Episode 50: Big Audio Dynamite II’s “The Globe” (1991) Accelerated Culture Podcast – Released September 14, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 50 of the Accelerated Culture podcast, hosts Lori and Scott Free delve deep into Big Audio Dynamite II's 1991 album, "The Globe". As a 2024 Webby Honoree for Best Indie Podcast, Accelerated Culture continues its mission to illuminate the often-overlooked facets of music history, particularly the evolution from new wave in the 1980s to alternative music in the 1990s.

Background: From The Clash to Big Audio Dynamite II

Scott Free sets the stage by recounting the tumultuous journey of Mick Jones, former guitarist and co-lead vocalist of The Clash, who formed Big Audio Dynamite after leaving the iconic punk band. The conversation traces the origins back to the late 1970s London punk scene, highlighting how Jones sought to push musical boundaries beyond punk’s DIY ethos.

Scott Free [05:55]:

“The history of Big Audio Dynamite really is just the next chapter in the story of The Clash.”

The hosts discuss the transition from Big Audio Dynamite’s experimental sounds, infused with reggae and dub, to Big Audio Dynamite II’s more streamlined approach under Mick Jones’s sole leadership.

Album Overview: "The Globe"

"The Globe" represents a significant pivot for the band, shedding earlier reggae influences for a more electronic and dance-oriented sound. Scott emphasizes the album's role in allowing Jones to fully control the band's creative direction, which led to both innovative successes and some uneven tracks.

Scott Free [05:09]:

“It is uneven, but those high points are moments of absolute brilliance.”

Track-by-Track Analysis

1. Rush

The album kicks off with "Rush", a high-energy dance track that incorporates samples from The Who’s “Baba O’Riley” and Tommy Roe’s “Sweet Pea”. Scott highlights the clever use of these samples to create a dynamic opening.

Scott Free [22:54]:

“There is the very obvious Baba O’Riley organ line... and the drum sample from Tommy Roe’s Sweet Pea.”

Lori and Scott discuss the personal undertones in the lyrics, with Scott interpreting the song as Mick Jones's reflection on his career and personal changes.

Scott Free [26:19]:

“I think that is so relatable.”

2. Can't Wait

Next, "Can't Wait" presents a complex layering of samples from Grace Jones's work and a spoken word segment from Shakespeare, adding a dramatic flair to the track. Scott appreciates the song's compelling rhythm and dark undertones.

Scott Free [39:53]:

“That alone makes this song among my favorite Big Audio Dynamite songs.”

3. Green Grass

"Green Grass" stands out with its use of samples from Kate Bush’s "Wuthering Heights" and Bob Dylan’s "Lay Lady Lay". Scott praises the song’s uplifting vibe and meaningful lyrics about self-discovery.

Scott Free [60:34]:

“This song always puts me in a good mood. This is one of my go-to tracks.”

4. Kool Aid

"Kool Aid" incorporates an array of samples, including those from Giorgio Moroder and Malcolm McLaren’s “Buffalo Gals”. The track is noted for its funky disco vibe, though opinions on the synthesized computer voices vary between the hosts.

Scott Free [66:19]:

“You could see it being geared towards a dance floor at the Hacienda.”

5. Innocent Child

Innocent Child** features a slowed-down sample of Phil Collins’s "In the Air Tonight". Scott feels the track offers a raw vulnerability despite what he considers “crappy singing.”

Scott Free [54:32]:

“There is a sample from Vienna by Ultravox... and the drumbeat from Marvin Gaye’s Sexual Healing.”

Album Themes and Sampling Techniques

Throughout the album, Mick Jones employs a diverse range of samples, blending genres from hip-hop, house, and electronic to classic rock and spoken word. The hosts commend Jones's ability to curate a rich tapestry of sounds that reflect the evolving music landscape of the early '90s.

Scott Free [50:05]:

“Mick Jones and his production team were keeping up with the current house music scene.”

They also discuss the recurring use of self-sampling, such as incorporating elements from The Clash’s "Should I Stay or Should I Go?", showcasing Jones’s willingness to reinterpret his own legacy.

Scott Free [44:48]:

“He's basically sampling himself... that’s just funny, man.”

Personal Insights and Opinions

Lori favors "Rush" and "Green Grass" for their energetic and uplifting qualities, while Scott leans towards the darker, more compelling tracks like "Can't Wait". They acknowledge that while the album has standout moments, it also contains tracks that feel experimental to the point of being inconsistent.

Scott Free [79:15]:

"I think I'm gonna go with Greengrass."

Lori:

"Track three, that darkness, that driving... it's so compelling to me."

Conclusion: The Legacy of "The Globe"

"The Globe" serves as a pivotal moment in Big Audio Dynamite II’s career, showcasing Mick Jones’s relentless pursuit of musical innovation. While Scott acknowledges that the album may not reach the heights of "Megatop Phoenix", it remains a testament to Jones’s artistic vision and the broader trends shaping alternative music in the early '90s.

Scott Free [82:40]:

“It's important in the context of 1991 because it allowed Mick Jones to sample and re-explore his old work.”

Where Are They Now?

In the wrap-up, Scott provides an update on Mick Jones’s career post-Big Audio Dynamite II, noting his work with bands like Carbon Slash Silicon and collaborations with artists such as The Flaming Lips and The Avalanches. While Jones hasn’t been prominently active in recent years, his influence persists through these collaborations and his enduring legacy with The Clash and Big Audio Dynamite.

Looking Ahead

The hosts tease an upcoming live video podcast for International Podcast Day, inviting listeners to join them for a special episode where they will interact more dynamically. They encourage fans to visit AcceleratedCulturePodcast.com for more details and to stay tuned for future episodes diving into other seminal works in alternative music history.

Scott Free [81:35]:

“Check out our website, acceleratedculturepodcast.com, I'll post the details about International Podcast Day.”

Notable Quotes

• Scott Free [05:55]:
  “The history of Big Audio Dynamite really is just the next chapter in the story of The Clash.”

• Scott Free [22:54]:
  “There is the very obvious Baba O’Riley organ line... and the drum sample from Tommy Roe’s Sweet Pea.”

• Scott Free [39:53]:
  “That alone makes this song among my favorite Big Audio Dynamite songs.”

• Scott Free [60:34]:
  “This song always puts me in a good mood. This is one of my go-to tracks.”

• Scott Free [79:15]:
  "I think I'm gonna go with Greengrass."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Accelerated Culture meticulously dissects "The Globe" album, providing an in-depth analysis of its tracks, sampling techniques, and the broader musical context of its release. Through engaging discussions and personal insights, Lori and Scott offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of Big Audio Dynamite II’s contribution to the alternative music landscape.