety of styles (rockabilly, reggae, soul, hip-hop, ska) and was unfortunately cut short by his sudden death of a heart condition in 2002. True to form, the imagery on the front and back cover of Assembly does an excellent job of complementing such memorable music.
By Malgorzata Quinn
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