It was two years after 9 /11, and the worlds response to that atrocity was slipping far too easily into a vengeful strategy. Terry Hall hooked up with Mushtaq Omar Uddin a member of the multi-ethnic fusion group Fun-Da-Mental, and Damon Albarn to make a one off album. Hall had been a bit of a gad fly since he'd left The Specials in 1981, with stints in Fun Boy Three, The Colourfield, solo albums and other one off collaborations like this. Released two years later in 2003.
The Hour of Two Lights, is well worth seeking out as it features by far his best work outside of The Specials. Cuttingly political and drily satirical. The album is a ground breaking multi cultural mixing of styles and genres. There are tracks that mine Hall's own past musical styles. Of course throughout there is his characteristic dead pan delivery. Its hard to pick one track to be a representative. But I guess Ten Eleven will do. Referencing the horrific spectacle of people falling from the two towers in a desperate attempt to save themselves being burnt alive. Its jaunty beat seemingly paradoxical and distancing.
Terry Hall was never one to stay quiet. We lost a man this week who dedicated himself to supporting humanity in all its breadth and riches. Blending racial divides being always worth doing, both upholding diversity and defending our similarities. Particularly in a times of increasingly polarised views and more strident posturing. Hall was that rare thing, someone who could be political in his songwriting, without seeming to preach. And a very gifted catchy songwriter too. Because once people like what you are doing musically, they may be more ready to listen to whatever message your music may contain.
The penultimate track Stand Together is a statement that he put into practice throughout all his musical career.
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