The Clash – Sandinista!

Sometimes described as a "sprawling masterpiece". Sprawl it does, masterful it falls short of. They say "cream floats to the top" and in this case that's largely true, side A sublime, B as well, C pretty damn good, D has it's moments. If anyone ever pays a return visit to side F I'd ire their fortitude. If the album cut off at D6 then reserved parts of E as bonus tracks, then yes it would have a case for the masterpiece accolade. As it is there's just too much filler and self-indulgent dross on E and F to deserve it.

This record is truly beyond category. The amount of craft and detail seems phenomenal to me. A good record will stretch you beyond your normal expectations. That’s exactly what this record does.

Surprised at the love for this album. I find it a hard listen overall although it would have made an excellent single album. Can't beat the debut - GOAT!

A sprawling masterpiece , that the critics refuse to acknowledge ( because they can't box it in to a certain musical style ) . Up there with the White album , another sprawling masterpiece !

Summary of Information in Kris Needs' Sandinista! article in Vive Le Rock Issue 076

Shepherds Delight recorded Pluto Studios, Manchester, February 1980

Junco Partner recorded Channel One Studios, Jamaica March 1980

Police On My Back, recorded Power Station, NY March 1980 (bass overdubbed by Paul later at Wessex)

Lose This Skin recorded Electric Ladyland , NY April 1980
The Call Up recorded Electric Ladyland , NY April 1980
Charlie Don't Surf recorded Electric Ladyland , NY April 1980
Magnificent 7 recorded Electric Ladyland , NY April 1980
Lightning Strikes recorded Electric Ladyland , NY April 1980
If Music Could Talk recorded Electric Ladyland , NY April 1980
Broadway recorded Electric Ladyland , NY April 1980
Corner Soul recorded Electric Ladyland , NY April 1980
One More Time recorded Electric Ladyland , NY April 1980

The Equaliser recorded Wessex Studios, London, UK August 1980
Rebel Waltz recorded Wessex Studios, London, UK August 1980
Something About England recorded Wessex Studios, London, UK August 1980
Someone Got Murdered recorded Wessex Studios, London, UK August 1980
Up In Heaven recorded Wessex Studios, London, UK August 1980
Lets Go Crazy recorded Wessex Studios, London, UK August 1980
Street Parade recorded Wessex Studios, London, UK August 1980
Hitsville UK recorded Wessex Studios, London, UK August 1980
Look Here recorded Wessex Studios, London, UK August 1980
The Leader recorded Wessex Studios, London, UK August 1980
Midnight Log recorded Wessex Studios, London, UK August 1980
The Crooked Beat recorded Wessex Studios, London, UK August 1980
The Sound Of Sinners recorded Wessex Studios, London, UK August 1980
Career Opportunies recorded Wessex Studios, London, UK August 1980

Guest Musicians
Ivan Julian, Guitar on The Call Up
Ansell Collins, Spoken Word on Lets Go Crazy

I've got unknown / copyright control credits with the following matrix runouts:

FSLN 1 A5 /\
FSLN-1 B2 timtom-cbs /\
FSLN-1 C2 D
FSLN-1-D4 /\
FSLN-1-E-3
FSLN-1 F2

My version has the sticker on the front and unknown writer for A/3 junco partner. Inner included. Is this version first press with the unknown writer citing? Happy collecting people

I’m looking to buy the cover only. Vg or better. me if you have one to sell.

This album stands the test of time listening to it almost 40 years later and having bought it at the time of release and not loving it today it's one of my favourite albums of all time up there with the White album and a segway to Big Audio D....

I think people overrate this album because of reputation. I think there was a lot thrown on here without much thought. There is some amazing music but too much chaff, they could have tightened this up and made a much better single or double album. Still obviously worth having if you come across it.