Too dismal, song needs outer sections removed (4)
I believe the answer is:
also
'outer sections removed' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.
'too dismal song needs' is the wordplay.
'needs' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'ALSO' can be found hidden inside 'too dismal song'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for also that I've seen before include "Item" , "item's rarely used now for this" , "'Besides, moreover (4)'" , "in accompaniment" , "Old" .)