The Sandinista Project

"Sandinista!", the sprawling three record set by the Clash might have been what the ultimate pirate radio station would have sounded like to Strummer and Jones. "The Sandinista Project" is a tribute to that collection recorded by an assortment of artists including Jason Ringenberg, The Smithereens, Jon Lanford (who also painted the album cover), Sally Timms, Joe Grusheky and the Houserockers, Wreckless Eric, Mikey Dread, Steve Wynn among others on the thirty-seven tracks. The hand-picked roster of artists avoids including the usual tribute hacks, who I won't name here (oh, Elvis Costello for example)! While a few songs sound like the work of competent but uninspired Clash cover bands, other tracks are complete deconstructions and reworkings often in a country twangy vein (not surprising since several of the artists are from Bloodshot Records).

Did I enjoy the tribute? Sure, any Clash fan will. Recommend buying it? Yes, but only if you already have "Sandinista". Listening to the "The Sandinista Project" left me with a desire to dig out the original and listen to the Clash's versions before I listen to the tribute again.