'Its Really Long Innit?' - Surviving Sandinista

Why would the so-called Only Band That Mattered release an album of three discs, with 36 tracks and over 144 minutes of music?

In 1980, The Clash did just that with the release of Sandinista! A sprawling, epic masterpiece of multiple genres recorded on a global scale? Or a classic example of diminishing returns that desperately needed an edit button?

Opinions about the merits or demerits of Sandinista continue to rage, more than four decades after its release. Some point to its political significance in celebrating a rebel revolution against a right-wing dictatorship. They reflect on the eclectic range of its musical styles, themes, and guest artists. Others insist it is a pointless and pretentious mishmash, allowing its high points to drown in its dreadful drivel.

Exploring the words and music of Sandinista with a forensic eye and a sharpened scalpel, Tony Kinsella and Sam Smith have concluded, inevitably, that the truth lies somewhere in between. And they’ve put together a show designed to tell you why.

We’ve survived Sandinista! Strap in and see if you can do the same!