The Clash Studio Logs/Sessionography

[matedog]

Updated what I could on London Calling including some of the credits. Any more info would be appreciated. Does anyone have a timeline for the Vanilla Tapes? I skimmed Route 19 and only found that the demos extended into early July (79), but I'm not sure when they started. I'm reluctant to include demo sessions as those are even harder to track down, but these have an official release and seem like they should be easy to pin down.

[matedog]

Hi

Long time Clash fan here finally decided to take the plunge and join after viewing the board for years.

A little bit of information about Broadway.
According to a note written by Paul Simonon in the London Calling scrapbook Broadway was recorded along with Bankrobber, Shepherds Delight and Rockers Galore in early Feb 1980 in Manchester. Although slightly confusingly Paul says it was in Strawberry Studio but every other reference say it was Pluto.

First of all, welcome! Secondly, I'm wondering if Paul is not remembering it correctly?

Thanks. I think that you are correct regarding the studio as Paul initially wrote ' Some studio in Manchester' and above it he has written 'Strawberry Studio' . As the letter was handwritten by Paul in early 1980 less reason to doubt what was recorded.

Is this part of a diary entry included in the scrapbook?

It's more like a report / letter. Also just read on the following page a report from Joe where he also writes 'Pluto studios, Manchester the group recorded Bankrobber, On Broadway and Mikey toasted Bankrobber to come up with a Rockers on a UK tour'. So it seems pretty conclusive that Broadway was recorded at the same time as Bankrobber. I guess this makes Broadway a strong contender for being the first Sandinista track that they recorded or even wrote?

That is pretty persuasive, I'd say. The common story from most of the sources is that the New York recording sessions in April inspired Joe to write Broadway and that it was likely recorded at Wessex in August. Baker apparently has an anecdote about it in the Clash on Broadway box. That being said, none of that is definitive and having two fairly contemporaneous accounts from Joe and Paul seem more persuasive. Furthermore, I believe Paul has cowriting credits on this track and he wasn't around for the April sessions (he could have contributed to the writing during the recording process in August, so this isn't definitive either).

Still, I think Passion notes that Shepherd's Delight was recorded as well. I'll leave that until I hear something otherwise.

[IkarisOne]

First of all, welcome! Secondly, I'm wondering if Paul is not remembering it correctly?

Thanks. I think that you are correct regarding the studio as Paul initially wrote ' Some studio in Manchester' and above it he has written 'Strawberry Studio' . As the letter was handwritten by Paul in early 1980 less reason to doubt what was recorded.

Is this part of a diary entry included in the scrapbook?

It's more like a report / letter. Also just read on the following page a report from Joe where he also writes 'Pluto studios, Manchester the group recorded Bankrobber, On Broadway and Mikey toasted Bankrobber to come up with a Rockers on a UK tour'. So it seems pretty conclusive that Broadway was recorded at the same time as Bankrobber. I guess this makes Broadway a strong contender for being the first Sandinista track that they recorded or even wrote?

That is pretty persuasive, I'd say. The common story from most of the sources is that the New York recording sessions in April inspired Joe to write Broadway and that it was likely recorded at Wessex in August. Baker apparently has an anecdote about it in the Clash on Broadway box. That being said, none of that is definitive and having two fairly contemporaneous accounts from Joe and Paul seem more persuasive. Furthermore, I believe Paul has cowriting credits on this track and he wasn't around for the April sessions (he could have contributed to the writing during the recording process in August, so this isn't definitive either).

Still, I think Passion notes that Shepherd's Delight was recorded as well. I'll leave that until I hear something otherwise.

And you can still smell the fog of weed when the wind's right.

[Kory]

First of all, welcome! Secondly, I'm wondering if Paul is not remembering it correctly?

Thanks. I think that you are correct regarding the studio as Paul initially wrote ' Some studio in Manchester' and above it he has written 'Strawberry Studio' . As the letter was handwritten by Paul in early 1980 less reason to doubt what was recorded.

Is this part of a diary entry included in the scrapbook?

It's more like a report / letter. Also just read on the following page a report from Joe where he also writes 'Pluto studios, Manchester the group recorded Bankrobber, On Broadway and Mikey toasted Bankrobber to come up with a Rockers on a UK tour'. So it seems pretty conclusive that Broadway was recorded at the same time as Bankrobber. I guess this makes Broadway a strong contender for being the first Sandinista track that they recorded or even wrote?

That is pretty persuasive, I'd say. The common story from most of the sources is that the New York recording sessions in April inspired Joe to write Broadway and that it was likely recorded at Wessex in August. Baker apparently has an anecdote about it in the Clash on Broadway box. That being said, none of that is definitive and having two fairly contemporaneous accounts from Joe and Paul seem more persuasive. Furthermore, I believe Paul has cowriting credits on this track and he wasn't around for the April sessions (he could have contributed to the writing during the recording process in August, so this isn't definitive either).

Still, I think Passion notes that Shepherd's Delight was recorded as well. I'll leave that until I hear something otherwise.

Where do people get these songwriting credits from? They aren't in the liner notes are they?

[matedog]

Thanks. I think that you are correct regarding the studio as Paul initially wrote ' Some studio in Manchester' and above it he has written 'Strawberry Studio' . As the letter was handwritten by Paul in early 1980 less reason to doubt what was recorded.

Is this part of a diary entry included in the scrapbook?

It's more like a report / letter. Also just read on the following page a report from Joe where he also writes 'Pluto studios, Manchester the group recorded Bankrobber, On Broadway and Mikey toasted Bankrobber to come up with a Rockers on a UK tour'. So it seems pretty conclusive that Broadway was recorded at the same time as Bankrobber. I guess this makes Broadway a strong contender for being the first Sandinista track that they recorded or even wrote?

That is pretty persuasive, I'd say. The common story from most of the sources is that the New York recording sessions in April inspired Joe to write Broadway and that it was likely recorded at Wessex in August. Baker apparently has an anecdote about it in the Clash on Broadway box. That being said, none of that is definitive and having two fairly contemporaneous accounts from Joe and Paul seem more persuasive. Furthermore, I believe Paul has cowriting credits on this track and he wasn't around for the April sessions (he could have contributed to the writing during the recording process in August, so this isn't definitive either).

Still, I think Passion notes that Shepherd's Delight was recorded as well. I'll leave that until I hear something otherwise.

Where do people get these songwriting credits from? They aren't in the liner notes are they?

One of the books (I think Route 19) went into detail about the credits. But more thoroughly, there is a Clash songbook that Heston has referenced that has very detailed (and occasionally interesting) songwriting credits for S! and CR.

[Heston]

Is this part of a diary entry included in the scrapbook?

It's more like a report / letter. Also just read on the following page a report from Joe where he also writes 'Pluto studios, Manchester the group recorded Bankrobber, On Broadway and Mikey toasted Bankrobber to come up with a Rockers on a UK tour'. So it seems pretty conclusive that Broadway was recorded at the same time as Bankrobber. I guess this makes Broadway a strong contender for being the first Sandinista track that they recorded or even wrote?

That is pretty persuasive, I'd say. The common story from most of the sources is that the New York recording sessions in April inspired Joe to write Broadway and that it was likely recorded at Wessex in August. Baker apparently has an anecdote about it in the Clash on Broadway box. That being said, none of that is definitive and having two fairly contemporaneous accounts from Joe and Paul seem more persuasive. Furthermore, I believe Paul has cowriting credits on this track and he wasn't around for the April sessions (he could have contributed to the writing during the recording process in August, so this isn't definitive either).

Still, I think Passion notes that Shepherd's Delight was recorded as well. I'll leave that until I hear something otherwise.

Where do people get these songwriting credits from? They aren't in the liner notes are they?

One of the books (I think Route 19) went into detail about the credits. But more thoroughly, there is a Clash songbook that Heston has referenced that has very detailed (and occasionally interesting) songwriting credits for S! and CR.

Yes, I have the Complete Chord Songbook which has the real writing credits from the publishers, not the "The Clash" facade which was used on the back covers of the albums. I can try and get a full list up here at some point if anyone is interested.

[Heston]

Broadway was written by Strummer/Jones/Simonon.

[Silent Majority]

Broadway was written by Strummer/Jones/Simonon.

Simonon should have taken lead vocals.

[Kory]

It's more like a report / letter. Also just read on the following page a report from Joe where he also writes 'Pluto studios, Manchester the group recorded Bankrobber, On Broadway and Mikey toasted Bankrobber to come up with a Rockers on a UK tour'. So it seems pretty conclusive that Broadway was recorded at the same time as Bankrobber. I guess this makes Broadway a strong contender for being the first Sandinista track that they recorded or even wrote?

That is pretty persuasive, I'd say. The common story from most of the sources is that the New York recording sessions in April inspired Joe to write Broadway and that it was likely recorded at Wessex in August. Baker apparently has an anecdote about it in the Clash on Broadway box. That being said, none of that is definitive and having two fairly contemporaneous accounts from Joe and Paul seem more persuasive. Furthermore, I believe Paul has cowriting credits on this track and he wasn't around for the April sessions (he could have contributed to the writing during the recording process in August, so this isn't definitive either).

Still, I think Passion notes that Shepherd's Delight was recorded as well. I'll leave that until I hear something otherwise.

Where do people get these songwriting credits from? They aren't in the liner notes are they?

One of the books (I think Route 19) went into detail about the credits. But more thoroughly, there is a Clash songbook that Heston has referenced that has very detailed (and occasionally interesting) songwriting credits for S! and CR.

Yes, I have the Complete Chord Songbook which has the real writing credits from the publishers, not the "The Clash" facade which was used on the back covers of the albums. I can try and get a full list up here at some point if anyone is interested.

Yes, I'm quite interested in that, and we could have a CK-esque "who did what" debate as to what section was written by whom.

[Heston]

That is pretty persuasive, I'd say. The common story from most of the sources is that the New York recording sessions in April inspired Joe to write Broadway and that it was likely recorded at Wessex in August. Baker apparently has an anecdote about it in the Clash on Broadway box. That being said, none of that is definitive and having two fairly contemporaneous accounts from Joe and Paul seem more persuasive. Furthermore, I believe Paul has cowriting credits on this track and he wasn't around for the April sessions (he could have contributed to the writing during the recording process in August, so this isn't definitive either).

Still, I think Passion notes that Shepherd's Delight was recorded as well. I'll leave that until I hear something otherwise.

Where do people get these songwriting credits from? They aren't in the liner notes are they?

One of the books (I think Route 19) went into detail about the credits. But more thoroughly, there is a Clash songbook that Heston has referenced that has very detailed (and occasionally interesting) songwriting credits for S! and CR.

Yes, I have the Complete Chord Songbook which has the real writing credits from the publishers, not the "The Clash" facade which was used on the back covers of the albums. I can try and get a full list up here at some point if anyone is interested.

Yes, I'm quite interested in that, and we could have a CK-esque "who did what" debate as to what section was written by whom.

I'll try and get on it over the weekend mate.

[Kory]

Where do people get these songwriting credits from? They aren't in the liner notes are they?

One of the books (I think Route 19) went into detail about the credits. But more thoroughly, there is a Clash songbook that Heston has referenced that has very detailed (and occasionally interesting) songwriting credits for S! and CR.

Yes, I have the Complete Chord Songbook which has the real writing credits from the publishers, not the "The Clash" facade which was used on the back covers of the albums. I can try and get a full list up here at some point if anyone is interested.

Yes, I'm quite interested in that, and we could have a CK-esque "who did what" debate as to what section was written by whom.

I'll try and get on it over the weekend mate.

I was surprised when somebody mentioned that Paul had a hand in Rebel Waltz. I wonder if he just didn't realize he was playing in 3/4.

[Heston]

One of the books (I think Route 19) went into detail about the credits. But more thoroughly, there is a Clash songbook that Heston has referenced that has very detailed (and occasionally interesting) songwriting credits for S! and CR.

Yes, I have the Complete Chord Songbook which has the real writing credits from the publishers, not the "The Clash" facade which was used on the back covers of the albums. I can try and get a full list up here at some point if anyone is interested.

Yes, I'm quite interested in that, and we could have a CK-esque "who did what" debate as to what section was written by whom.

I'll try and get on it over the weekend mate.

I was surprised when somebody mentioned that Paul had a hand in Rebel Waltz. I wonder if he just didn't realize he was playing in 3/4.

How do we know it was bassline he was credited for? It may have been lyrics and/or vocal melody.

[dave202]

It's more like a report / letter. Also just read on the following page a report from Joe where he also writes 'Pluto studios, Manchester the group recorded Bankrobber, On Broadway and Mikey toasted Bankrobber to come up with a Rockers on a UK tour'. So it seems pretty conclusive that Broadway was recorded at the same time as Bankrobber. I guess this makes Broadway a strong contender for being the first Sandinista track that they recorded or even wrote?

That is pretty persuasive, I'd say. The common story from most of the sources is that the New York recording sessions in April inspired Joe to write Broadway and that it was likely recorded at Wessex in August. Baker apparently has an anecdote about it in the Clash on Broadway box. That being said, none of that is definitive and having two fairly contemporaneous accounts from Joe and Paul seem more persuasive. Furthermore, I believe Paul has cowriting credits on this track and he wasn't around for the April sessions (he could have contributed to the writing during the recording process in August, so this isn't definitive either).

Still, I think Passion notes that Shepherd's Delight was recorded as well. I'll leave that until I hear something otherwise.

Where do people get these songwriting credits from? They aren't in the liner notes are they?

One of the books (I think Route 19) went into detail about the credits. But more thoroughly, there is a Clash songbook that Heston has referenced that has very detailed (and occasionally interesting) songwriting credits for S! and CR.

Yes, I have the Complete Chord Songbook which has the real writing credits from the publishers, not the "The Clash" facade which was used on the back covers of the albums. I can try and get a full list up here at some point if anyone is interested.

I'd certainly be interested As a non-musician I'd never even look at that book, so was unaware of the details it must hold.

[Kory]

Yes, I have the Complete Chord Songbook which has the real writing credits from the publishers, not the "The Clash" facade which was used on the back covers of the albums. I can try and get a full list up here at some point if anyone is interested.

Yes, I'm quite interested in that, and we could have a CK-esque "who did what" debate as to what section was written by whom.

I'll try and get on it over the weekend mate.

I was surprised when somebody mentioned that Paul had a hand in Rebel Waltz. I wonder if he just didn't realize he was playing in 3/4.

How do we know it was bassline he was credited for? It may have been lyrics and/or vocal melody.

I guarantee it wasn't the vocal melody.

[matedog]

Yes, I'm quite interested in that, and we could have a CK-esque "who did what" debate as to what section was written by whom.

I'll try and get on it over the weekend mate.

I was surprised when somebody mentioned that Paul had a hand in Rebel Waltz. I wonder if he just didn't realize he was playing in 3/4.

How do we know it was bassline he was credited for? It may have been lyrics and/or vocal melody.

I guarantee it wasn't the vocal melody.

And the only lyrics we know he wrote for sure is GOB right? Broadway's lyrics seem a bit more...advanced than a song about movie that Paul likes.