'' is the second album by
Joe Strummer And The Mescaleros , displaying trademark genre-melding folk-rock and
Joe 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 ," an almost 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 features in the Doug Liman film Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
All songs by 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
