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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (March 12, 1981)
LPs SANDINISTA! The Clash Epic E3X 37037 The Clash, having survived the challenge of sidestepping the “punk rock” pigeonhole and its accompanying restric tions, proved capable of creating the two-record set London Calling without a duff track. Now, the group has attempted what, in its eyes, must be the logical next step: a self-produced, 36-track, three record set. And, in the process, they’ve proven that bigger isn’t necessarily better. SANDINISTA! sounds like the work of a band that went into a studio with a group of friends and recorded everyth ing that came into their heads. It would appear that when everyone ran out of ideas the Clash listened to what it had, and, to avoid hurting anyone’s feelings, decided to lay aside considerations of quality and just put everything in. Examined in this light, the Clash’s efforts to obtain a lower list price (SANDINISTA! can be purchased for the average price of a two-record set) seems less a magnan imous gesture than a way to assuage guilt feelings. The quality of the material on SANDINISTA! ranges from superb to absolutely pathetic. Among the highs are the rap-influenced “Magnificent Seven” and "Lightning Strikes Not Once But Twice,” the go spel-oriented “Sound of the Sinners,” and the world-poli tics-on-the-dance-floor vision of “Ivan Meets G.l. Joe." One Timon Dogg con tributes (and sings, in a snarl which sounds like a high pitched Johnny Rotten) a tune called “Lose This Skin,” which contains the most inspired use of violins in a rock and roll context since Sid Vicious' tender mauling of "My Way" several years ago. Mick Jones’ “Somebody Got Murdered” also gains high marks, as does a powerful cover of Eddy Grant’s “Police on my Back.” Sharing co-honors with “Mensforth Hill” in the Lowest-of-the-Lows category is "The Crooked Beat.” Bas sist Paul Simenon, who couldn’t lift a tune with a crane, is inexplicably allowed the lead vocals on this track. “Crooked Beat” and London Calling's "Guns of Brixton” demonstrate that Simenon should be restrained, by force if necessary, from getting within range of a microphone. Also worthless are the last four tracks on Side Five, and all of Side Six, with the excep tion of a wonderful children's version of “Career Opportuni ties." One of the key tasks of a producer is to decide what should and what shouldn't ap pear on any given release. The fact that SANDINISTA! is so overblown indicates that the Clash isn’t up to the task it self.The strong material on SANDINISTA! would fit com fortably on four sides. The group needs an outside producer, a Guy Stevens or even a Sandy Pearlman, to force them to separate the wheat from the proverbial chaff. The combination of both (which is SANDINISTA!) can be forgiven once, but listeners may not be so patient the next time Phil Bernstein Take a break in Ashland Over spring break you may want to take advantage of the Oregon Shakespearean Festival Association's special student matinees during March (and later in October). Tickets are priced at $3.50 and include a post-play discus sion with the cast. There is also a three play for $12.00 plan consisting of two evening plays and one special matinee. Student Rush begins one half hour before showtime. Students with a valid I D. card may purchase any remaining tickets for $3.50. The plays include: Twelfth Night Wild Oats, Dealth of a Salesman, 'Tis a Pitty She's a Whore, Othello, Two Gentlemen Poet Kizer to visit coast The Oregon Council for the Arts continues its 4th Winter Poets Reading Series with readings and workshops March 19-22 by Carolyn Kizer. Former Director of the National Endowment for the Arts Literary Program and founding editor of Poetry Northwest, she has also written a book entitled Knowck Upon Silence. Workshops will be held on March 19 and 20 in Newport from 2-5 p.m. in St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Readings by Kizer are March 20 in Newport, March 21 in Astoria and March 22 in Brookings. All readings are at 8 p.m. In Newport the reading is at Sacred Heart Catholic Church; in Astoria, Clatsop Community College Performing Arts Center; in Brookings at the Azalea School Library. The workshops cost $10; the readings cost $3. Contact the Council in Newport if you have questions ast 265-9231. ^r?=iif7=niEiir^rF=nrr=nfr=nfrairr^nfrai of Verona, Artichoke, The Birthday Party, The Island and Henry the IV, Part One. Contact the Festival Box Of fice in Ashland at 482-4331 for more information or reserva tions; or the EMU Main Desk at 686-4361. KINKO’S 4c Self Service COPIES • Binding • Two-sided copies • Reductions 344-7894 764 E. 13th irallrallrSlfralfrallrallrallrallrallrallralff^ Now Serving... The finest of Szechuan & Hunan cooking in an authentic Oriental atmosphere. Enjoy a variety of carefully prepared dishes and the friendly service that makes each meal a special occasion. Mei Lin’s I I (Upstairs at the Bamboo Pavillion) 12 75 Alder St. 686-013 3 Open 5-9:30 Mon.-Sat. 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