Wednesday, May 26, 2010

The Clash - Rat Patrol From Fort Bragg (2-disc version)


I've been a Clash fan pretty much from the get-go. I rank this band up there with the Beatles, in terms of the rapid expansion and improvement in their music progression and depth in the short time they were together.

[Actually, if you think about it, the parallels between the Clash and the Beatles are remarkable. Both were made up of members who had paid their dues in the local music scenes (London and Liverpool, respectively) of their day. Both were heavily dependent on diligent, headstrong managers (Bernie Rhodes and Brian Epstein) early in their careers. Both bands put out double LPs (Sandinista! and The White Album) late in their careers which are considered not only their masterpieces, but some of the greatest albums of all time. Both really only had an active recording life of about six years. And both fell apart due to personal acrimony between the band members.]

But I digress. Simply stated, The Clash are one of the greatest bands that ever existed.

I remember the first time I heard Combat Rock - a friend of mine bought it on vinyl, and I was there when he dropped the needle on the first track, "Know Your Rights". Man, that declaration by Joe Strummer ("This is a public service announcement - WITH GUITARRRRRR!") followed by that guitar kicking in, practically gave me a heart attack! Practically every cut on that album was a winner to me. I've always considered Combat Rock to be their greatest album, superior even to Sandinista! (which, to be completely honest, as great as it was, had a lot of filler on it).

I discovered over the years that a lot of people didn't agree with my verdict on Combat Rock. I heard that, on that album, the Clash went commercial, or got too arty, or forgot how to write songs, etc., etc. A lot of people who I thought would know better had some very negative things to say about this album, and I could never understand why. After a while, I stopped listening to them. I thought it was great, so what do I care about the critics?

I didn't learn until years later that Combat Rock was actually supposed to be a DOUBLE album, just like its predecessor Sandinista! From what I understand, Mick Jones had actually prepared a mix of this double album in late 1981, under the working title Rat Patrol From Fort Bragg. But the rest of the band rejected this first version, mainly due to personality conflicts between Strummer and Jones which would result in Jones getting kicked out of the group in 1983. The band handed over mixing and production duties to Glyn Johns, a former producer for Blue Oyster Cult, and he was the one who mixed it as a single album to everyone (except Mick's) satisfaction.

Here's a great track off of the original double album mix that never made the final cut for Combat Rock - "Kill Time" (also known as "Idle In Kangaroo Court W1"):


 I searched high and low for this original two-disc version, and finally found a copy that included not only the original mixes, but an entire second disc of studio outtakes from the recording sessions.  And thus, I bestow them unto you:

Please use the email link below to contact me, and I will reply with the download link(s) ASAP:

Send Email

114 comments:

  1. (don't know where my first comment went, so here goes -) ! I've been looking for a 2CD version forever! Have a rain-check for my first-born...

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  2. LOL - not necesssary, Nick, my brother! Glad you found something here that you've been looking for. Y'all come back now, y'hear?

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  3. To reduce Glyn Johns to a "Blue Oyster Cult producer" is maybe a little unfair - he also mixed the likes of Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Easybeats, The Band, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Small Faces, Rod Stewart/Faces, Joan Armatrading, Humble Pie and a lot more ... but well, his role in the career of The Clash is well disputable, right.

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  4. Plus, in all accuracy, "London Calling" was a 2 LP set."Sandinista" was a THREE LP set.

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  5. Fair enough - I guess I should have said "multi-disc albums" (you nitpicker!) . . . Still, "Sandinista!" SHOULD have been a double LP - like I said above, there's a lot of stuff on that album that should have remained in the studio (like almost all of the 'dub' versions of album songs, for example). I think that even the Clash knew they went a bit overboard on this one - they pre-released a press and radio DJ version of the album, called "Sandinista Now!", a one-disc distillation containing the best of the 36 songs.

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    1. I totally agree... almost. At the time I stuck my favourite tracks on a C60 to save cutting across sides - mostly from the first few sides. Where I disagree is the 'dub' comment, One More Dub is pretty good, and Silicon On Sapphire too. We won't mention Mensforth Hill though, agreed?

      I also think that Somebody Got Murdered should have been a classic, it just doesn't quite make it. pity.

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    2. Well, I don't want to make this into a track-by-track war with you regarding "Sandinista!" . . . A couple of the dub tracks are worthwhile, as both you and I have mentioned above. But most of them just rehash the same songs/ideas/beats over and over again. And I think that in the end, this rehashing lessens the impact of the original songs. "One More Time" is a superb song; why cheapen it with a dub version immediately afterwards? Same thing with "Washington Bullets" - I don't need to hear Strummer barking nonsense over it in "Silicone On Sapphire" (and you're right - "Mensforth Hill" need not be mentioned).

      In my opinion, with the exception of "One More Dub", the first two dozen or so songs on "Sandinista!" are outstanding - THAT should have been the double album, because after "Charlie Don't Surf", the wheels begin to fall off of the disc.

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  6. Wow man. What service too! I got a reply within 10 minutes. That's pretty impressive. So thanks for this. And it is an upgrade from my previous version. A shame we'll probably never get a full-fidelity pro mastered version of this record 'cos it's really great. It seems that Combat Rock is pretty much an ignored period of the band by many fans and that's too bad.

    The Clash never repeated themselves and always had forward momentum. They were really stretching out and challenging themselves on Rat Patrol and while I think they ultimately made the right decision in remixing the album, it's a great companion piece. Thanks again.

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  7. not simply a wonderful source of shared interest and art in music, but an earnest communication from what I somehow feel is a friend waiting to vibe with you all about those sweet musics. if something tickles you on this blog, email this guy: recommended for sure! I am just now getting my Clash education, and growing in gratitude for finding this here trove of information. thanks!

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  8. Woooo! Now THAT'S leaving a comment, Mr. Capper! I greatly appreciate your kind words - very nice, and very humbling as well! But you're right, and this goes out to everyone - ask and you shall receive!

    I hope you keep coming back and finding more stuff here that you enjoy, Mr. Capper - I look forward to speaking with you here again.

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  9. Hi,
    Thank you very much ! you are awesome ! this record is very good !

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  10. Thanks for sending me this music.

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  11. Thanks for the link and downloads. This is the real deal: rare 2CD version and great quality. Thanks again!

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  12. Thank you very much for providing access to these rare recordings!

    New material from The Clash... What an awesome treat!

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    1. Shoot, man - if you like this and have a yen to hear some 'new' Clash, check out my Clash "D.O.A." posting!

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  13. Thanks for the links! Reading Chris Salewicz's Strummer bio and got curious about the Mick mixes, so it's great fun to hear them!

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  14. thanks so much for the links! cant find this anywhere else online.

    super quick reply, easy download and an extremely nice response from what appears to be a stand up gentleman.

    if anyones considering getting these tracks, do it! the quality's great! and mr soaked heckhole is a pleasure to deal with.

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  15. When I first heard Combat Rock (many years ago!), I listened to it over and over during a running trip across Iowa. I bought the album for myself a few years later and it was missing something... I have been thinking about that ever since. These tracks fulfill that missing part and much more.

    Thanks so much for making this available. I'm glad I found your blog!

    Now it is time to immerse myself in "new" Clash.

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  16. Please may I obtain your download links. Thank you !

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    1. I have no idea who you are or what your email address is, Gary - please use the "Send Email" link above for your request, and I'll get the link to you ASAP.

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  17. Thanks, PPSH for the super quick response! Look forward to reading through the site and pestering you for more shares...

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    1. I look forward to your continued harassment . . . ! Please, pester away!

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  18. cool site and did indeed respond super fast! looking forward to deafening my coworkers with this tomorrow!

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  19. cool site and did indeed respond quickly! i look forward to deafening my coworkers with this tomorrow!

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  20. Wonderful stuff! I can't see why some of the tracks didn't make the final album, others I can... Great insight into what different producers can bring to a project.

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  21. Thanks so much bruddu. Very nice writing and description of the album. Great Job

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  22. Great download. Had some problems and P.P. helped me out. Prompt reply and help.

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  23. Thank you so much for the swift response when I initially emailed and major apologies for the time it has taken to thank you here. I was so happy when I saw there was a second disc.... Feels so great to hear new (for me) material. Great blog and rest post!

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  24. I have just seen the download of rat patrol in my inbox. As others on this thread have noted, the response from P.P. was incredibly quick and very much appreciated. May your beard never wither sir!

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    1. Heh - good thing I shaved beforehand! Enjoy!

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  25. Dangerous Minds brought me here, wondering if the download is still being sent out?

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    1. It sure is… just need an email address to send it to, please.

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  26. I also followed the Dangerous Minds link . . . thanks for sending the info so quickly.
    I was lucky enough to see the Clash a few times, can't wait to listen to this . . .
    Cheers mate!

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  27. Huge thanks for the link and very speedy reply - very much appreciated!

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  28. Man, I can't believe you're so kind enough to still do these emails, thank you so much! I'm absolutely in love with this album, I think it may even top my fav Clash album London Calling.

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    1. No worries, sir - like I stated above, everything is still available, no matter how old the post is! Enjoy!

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  29. This is one of the great Lost Gems of the modern rock and roll world. A true example of Musician Vs Label and Musician Vs band and Musician Vs Producer.. You can hear Mick jones personal take Production wise on songs we all now know so well and that have in their more radio friendly "poppier" remix gone to be TV ads' for jeans and cars and everything in between. If someone was to show you the mona lisa painting and then scape off the outer paint to show the true artists rendering beneath would it be any less of an eye opener than hearing these iconic Tracks in their original artists twist. Combat Rock or Rat Patrol is easily One of the strangest of our time . For every Radio smash, like Should I Stay or Rock the Casbah. theres Introverted Dystopian outburts Like Sean Flynn and Straight to Hell. Songs that would never elevate to Jeans ad's or songs to sell the new VW beatle. Vut tracks showing a band in its truest identity, Looking at the world where they ended up and questioning he new view they looked upon. You can hear their american hiphop influences, there south american flourishes and their embrace of last chance to scream to the world "whats going on!!?? " Its still the top clash album for me, as much for its non top 40 hits as for them. A they said themelves in Sean Flynn...."They Filled The Sky With A Tropical Storm".. RIP Joe.

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  30. So so good. I've never heard this double disc version. I mean, I can't even wrap my head around the fact that Rat Patrol From Fort Bragg has never seen or will never see a proper release. Not even an expanded Combat Rock/Rat Patrol anniversary edition. Anyway, thanks for making this available to me. I am on my 3rd listen now...
    -Marc

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  31. This came as something of a revelation to me...never knew it existed in this form. I rank this and Sandinista (eccentricities and all) as my co-favorite Clash records. Many thanks for the link. Really enjoy reading your blog...

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  32. Thank you... Been looking for this one for a while...

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  33. I'm rediscovering my love for the Clash. Thanks for sharing this gem. I cant wait to put it on a diac and giving it a blast. Sharing is caring!

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  34. Can't thank you enough for the great music and interesting blog post. I knew about Rat Patrol before but never knew about the 2 CD version. Your site is great, quickly becoming a favorite for me! Can't wait for more posts, especially Clash related.

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  35. Thank you very much for Rat Patrol From Fort Bragg. It is great that you are still responding to requests for a seven year old post. I had a messed up cobbled together version. This is much cleaner.

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  36. Wow! Thanks a lot for the links. I am definitely in agreement with you as far as my favorite Clash album goes, and I'm extremely excited to here this "directors cut," if you will.

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  37. Thanks for the download, great version of RPFFB

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  38. I was listening to a CBC radio show about the 35th anniversary of Combat Rock (yikes I'm old!), where they mentioned Rat Patrol From Fort Bragg. I had forgotten about this original mix, which led me to find this amazing blog. I sent a request for the download link, and PeePee responded within 30 minutes! Loving the never before heard songs and alternate mixes. And doing a quick scan of your other posts, there is definitely lots of great information / commentary on a lot of topics that will keep me busy for a while! Thanks so much!!!

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  39. Thanks so much for the stuff! It's really cool to listen to Combat Rock in its initial inception. Thanks so much

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  40. They just don't make them like the clash any more. Awesome Post and music. Thanks!

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  41. I love how I keep stumbling upon new music by the Clash even though I've been a fan for more than half my life. This double disc is a brand new way to hear Combat Rock. Why Mick Jones won't release a Combat Rock/Rat Patrol From Fort Bragg boxset is beyond me!
    Thanks for this!
    -Marc

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  42. You sir are a prince amongst men ! Thank you so much for this! Cheers !

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  43. Thanks for sharing. Excellent alt album!

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  44. Thank you so much for this! A quality cut of quality material.

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  45. Thanks! I saw the Clash play NYC in February of 1979. Loved them, but when Sandinista was released, I felt very disappointed. Wish they had taken a couple of those songs and added some more straightforward punk songs. When Combat Rock came out, bands like Void, Bad Brains, Birthday Party, etc. were much more exciting to me at that time.
    Listening to Rat Patrol, you get the sense that the band were pretty much done by that time and I’m sure remixing Mick Jones work was the final straw. To this day, I have never listened to Cut the Crap, but think I might soon, just to listen to it with some distance in time.

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    1. I somewhat agree with your assessment of Sandinista! The problem with that album, for me, is that The Clash intended it to be this sprawling epic - then ran out of ideas about 3/4th of the way through it, filling in the gaps with dub reworkings and studio gimmicks (i.e., "Mensforth Hill") that were mostly disposable. Replacing some of those tunes with a couple of straight-ahead "old school" Clash songs would have improved that album immensely, in my opinion.

      However, I must take exception to your remarks on Rat Patrol. Rather than being 'done', Rat Patrol does what Sandinista! should have done - present the expanded musical range and palette of the Clash in a more coherent way. There was still fire and fury left in the band (I regard "Know Your Rights" as one of their most incendiary songs ever), even if they were at one another's throats half the time.

      You've never listened to Cut The Crap? Lucky man... Honestly, if you love The Clash, I beg you not to bother with this one!

      Thanks for the comment!

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  46. Thank you so much! Greatly appreciated!

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  47. Thanks so very much for this! Your response was so fast & much appreciated. I'm looking forward to hearing this. I'm glad I found your blog. Thanks for all your work.-- Tee

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  48. Thank you so much for your quick response! I´m loving this.
    Can´t thank you enough.
    All the best to you!

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  49. Thank you very much for the quick response! Music is life. Appreciated greatly!!

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  50. Not sure if my original post posted! This is great! Thank You and great site!

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  51. I miss Joe Strummer. Thank you for your site.

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  52. Much appreciated for the extremely fast reply and the desired tunes.

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  53. Side note, bonus points for using a Simpsons reference as your title - The Bart The

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    1. Well, you know what they say about having a noble spirit...

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  54. Thank you very much for the awesome tunes. I recently had a hard drive stolen and lost most of my music. This is one of the first additions to my new collection, can't thank you enough.

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  55. I can't thank you enough for your time and patience in helping me get this incredible document of The Clash.

    You are a true gentleman!

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  56. Getting the two disc version in such high quality is a game changer. This should definitely be a RSD addition at the very least!

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  57. Remarkable sound and vision shows what could have been. One of my favorite albums made better! Thank you!

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  58. Woooo! Thanks so much for this! I'm inch closer to accumulating all the existing Clash recordings. Still my favorite band. They meant so damn much to me as a younger guy. Very much appreciate the download!

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  59. listening to combat rock since high school(20 odd years roughly), and it was something i enjoyed. coming after the double album london calling and triple album sandinista, it always seemed like it was not complete. after finding rat patrol a couple years ago and reading up on it, i now know why. i am happy to have come across this site. thank you!

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  60. Thanks so much for sharing this. So awesome to listen to the album as it was originally envisioned. Love the instrumentals too!

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  61. Comment from O. Garcia: “Thanks a lot for this PeePee. "Kill Time" is the best track on it. Go Cat Go!”

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  62. Thanks so much for sharing the links, and really appreciate the personal touch via email! I bought Combat Rock when it came out, and it took a few listens to get used to the new sound, but I loved it ever since (unlike some of my punk friends). I must have known about the Mick mixes, cause I've read a few Clash biogs, but it was only recently after listening to the excellent, Chuck D presented Spotify doc The Story of the Clash, that I started to seek them out. This is the best version I've tracked down so far. Sound quality is surprisingly high. I love exploring the different versions and even the ones that are subtly different make me listen to the songs with new ears. Thanks!

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  63. Cheers man just put it on disc

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  64. Thanks so much for sharing this. Much appreciated!

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  65. Thanks so much for this, can't wait to listen!!!!

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  66. Thanks for the share! Sound quality is excellent!

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  67. Damn, I wish I can get this edition in lossless!!! I sent an email! OMG, I wish I can have it. Thank you very kindly!!!!

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  68. Thank you so much! Really fast response to link request! 10/10

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  69. Downloaded this from the very kind and generous host.
    Interesting aspect, didnt know what to make of it and think I prefer the final version. But as with a lot of clash material you have to listen, then listen then really listen and it grows on you.
    Some tracks I'm still unsure of but hey its old but its THE CLASH.
    Still the only band that matter, especially in Boris' covid plagued uk with the dire music that abounds.
    Thanks again Heck hole and vive le rock, stay free.

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  70. Thanks for the link, great response. Very quick.
    Its taken a while to listen and absorb and process. Really not sure but its the clash and some tracks need a few plays.
    It grows on you.
    Its old, its different but in an age when music is either meh! Or just horrible its refreshing and its THE CLASH, music that addresses real shit in a proper way.
    And its still bloody topical.
    Thanks again heck hole, they ate still the only band that matter.

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  71. Thank you for the files. Response was extremely fast. I haven't had a chance yet to listen to everything but what I have sounds good. Thank you so much!

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  72. Rat Patrol, the album that should have been from The Only Band That Matters. Thanks much for the link

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  73. Pee Pee Soaked Heckhole is one awesome individual. Still active and spreading the joy of deep cuts for inquiring minds of the ages. Even though this post is 10 years old I got a quick response and d/l link. Thank you from the bottom of my curiosity pit for the upload and generosity. Pay it forward people! Cheers,

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  74. Wow Big Thanks for this, but also for searching out to find the best version - great sound. Also - is this the order Mick wanted - Know Your Rights still seems the perfect intro.
    Thank you very much for keeping up the link all this time. Its great to hear Clash music I never heard. -Murf

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  75. I completely agree with you! The Clash are definitely one of the very best bands ever to grace our planet with their genius music! Thank you so much for filling in the gaps of my knowledge of this magnificent group!

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  76. I am a big Clash fan and have had the pleasure of seeing them live and yet surprisingly i only became aware of this pre Combat Rock double cd recently and must say am delighted with it , what a gem ! cant beat some new extra Clash in the collection , thank you very much. Billy H

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  77. Pee Pee Soaked Heckhole is an awesome person for keeping and sharing the great music. Had this long ago and lost it on hard drive crash. Just incredible that he continues to share after all these years. Can't thank you enough for sharing this with us.

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  78. Hi Pee Pee Soaked Heckhole, I tried the email link and it did not work for me. What can I do to listen or download this? Muchas Gracias.

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    1. Send me another message here with your email address; I won’t publish it, but I need it in order to know where to send the links to.

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    2. I've heard about this for many years but was never able to locate a version to give it a thorough listen. Thanks so much for this! As much as really really liked the released version this two disc 2 disc set flows even better than the original one. Thanks so much!!!

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  79. Many years after the original post, still prompt sharing of this interesting recording. Thank you so much! Tom Roe

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  80. I've commented on this a few times already. The first listen was horrifying to me, but yet I couldn't turn away. Once I removed The Beautiful People are Ugly from the playlist, I can't get enough! I've listened to nothing but this (plus the YMCA Singalong) exclusively for the past three months!

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  81. Thank You For the Clash Link.

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  82. I was provided this as week or so ago (thanks PPSH!) but wanted to hold off commenting until I could also listen to the new “Combat Rock + The People's Hall” reissue for comparison.
    CD1 is the original Mick Jones version of what would eventually become the "Combat Rock" album, referred to at that time as "Rat Patrol From Fort Bragg.". These are plenty of mix differences, and several tracks have significantly different running times (Know Your Rights, Red Angel Dragnet, Ghetto Defendant, Sean Flynn). There’s debate about whether “Walk Evil Talk” is actually performed by the Clash. It doesn’t sound like it to me, but I’m no expert so your opinion may vary.
    CD2 features of related outtakes, instrumentals, and live tracks from the Combat Rock/RPFFB era.
    NOTE: track 13 (“Overpowered By Funk (No Flushes)”) is misnamed. It is actually “Inoculated City”.

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  83. I was happy that they decided to issue an expanded “Combat Rock” that included some of the “Rat Patrol” outtakes - a worthy effort, although I still feel that the full set provided here is superior to the selected dribs and deans they included in the “deluxe” reissue.

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  84. Hi, thank you so much for responding quickly and give me the opportunity to listen to Combat Rock as Mick Jones intended it should sound.

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  85. Thank you so much for the very prompt response and sending the album. I'm listening to it and I'm already loving it. It feels like I found myself in an amazing alternative reality. Anyway, thanks again for doing this. This really feels like the internet at its best.

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  86. Thanks for the link! I've been revisiting the alternate Combat Rock boots and this is a great one!

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  87. Very interesting material for a Clash fan. Thank you very much!

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  88. Thank you very much for sending the album. I’ve been looking forward to hearing this for a long time. I can’t believe I finally have a copy. Thanks once again!

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