Album Track: The Clash - Rebel Waltz

"Rebel Waltz" is a forgotten song on the Clash's forgotten Sandinista album. As the title says, it is a waltz, but with an edge. I'm not sure what war this involves or even if that's important, but the lyrics describe the resolve in a rebel army before (or perhaps after) a battle they cannot (or did not) win. There is a surreal sense to "Rebel Waltz" that suggests that the scene may actually follow the battle in which the rebels were slaughtered. At any rate, the song shows that the Clash can be a powerful band even on low-key songs. Even their waltz is for rebels.

Album Track: Ian Hunter - "Standin' in My Light"

Album: You're Never Alone with a Schizophrenic (1979)

Ian Hunter is best known as the singer for Mott the Hoople, but he's also released a number of fine solo albums, not the least of which is You're Never Alone With a Schizophrenic. There's a largely forgotten tune on side two called "Standin' in My Light." It starts off with subtle organ in the background and Hunter's raspy vocals. As it progresses, acoustic guitar and a high-hat come in. Next is a bit of understated lead guitar and then finally, the whole band. A lot of songs do the same thing, only they do it much quicker to get to the meat of the song. Hunter and company take their time though, using nearly all of the song's four and a half minutes. Only the last 30 seconds or so returns to the sparse beginnings before fading. The build up isn't part of the song, it is the song. What's also interesting and adds to it's emotional appeal is how this bitter song has a distinctly gospel feel.

You're Never Alone with a Schizophrenic is a pretty good album, but "Standin' in My Light" is the one song that really stands out. Yet it wasn't a single, doesn't get any radio play and has never had a high-profile cover like another of Hunter's songs.

Hunter also performs this on his 1980 live set, Welcome to the Club, which is worth checking out.