I’m not saying it is
the best album of all time. I’m not even saying it is the best album by The
Clash. But what a fascinating trip.
People who claim side
6 is a waste of tape and question the purpose of having “One More Dub” right
after “One More Time” are totally missing the fucking point. Sandinista! has 36 songs on it, for
Christ’s sake, so that’s a bit like criticising a novel for having a couple of
adjectives you don’t like. I’m grossly exaggerating of course, but I’m trying
to prove a point here.
Try taking Sandinista! on a trip somewhere. Start
at home with the quasi-hip-hop of “The Magnificent Seven”, go to the airport to
the delicious pop of “Somewhere In England”, board the plane singing along to
“Up In Heaven”, step off the ladder with the insanely addictive “Lose That
Skin”, dance across a foreign city with the deranged rhythm of “Version City”
and check into your hotel screaming “Career Opportunities” at the top of your
lungs. Like those kids do.
Sandinista! is for special experiences. That said, side 6 can get
you through boring household routine like cleaning windows and ironing
shirts... Oh, and “Shepherds Delight” is for taking drugs alone in your room,
after a long and exhausting journey.
