Black Market Clash (Import)

by

The Clash

Edit

OK, mobsters, even with the clear telling by a reviewer of Super Black Market Clash how that steroidal bastardization came about, it still doesn't make a lot of sense not to have this, the real thing, out on the market. The Clash had our hearts and minds when this came out in 1980, an Epic label "Nu DISK," which meant a little 10-incher going for maybe $5.99 The songs were listed as being from 1977 to 1980, but it didn't play like a comp. First side was a rockers dream, wtih "Capital Radio One" the right out manifesto, "Pressure Drop" sounding like an amped up Madness channeled by the Clash, the goregous instrumental "Time is Tight" wrapping it up. Then, on to Side 2, where three of the greatest tracks in dub history are laid down in order, sinking you deeper into the vortex, the dread, the soul, everything deeper and deeper into the sound of music as the secret other, answering questions about politics, rhythm, existentialism, night time. The three songs should never be broken up. So, I would say don't think you have this by having "Super Black Market Clash" because some of the songs aren't even on that. This is what you want and you probably don't have to work that hard to find it. Ah, sigh, revisionist history. Don't be fooled. Demand the real thing, always.

I see the current prices on this import and think, wow, I got a great deal on this little baby. I may resell it for a several hundred percent gain as I as not as enamored of this recording as I was when I was younger, smokin' the ganga, mon.

I had Super Black Market Clash for a short while, years ago, and put it on the CD player and said, "This is not what I thought I bought," so I waited, and waited, etc., for Black Market Clash to come out on CD. When I found it, I thought, "This is a scam. I'm going to lose my money." But a week later, it showed up. I immediately put it into my ipod and played it from end to end.

My feeling at the end? Ehh-

Frankly, it's good, but probably nothing could match the anticipation of waiting and my memory of the quality of this recording. Add to it that I am 20+ years older than when I first heard Black Market Clash, sober, etc. For me, Black Market Clash was a point in time album, with memories of great times with close friends.

One last word: If you can get this CD for a deal, pick it up as Bank Robber/Robber Dub is a very, very good song, regardless of anything.