Robbie Robertson might not have liked the Clash, but fellow Canadian musicians TEKE::TEKE beg to differ. The Montreal-based psych rock group shared their contribution to the upcoming Clash tribute album Hearts & Minds & Crooked Beats today ahead of the collaborative project's release on International Clash Day (February 7).
TEKE::TEKE, whose sound is heavily influenced by Japanese music, gave the 1988 reggae-tinged Clash classic "Bankrobber" a multilingual spin, singing in both Japanese and English.
"'Bankrobber' was the first ever song I heard from the Clash, it was on a compilation tape a dear friend of mine had made for me in my early 20s," TEKE::TEKE vocalist Sei Nakauchi Pelletier said in a statement shared by Brooklyn Vegan. "The Clash went on to become one of my favourite and most-inspiring rock bands of all-time, way beyond their musical genius but also for their political stances and DIY approach."
Brooklyn-based singer Mirah also treated her cover of "I'm Not Down" to an early release today in a preview of the complete tribute album, which will feature the Dandy Warhols, Smokey Brights, the Gotobeds, Labasheeda and more. A portion of the proceeds from the project will go to the International Rescue Committee.
Check out TEKE::TEKE and Mirah's Clash covers below.