Clash fans head into 2000 with great expectations

Sam Johnson

Last year was a busy one for Clash fans, with releases of a tribute album “Burning London,” a live record, “From Here to Eternity,” and Clash lead guitarist Joe Strummer’s solo album, “Rock, Art and The X-Ray Style.”

With the much-anticipated release of more Clash material, including several albums and a full-length documentary, this year looks to be even more promising.

On Jan. 25, fans can look for remastered versions of almost all the past Clash albums in their catalog to hit the shelves. Not scheduled for remastering is the band’s final studio effort, 1985’s “Cut The Crap,” which was recorded after the band fired guitarist Mick Jones.

According to MTV News Online, the albums set for reissue include 1978’s “Give ‘Em Enough Rope,” 1979’s “London Calling,” 1980’s “Sandinista!” and 1982’s “Combat Rock.”

Three Clash compilations are also set for re-release: “The Story Of The Clash, Volume 1,” a 1988 double disc; “Super Black Market Clash,” a 1994 project which includes the 1980 EP “Black Market Clash” with assorted remixes and singles; and 1996’s “The Singles,” previously only available to U.S. fans as an import.

The other much-anticipated Clash release this year is a full- length documentary on the band, titled “Westway to the World.” The film, which consists of all new material, shows rare footage of the band live and backstage, as well as interviews with the members.

Although many underground videos of the band exist, “Westway to the World” is the first official documentary to be released by the band.

The film, which follows in the format of VH1’s “Behind the Music,” is a standout, according to KURE music director Andrew Seitz.

“I’ve watched most of it, and what can I say?” quipped Seitz. “The main thing that makes this documentary great compared to others is that it’s about The Clash. It’s a great film.”

“Westway to the World,” which is scheduled for official release in a few months, will be available in advance to ISU students for a free prescreening.

The advanced showing of the film will take place tonight at 8 p.m. in the Maintenance Shop as a part of KURE’s 50th anniversary celebration.