Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros: Streetcore

By RUSSELL BAILLIE

(Herald rating: * * * * *)

Yes, one of those stars possibly has something to do with this being the former Clash-man's posthumous album. But it's also the best of three done in the period he's been backed by his young band, the Mescaleros.

Though much of its poignancy comes from a couple of tracks which has Strummer solo, just that emotive rasp of a voice and guitar.

Many have demolished Bob Marley's Redemption Song over the years. Here Strummer - the one-time leader of a rock band which did more for reggae than any other - delivers a take that feels like the definitive cover. When he sings its closing line - "All I ever have, is these songs of freedom" - it sounds like the perfect epitaph.

Likewise, his country ballad Long Shadow was originally written for Johnny Cash - funny how things work out, huh? If Strummer's tribute to the American legend might sound a little too tailored to its intended recipient, it's still a touching moment as it reaches its lyrical punchline about rock'n'roll. There's more heartfelt balladry in the slow-burning Ramshackle Day Parade, Burnin' Streets, and the closing folky cover of Bobby Charles's Silver and Gold.

Elsewhere though, there's proof that Strummer was rocking and reggae-ing right to the end, from opener Coma Girl, the hard-skanking Get Down Moses, and the Clash-funk of Arms Aloft.

It's sad Strummer went before his time. But he's left something great - other than those inspirational Clash albums - for fans to remember him by.

Label: Shock