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101ERS
Elgin Avenue Breakdown EMI
***

"After I saw The Sex Pistols I realised we were yesterday's papers," said Joe Strummer about his decision to leave The 101ers and form The Clash. The band (named after the number of the house they squatted in) had cut out quite a niche for themselves on the then-thriving pub rock scene. This contains all their known studio and live tracks, and, apart from its obvious curio value for Clash fans, there are a few very good Dr Feelgood-inspired tracks on this - all distinguished by Strummer's instantly recognisable vocal delivery (and how great it is to hear that voice again). Completists will be glad to find Junco Partner here - a re-worked version of the song ended up on The Clash's Sandinista album. The only real letdown is the live version of Gloria - but then I suppose that's what pub rock bands did at the time.

Brian Boyd