There’s no theme here, it’s just one of my all time favorites: “Gates of the West,” originally on the Cost of Living EP (1979). From The Clash Wiki:
The Cost Of Living EP is an EP released by The Clash on election day 1979, as Margaret Thatcher's government took power in the UK. Originally it was planned for the front cover artwork to feature Margaret Thatcher’s face superimposed over a swastika, but this was vetoed by Mick Jones (“I don’t want no politicians on the front of my records”), and the final soap powder box inspired artwork was created instead by [bassist] Paul [Simonon] and [guitarist/songwriter/singer] Joe [Strummer].
So, yeah, they weren’t altogether shy about their left-leaning political views, even if they didn’t “want no politicians” on their record covers. This song, though, isn’t about politics politics so much as it’s about music politics, like much of their early music, and their concerns about the compromises they had to make to get ahead in the music business and what those compromises will do to them.
But I have a confession: I like this song just because I like it. It’s just one of those turn-it-up-loud Clash songs from their early years. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
So I’m standing at the gates of the west
I burn money at the lights of the sign
The city casts a shadow
Of the perfect crime
I’m standing at the gates of the west,
I take my pulse and the pulse of my friend,
The city casts a shadow
Will I see you again?
For you Clash aficionados, “Gates of the West” also was the B-Side of the “Groovy Times” single. Which is another great song I may have to feature one of these weeks.
Happy Friday, everybody.
© 2011 David P. von Ebers. All rights reserved.
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