Much like their American counterparts Mc5, Third World War were a heavily politicized band from England who made their mark playing heavy rock songs with an overtly left-wing political agenda. They were well known amongst the London Underground scene, playing free concerts with the likes of Arthur Brown, the Pink Fairies, and the wonderfully eccentric Viv Stanshall (before he formed the infamous Bonzo Dog Band).
Their songs focus on the poor, disenfranchised, the uneducated; on rebels, Hells Angels, and semi-skilled laborers fighting for their freedom. The music could at moments be sensitive, but was more often than not a raw, "punk" sound.
This lp, their 2nd (and last), dates from 1972, and musically is a more complete album than their self-titled debut. There are some excellent bluesy numbers, mainly "Coshing Old Lady," (their tribute to Hells Angels), mellow ones such as "Factory Canteen Mews," which offers excellent guitar work by Terry Stamp. Mainly, the lp is heavy rock numbers, such as "Yoko," "Urban Rock," "Rat Crawl," and their classic numbers- "I'd Rather Cut Cane for Castro," and the brilliant "Hammersmith Guerrilla," with very political lyrics such as:
"Get yer arse down to Hammersmith town; Join the urban guerrillas Take up arms against the crown; Don't talk about wrong and right, Get out and fight!"
Pretty heady stuff.
Their 2 lps are wonderful listening, and fans of the "Kick Out the Jams" era Mc5 will find Third World War (the name says it all) as kindred spirits- and even more political!
An exceptional cd well worth getting!(By Sean M. Kelly)
Tracks Listing
1. Yobo
2. Urban Rock
3. Coshing Old Lady Blues
4. Rat Crawl
5. Id Rather Cut Cane For Castro
6. Factory Canteen News
7. Hammersmith Guerrilla
Credits
Terry Stamp - Guitar, Vocals
Mick Lieber - Guitar
Peter Martin - Guitar
Tony Ashton - Keyboards
Jim Avery - Bass
Fred Smith - Drums
Bobby Keys - Saxophone
Jim Price - Horn
Wingy - Harmonica
Neemoi Acquaye - Percussion
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