Search - Joe Strummer :: Coma Girl 1

Not The Best But Still

Juan Mobili | Valley Cottage, NY USA | 05/23/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"For die-hard fans of Joe Strummer like I am, the credo remains "buy first, read reviews second," so what I'll say will hold very little importance on a decision you've, probably, already made. If you do not know Joe's work or your only contact comes from his Clash period, this is not the best place to start to dig the Mezcaleros phase. EPs are tricky, cheaper and lower risks, yet often uneven in their content. In this particular case, you get three tunes ?two of them live? and a video for Coma Girl, the title song. Coma Girl is pure Strummer, no doubt, perfect to awaken you from any stupor these times might have led you to, although not a song in the same class with practically anything included in Global A Go-Go album, which to me has been his solo work's pinnacle. As far as the two live cuts, the Jimmy Cliff's cover is fine although short ,but this is a tribute to how much I love the personal and powerful way that Joe could play and sing reggae. The last tune will be cherished by long time fans if not for its musical value then for the soul Joe put on anything he did. You can only imagine what a pleasure must have been to see him live ?I say "imagine" because I never saw him live, and I'll forever be regretful for it. As far as the video, a plus for the price but inappropriate to add to rating of the music contained here. So, for us big fans you can even give it four stars, otherwise get any of his three Mezcaleros' full CDs, and you'll be pleased ... very pleased."