Havana 3 A.M. - Havana 3 A.M. (1991)

Havana 3 A.M. is the brainchild of Paul Simonon, legendary Clash bassist. This self-titled album mashes together Latin roots and ducktailed attitude in invigoratingly retro fashion. Released in 1991, HAVANA 3.A.M. was the debut album from the band of the same name that consisted of ex-Clash bassist Paul Simonon, guitarist Gary Myrick (of the Figures), and vocalist Nigel Dixon (of Whirlwind).
The self-titled effort by Paul Simonon's band is not much like the Clash, and also not nearly as memorable as the Clash. Actually, Simonon is just one of the team, the material written in collaboration with Gary Myrick and Nigel Dixon, with the lead vocals taken by Dixon. As the title might lead you to believe, they do integrate a good amount of Latin influences, though it's not dominant. The guitars often have a rockabilly twang, and the vocals have a muted sense of anthemic urgency. the Clash influence does become obvious when they get into their occasional, slightly reggae-ish beats.
Havana 3 A.M. play a rootsy brand of rock that draws on punk, rockabilly, Latin forms, reggae, and select New Wave elements. There's a tense, pumping energy through most of the disc, staring with the opener, "Joyride," and while the disc isn't essential, it's a fun listen and should be of interest to fans of the band members' previous projects. Digitally remastered edition of Havana 3A.M.'s self titled 1991 album. Paul Simonon, described as "the coolest man ever to strap on a bass guitar". The album conjures up a blend of Latino flavors built on the solid base of Rockabilly. Their sound evokes images of Spaghetti Westerns, 1950's America and the heyday of Cuba's capital Havana...all with a contemporary twist. Features 12 tracks including the single "Reach The Rock" and other favorites "Joyride", "Hey Amigo", "The Hardest Game" and "Blue Gene Vincent".
The woman shown on the cover was bassist Paul Simonon's girlfriend at the time.


01.  "Joyride"  - 2:58
02.  "Blue Motorcycle Eyes"  - 3:55
03.  "Reach the Rock"  - 4:16
04.  "Death in the Afternoon"  - 4:21
05.  "Hole in the Sky"  - 2:49
06.  "What About Your Future"  - 4:44
07.  "The Hardest Game"  - 3:51
08.  "Hey Amigo"  - 4:28
09.  "Life on the Line"  - 4:06
10.  "Surf in the City"  - 2:40
11.  "Blue Gene Vincent"  - 3:30
12.  "Living in This Town"  - 4:18

Credits
Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar - Nigel Dixon
Bass, Harmonica, Vocals - Paul Simonon
Drums, Percussion - Travis Williams
Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals - Gary Myrick
Harpsichord - Derek Holt
Horns [Mexican] - Gus Andrews
Engineer - Masahiko Yamazaki
Engineer [Mixer] - Geoff Perrin
Photography By [Additional Live Photography] - Kenji Kubo
Photography By [Cover] - Mike Laye
Sleeve - Jules
Written-By - Myrick, Dixon, Simonon
Mixed By - Havana 3 A.M.
Producer - Havana 3 A.M.

Notes
All tracks composed by Nigel Dixon, Gary Myrick and Paul Simonon
Genre: Rock
Length: 45:20

© 1991 Capitol/I.R.S. Records