A new compilation that pays homage to the late great Joe Strummer will feature an unheard cover of ‘Junco Partner’ by Strummer.
The song played by the talented Clash City Rocker will provide fans a sense of closeness and connection with the singer, the track features Strummer playing an acoustic solo guitar whilst singing a song that was held close to his heart. First heard on an old R&B cassette tape, the song saw Strummer through his music career, from his first band The 101’ers, to The Clash, featured on the bands 1980 album ‘Sandinista!‘, then later in life with Joe Strummer and ‘The Mescaleros. The unreleased cover was found within the artists material and is a must-have for any Joe Strummer or music fan.
The song was originally recorded by James Waynes in 1951 as a blues song, and has been covered by various artists from various musical genres including Dr John and James Booker, as well as The Clash. The song has even influenced other tracks, Chuck Berry himself as admitted that the melody for ‘The Man and The Donkey’ was based and inspired by ‘Junco Partner‘.
The recording will be featured on a new compilation full of carefully selected tracks from Strummer’s career. The album entitled ‘Assembly’ is set to be released on 26th March and will be available in all formats, including limited edition 2LP red vinyl and streaming services everywhere. ‘Junco Partner‘ is available to be streamed immediately and is partnered with a music video created by Spencer Ramsey. The 16-track compilation will also feature remastered and live recordings not just from Strummer’s solo career but will also treat the listener to some covers such as Strummer’s cover of ‘Redemption Song’ originally recorded by Bob Marley. As well as his work on the soundtrack for the 1986 film ‘Sid and Nancy’, on which Strummer had recorded the title track ‘Love Kills’. The film soundtrack also featured another Strummer track entitled ‘Dum Dum Club’.
As well as a deep dive into the legend’s repertory, Strummer fans will also rejoice with the inclusion of live tracks performed by The Clash, the compilation features three unreleased tracks performed by the prolific band including a live performance of ‘Rudie Can’t Fail’. Other live performances include the 1977 ‘I Fought The Law’ off of their self-titled album ‘The Clash’ released the same year. This recording on the compilation was recorded during a live performance at Brixton Academy by Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros. And as a further treat for fans, the compilation includes liner notes which were written specifically for the compilation. The notes are written by Jakob Dylan, an American singer-songwriter best known for his work in the band The Wallflowers as well as being the son of music royalty Bob Dylan.
Born John Graham Mellor, Strummer started his career in The 101ers which he famously left to join The Clash. The Clash went on to be hailed as one of the most influential bands and grace each ‘best of’ lists’ made by magazines and musical institutions. Famed for their arguably best-known track ‘London Calling’, the band released six studio albums from 1977 to 1985. Strummer became a cultural hero and is regarded by many as a huge inspiration in their music as well as their lives. And ‘Assembly‘ is a perfect form of documentation of Strummer’s inspirational creativity.
‘Junco Partner‘ is a perfect expression of Strummer’s raw talent and will give any music fan goosebumps with its magical sense of intimacy.
