Clash Fans:

Sean over at "Pod" has written an excellent post on why The Clash are so damn good, and what is missing in some of today's music. Here is a porition of what he has to say, visit him for the rest (there are also some great videos included in his post)

Double albums are tricky as you really have to vary the pace to maintain interest throughout. No such issues arise with "London Calling". The Clash take rock, pop, punk, reggae and ska, mix it up and blast it back with lyrics that touch on many themes. Lots of energy and real human beings playing the shit out of their instruments results in an urgency that reaches out of the speakers and demands to be heard.

Current popular music has many deficiencies. Most notably: 1) It's BORING 2) Most of it sounds fake. 3) Zero energy

This stuff is almost thirty years old and sounds as if it was released last week. The main reason? It didn't take them three years to record! In a matter of weeks, they hit these songs hard with a minimum amount of takes and retained an excitement that is sorely lacking in today's homogenized product.

Joe Strummer - The Future is Unwritten DVD, Review

Image via Wikipedia I just finished watching this intriguing documentary of Joe Strummer.  I thought I "knew" Joe from articles I had read and following his story and music; but there's nothing like hearing interviews with old friends and family, and in this case Joe himself as well.  Its apparent that his childhood had a huge affect on his rebellious attitude and possibly on on his sense for protecting those around him.
The history of band is interesting too.  Mick Jones (Clash guitarist) is in a lot of the interviews and shares lots of stories.  The band had a lot of ups and downs that's for sure, but most bands do.  Joe didn't like all the fame, he fought it for a long time but once he gave in - things changed.  Mick and Joe wouldn't speak to each other, they didn't trust each other.

At one point his manager told him he should go away for awhile to cause some media stir because tickets weren't selling well.  Joe decided he really would go away and not let anyone find him so it caused a real concern and his manager eventually had to hire a private detectivct. to find him.

There's lots more I could say but YOU MUST SEE THIS if you are a fan of The Clash.  I highly recommend it.

Attention Joe Strummer Fans:

Jeff over at Imagine Echoes has a very well written review of the new DVD documentary on Joe's life. Check it out.


ALSO...I updated the links in my sidebar. If you are a regular reader here and don't see your blog listed please let me know!

New Joe Strummer Biography

I received an email about this new book today so I am passing the info on to you. It sounds like an exceptionally well done biography. The guy that sent the email is offering free copies of the book and an opportunity to interview the author. If anyone would like to more info, that email me at: bll127925@yahoo.com

REDEMPTION SONG: The Ballad of Joe Strummer ($27.00) will be published by Faber & Faber on May 23, 2007. I have copies of the book available for review and giveaway as well as access to the author, so please let me know if you would be interested in setting up an interview…

The Clash

Joe Strummer - R.I.P.

THE CLASH - BIOGRAPHY Was the Clash Rock n Roll? Or punk? What do you think?