Rating the three Mescaleros' albums

[Silent Majority]

For a song that was written two centuries ago, i believe the Meskies version will be recognised as the definitive version in two centuries to come or so long as mankind manages to keep the planet a going concern

I don't think it's really well known enough for that. I think a more old fashioned version would probably last for the ages. Which isn't a knock on the piece itself, but with songs like that, the pedigree is often more important than the quality. As part of a movie soundtrack from the turn of the century and sung - in the eyes of posterity - by a man mostly famous in the eighties - I reckon it'll be forgotten by all but Clash fans.

[Low Down Low]

Yeah maybe I was over-egging it a bit. Although i was referring more to the album version rather than the admittedly brilliant BHD recording. As an irish song I mostly associate it with the legendary tenor John McCormack and that won't change soon, but i keep hearing the Mescalero version pop up more and more these days, especially on radio or tv programs remembering the great wars or major events like 9/11. I think lots of people are aware of the music without knowing who the actual performers are

Put it this way: it will long outlast most of the other versions such as the pedestrian offering by Shane McGowan and, god forbid, the Corrs!

[daredevil]

Yeah maybe I was over-egging it a bit. Although i was referring more to the album version rather than the admittedly brilliant BHD recording. As an irish song I mostly associate it with the legendary tenor John McCormack and that won't change soon, but i keep hearing the Mescalero version pop up more and more these days, especially on radio or tv programs remembering the great wars or major events like 9/11. I think lots of people are aware of the music without knowing who the actual performers are

Put it this way: it will long outlast most of the other versions such as the pedestrian offering by Shane McGowan and, god forbid, the Corrs!

I had the EP that Shane did that has his MB cover and yeah it wasn't very good.

[101Walterton]

I'd never heard Minstrel Boy prior to Global. And that is despite spending far too many years in the Irish pub scene on the Harrow Road.

[Low Down Low]

It's an air that's difficult to do justice to, I think, and doesn't really suit Joe's vocal range all that well which is all the more reason to rate his achievement with it so highly

[Silent Majority]

Yeah maybe I was over-egging it a bit. Although i was referring more to the album version rather than the admittedly brilliant BHD recording. As an irish song I mostly associate it with the legendary tenor John McCormack and that won't change soon, but i keep hearing the Mescalero version pop up more and more these days, especially on radio or tv programs remembering the great wars or major events like 9/11. I think lots of people are aware of the music without knowing who the actual performers are

Put it this way: it will long outlast most of the other versions such as the pedestrian offering by Shane McGowan and, god forbid, the Corrs!

The Clancy Brothers' version is my go-to, but Strummer's definitely beats the hell out of the last two you mention.

[Flex]

The Clancy Brothers' version is my go-to,

Least shocking thing I've heard all week.

[Wolter]

The Clancy Brothers' version is my go-to,

Least shocking thing I've heard all week.

Next thing for James to admit: he has over-indulged in alcohol on occasion.

[Marky Dread]

Global
Rock Art
Streetcore

There's probably an argument that Global is the only full band album as the other two bring in material from other sessions and projects.

While I would prefer a compilation of the best bits of all three. I'm with Inder.

[Boss Sounds]

Global
Streetcore
Rock Art

Although I have no doubt that Streetcore would be top of the list if Joe had lived long enough to properly finish it.

God, I miss that man...

[msza2]

Global
Streetcore
Rock Art

Last two are a photo finish, but I'll give Streetcore the edge for being the one I'm more likely to put on when partyin'

[Toppers Boppers]

Global
Rock Art
Streetcore

Fact!

[laxman]

Global
Rock Art
Streetcore

Fact!

That would be my choice too.

[101Walterton]

Global
Rock Art
Streetcore

Fact!

That would be my choice too.

Seems to be the consensus of opinion?

[coffeepotman]

I've tried, so many times, over the years but I just can't get with Streetcore, wish I did cause so many people love it. I'm a Global man from the beginning. I remember picking that up when it came out and was blown away, it just moves me, never tire of it. Still listen to it on a regular basis