Favourite Albums of 2018: Joe Strummer 001 - Joe Strummer (September)

 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Joe Strummer 001 - Joe Strummer
Ignition Records
Produced by Robert Gordon McHarg III
Released 28th September 2018
UK Charts #11
UK Independent Albums #5
Scottish Chart #11
US Independent Albums (Billboard) #27

Tracklisting Information

CD1:
1. Letsagetabitarockin' (2005 Remastered Version) - The 101ers - 00:02:08 (2005 remastered version originally released on Elgin Avenue Breakdown)
2. Keys To Your Heart (Version 2) [2005 Remastered Version] - The 101ers - 00:03:08 (2005 remastered version originally released on Elgin Avenue Breakdown)
3. Love Kills - Joe Strummer - 00:03:59 (Originally released on the soundtrack to the 1986 film Sid and Nancy)
4. Tennessee Rain - Joe Strummer - 00:02:55 (Originally released on the soundtrack to the 1987 film Walker)
5. Trash City - Joe Strummer & The Latino Rockabilly War - 00:04:11 (Originally released on the soundtrack to the 1988 film Permanent Record)
6. 15th Brigade - Joe Strummer - 00:02:40
7. Ride Your Donkey - Joe Strummer - 00:02:21 (Originally released the 1989 album Earthquake Weather)
8. Burning Lights - Joe Strummer & The Astro-Physicians - 00:02:43 (Originally featured in the 1990 film I Hired a Contract Killer)
9. Afro-Cuban Be-Bop - Joe Strummer & The Astro-Physicians - 00:02:53
10. Sandpaper Blues - Radar - 00:04:44
11. Generations - Electric Dog House - 00:05:30 (Originally released on the 1997 compilation album Generations 1: A Punk Look at Human Rights)
12. It’s A Rockin' World - Joe Strummer - 00:02:25 (Originally released on the 1998 album Chef Aid: The South Park Album)
13. Yalla Yalla - Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - 00:06:57 (Originally released on the 1999 album Rock Art and the X-Ray Style)
14. X-Ray Style - Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - 00:04:34 (Originally released on the 1999 album Rock Art and the X-Ray Style)
15. Johnny Appleseed - Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - 00:04:02 (Originally released on the 2001 album Global a Go-Go)
16. Minstrel Boy - Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - 00:05:42 (Originally released on the 2001 soundtrack for the film Black Hawk Down)
17. Redemption Song - Johnny Cash & Joe Strummer - 00:03:24 (Originally released on Cash's 2003 box set Unearthed)
18. Over The Border - Jimmy Cliff & Joe Strummer - 00:03:51 (Originally released on Cliff's 2004 album Black Magic)
19. Coma Girl - Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - 00:03:48 (Originally released on the 2003 album Streetcore)
20. Silver & Gold / Before I Grow Too Old - Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - 00:02:39 (Originally released on the 2003 album Streetcore)

CD2:
1. Letsagetabitarockin' (Strummer Demo) - Joe Strummer - 00:01:49 (Unreleased demo)
2. Czechoslovak Song / Where Is England - Strummer, Simonon & Howard - 00:03:49 (Unreleased version of "This is England")
3. Pouring Rain (1984) - Strummer, Simonon & Howard - 00:03:29 (Unreleased)
4. Blues On The River - Joe Strummer - 00:04:37 (Unreleased)
5. Crying On 23rd - The Soothsayers - 00:02:52 (Unreleased)
6. 2 Bullets - Pearl Harbour - 00:03:11 (Unreleased)
7. When Pigs Fly - Joe Strummer - 00:04:06 (Song from the 1993 unreleased soundtrack for the film When Pigs Fly)
8. Pouring Rain (1993) - Joe Strummer - 00:04:06 (Song from the 1993 unreleased soundtrack for the film When Pigs Fly)
9. Rose Of Erin - Joe Strummer - 00:04:12 (Song from the 1993 unreleased soundtrack for the film When Pigs Fly)
10. The Cool Impossible - Joe Strummer - 00:04:32 (Unreleased, one of the final songs Strummer recorded)
11. London Is Burning - Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - 00:03:14 (Unreleased, one of the final songs Strummer recorded, alternate version of "Burnin' Streets" from the 2003 album Streetcore)
12. U.S. North - Joe Strummer & Mick Jones - 00:10:32 (Unreleased song intended for the movie Candy Mountain, there is also a live Big Audio Dynamite version floating around that is just over 7 minutes long)

On The Limited Edition Vinyl Deluxe Box Set there is also included:
12" Vinyl Single:
A1. U.S. North - Joe Strummer & Mick Jones - 00:10:32

7" Vinyl Single:
A1. This Is England - Strummer, Simonon & Howard - 00:03:04 (Unreleased demo)
B1. Before We Go Forward - Strummer, Simonon & Howard - 00:02:49 (Unreleased demo)

Cassette:
A1. Full Moon (Basement Demo)* - Joe Strummer - 00:03:02 (Unreleased demo)

*This track is not included on the playlist above as I couldn't find it on You Tube.

***************

The 32 song album was released on 28 September 2018 by Ignition Records and features 12 previously unreleased songs, as well as known favourites from his recordings with The 101ers, The Mescaleros and his extensive soundtrack work along with alternate versions of previously released songs. 

I'm not always big on Anthologies, Compilations, Best of, Greatest Hits albums etc but every now and again one comes along that's really worth getting a little excited about (there is another one actually on my list that I'm yet to post about so there were at least two that took my fancy this year!).

I liked from the offset that this collection didn't involve a lot of stuff related to his days with The Clash because that has been seen, done, bought the t-shirt etc! Not that they are entirely absent because they sort of appear in the form of The Clash Mark II, whom most people would actually like to forget about because of that one album that barely gets a mention when discussing the history of The Clash, you know what one I mean!

It was great that they kicked off the album with The 101ers but I must admit that the version of 'Keys To Your Heart' that was chosen sounded quite twee and although it's been on a stack of compilations before, I wish they had used the 7" Single Version.

Also good was the move to show how Strummer's musical output was very diverse after The Clash with Soundtrack work as well as putting together another couple of bands that he could front and unleash the message that was on his heart and mind. For some strange reason it had totally escaped me that The Astro-Physicians were actually The Pogues! His backing band for the song 'It's A Rockin' World' included Flea (from the Red Hot Chili Peppers), Tom Morello, DJ Bonebrake (original drummer for the band X) and Benmont Tench (from The Heartbreakers) - now if that's not a bizzare gathering then I don't know what is!

One of my favourite things regarding Strummer Post-Clash was that his vocals actually begun to sound so much better and clearer even. His work with The Mescaleros is some of the most adventerous stuff he's ever done I think (and I cautiously say this especially thinking of some of the brilliant stuff he did with The Clash). There's a real collision of sounds incorporating everything from Rockabilly, Rock 'n' Roll, Reggae, Folk, World Music and so much more and there's some top tunes amid that great catalogue.

As we are drawing close to the 16th anniversary of his death (22nd December) I post this in a spirit of remembrance and joyfulness that he has left behind such a great legacy of music for us to enjoy.

"Raise a toast to Saint Joe Strummer. I think he might have been our only decent teacher." - Constructive Summer - The Hold Steady.

Strummer Day #5: The Clash Live Shows/Recordings

More Live Shows of The Clash

The Roundhouse - 5th September 1976.

Amsterdam - 14th May 1977.

Sussex University - 25th May 1977

Very Rare Black and White Film Footage of The Clash in action at this show.

Part One.

Part Two. 

De Montfort Hall, Leicester  - 28th May 1977.

Anti-Nazi League/Rock Against Racism Rally, Victoria Park - 30th April 1978.

Music Machine, London - 24th July 1978.

Paris - 16th October 1978.

Cleveland, Ohio - 13th February 1979.

The Palladium, New York - 21st September 1979.

Hammersmith Odeon - 27th December 1979.

 

Capitol Theater, Passaic NJ - 8th March 1980.

Paris - 27th May 1980. 

Turin, Italy - 3rd June 1980.

Hammersmith Palais - 17th June 1980.

Bonds, New York - 9th June 1981.

Bonds, New York (Last Show of NY Dates) - 13th June 1981.

Paris - 29th September 1981.

Lyceum, London -22nd October 1981.

Tokyo, Japan - 1982 (they played four dates in Tokyo not sure what date this was filmed).

Brixton Fairdeal, London - 30th July 1982.

Orpheum, Boston 7th September 1982.

 Orpheum, Boston 8th September 1982.

Jamaica World Music Festival - 27th November 1982.

Mick Jones final gig with the band

US Festival, San Bernadinio, LA - 28th May 1983.

 Whilst I normally wouldn't give any kudos to the remaining days of The Clash with only Simonon and Strummer of the originals plus Pete Howard on Drums, Nick Sheppard & Vince White on Guitars, I thought I'd at least post one show from what was basically a disaster waiting to happen!

The Clash Mark II

Barrowlands, Glasgow - 10th February 1984.

 

 

 

Strummer Day #4: Three Song Tribute To Joe and The Clash

 Two of the finest tributes to Joe Strummer and The Clash can be found in the first two songs. First one is from the Guitar and Drum album by Belfast's Stiff Little Fingers and the second from Sink or Swim, the Debut album of New Jersey's The Gaslight Anthem.

The third song in this little trio of tribute is by New Orleans based band Cowboy Mouth. It's actually a bit of a giggle about having to dump a girlfriend because she didn't know who Joe Strummer was!

Strummerville - Stiff Little Fingers

Live Version of Strummerville.

I'da Called You Woody, Joe - The Gaslight Anthem

Live Version of I'da Called You Woody Joe.

Joe Strummer - Cowboy Mouth

Live Version of Joe Strummer.

Strummer Day #3: Music is the Doctor #33: The Music of Joe Strummer and The Clash

A Special Music is the Doctor today as the #33 spotlights the music of Joe Strummer and The Clash. The Playlist includes a number of Cover versions as well to show how vast the influence of Joe had upon other bands.

On The Playlist

Coma Girl - Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros.

White Riot - The Clash.

Somebody Got Murdered - Chelsea.

Johnny Appleseed - Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros.

Tommy Gun - The Clash.

Clampdown - Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.

Mondo Bongo - Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros.

Guns of Brixton - The Clash.

Clash City Rockers - Saves The Day.

Hitsville UK - Carbon Silicon.

Love Kills - Joe Strummer.

London Calling - Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros.

London's Burning - The Clash.

1977 - Edwyn Collins.

Hateful - The Clash.

I Fought The Law - The Clash.

Redemption Song - Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros.

Death or Glory - Jesse Malin.

Rock The Casbah - Los Mondo Bongo.

What's My Name? - Manic Street Preachers.

Minstrel Boy - Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros.

It seemed fitting to end the Playlist with some scenes from one of Joe's final ever gigs at Acton Hall in support of striking Firemen. (the final one would be 7 days later at the Liverpool Academy 22nd November 2002). Mick Jones was in the audience for the show and he jumped on stage and played on Bankrobber, White Riot and London's Burning.

White Riot/London's Burning - Joe Strummer & Mescaleros (with Mick Jones). 

Strummer Day #2: S4L Top Ten - The Clash

S4L Top Ten - The Clash

Click on the links to enjoy the music.

 #10. Garageland.

#9. Gates of the West.

#8. Armagideon Time.

#7. Tommy Gun.

#6. London Calling.

#5. Stay Free.

#4. White Riot.

#3. Clash City Rockers.

 

#2. Complete Control.

#1. (White Man) In Hammersmith Palais

 

Strummer Day #1: A Tribute To Joe Strummer 1952-2002

A nice collection of tunes by various Frontmen from bands like Chelsea, The Alarm, The Vibrators, The Business, 999, and U.K. Subs and a couple of others like Duncan Reid, Peter and the Test Tube Babies and RZT.

Tracklist

White Riot (Gene October)
Train In Vain (Knox)
White Man In Hammersmith Palais (Mike Peters)
London Calling (Mike Peters)
I Fought The Law (Gene October)
Police On My Back (Micky Fitz - The Business)
Complete Control (Kid Reid)
Tommy Gun (Nick Cash)
Rock The Casbah (Peter of Test Tube Babies 'fame')
Guns Of Brixton (RTZ Global)
Should I Stay Or Should I Go (Knox)
Police and Thieves (Charlie Harper)
Clash City Rockers (Micky Fitz)

The Soundtrack4Life Concert Series: Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros

On the anniversary of the passing of Joe Strummer I thought it would be good to spotlight a show from New York at The Roseland Ballroom that took place in November 1999. The show was filmed for TV and the video below is what was broadcast. The set features some classics from The Clash as well as a few songs from his at the time current band.

Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros

Live at The Roseland Ballroom, New York

For Joe 1952-2002

For More Joe and The Clash Click Here

VIVA JOE STRUMMER

I'da Called You Woody, Joe

The Gaslight Anthem

Tidy Tune #233: Keys To Your Heart - The 101ers

Joe Strummer - This is a Public Service Announcement...with Guitar!

THIS IS A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

...WITH GUITAR!

Today would have been the 62nd birthday of the former frontman for The 101ers, The Clash and his band The Mescaleros.

The following is a slightly edited post from last year. New links have been added to enhance your listening experience. - Doug 21st August 2014.

Know Your Rights - The Clash

 number 1: not to be killed
number 2 : food money
number 3: free speech

Click on the links to enjoy the music.

Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros - 'Global A Go-Go' Full Album.

Streetcore (2003).

Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros - Bizzare Festival, Germany 1999. Full Show.

Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros - Roseland Ballroom, New York. Full TV Show.

Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros - Coma Girl - Promo.

Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros - London Calling. Later with Jools Holland, 2000.

Vive Joe Strummer - The Story of The Clash.

Johnny Cash and Joe Strummer - Redemption Song.

Cast a Long Shadow Joe Strummer Tribute Show, Los Angeles 2007. Includes performances from Love and Rockets, Hellride and Zander Schloss and the Wilderness Years and much more.

Joe Strummer Celebration 22nd December 2003, Filmore East at Irving Plaza New York. Includes performances from Ari Up and Jesse Malin and loads more.

Joe Strummer - The Future is Unwritten EPK.

The 101ers - Elgin Avenue Breackdown Revisited. Full Album.

The 101ers - Keys to Your Heart (Single).

The Clash - Debut Album (1977).

Give 'Em Enough Rope (1978).

The Clash - London Calling (1979). Full Album.

Black Market Clash (1980).

Sandinista (1980).

Combat Rock (1982).

 Out of Control (Alternative Version of the final album 'Cut the Crap').

Live at The Capitol Theater New Jersey (1980).

Kingston Advice (1982).

The Clash - Live in Tokyo, Japan (1982).

The Final Concert 1983.

Acoustic Daze (1985). 

 The Clash - Live at Shea Stadium (supporting The Who). Full Album Released 2008.

The Clash Live in Paris (1980).

The Clash - White Man in Hammersmith Palais (Live - from Rude Boy Movie).

The Clash - Armagideon Time/Justice Tonight/Kick It Over (Audio).

Stiff Little Fingers - Strummerville.

Joe Strummer - Gone But Never Forgotten

Today would have been the 61st birthday of the former frontman for The 101ers, The Clash and his band The Mescaleros.

It is interesting that whilst there will be many people remembering Joe today that over in New York they have just recently torn down a mural that celebrates the singer in the East Village to make way for a clothes store! Thankfully there are plans afoot to recreate the image elsewhere but no details have emerged as to exactly where or when that will be unveiled.

Click on the links to enjoy the music.

Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros - 'Global A Go-Go' Full Album.

Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros - Bizzare Festival, Germany 1999. Full Show.

Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros - Roseland Ballroom, New York. Full TV Show.

Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros - Coma Girl - Promo.

Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros - London Calling. Later with Jools Holland, 2000.

Vive Joe Strummer - The Story of The Clash.

Johnny Cash and Joe Strummer - Redemption Song.

Cast a Long Shadow Joe Strummer Tribute Show, Los Angeles 2007. Includes performances from Love and Rockets, Hellride and Zander Schloss and the Wilderness Years and much more.

Joe Strummer Celebration 22nd December 2003, Filmore East at Irving Plaza New York. Includes performances from Ari Up and Jesse Malin and loads more.

Joe Strummer - The Future is Unwritten EPK.

The 101ers - Elgin Avenue Breackdown Revisited. Full Album.

The 101ers - Keys to Your Heart (Single).

The Clash - Debut Album (1977).

The Clash - London Calling (1979). Full Album.

The Clash - Live in Tokyo, Japan (1982).

 The Clash - Live at Shea Stadium (supporting The Who). Full Album.

The Clash Live in Paris (1978).

The Clash - White Man in Hammersmith Palais (Live - from Rude Boy Movie).

The Clash - Armagideon Time/Justice Tonight/Kick It Over (Audio).

Stiff Little Fingers - Strummerville.

Joe Strummer at 60!

Just in case I forget, this coming Tuesday (21st August) would have been the 60th Birthday of Joe Strummer.

As a wee celebration I've put together a playlist of the music of The Clash that includes a rockumentary on The History of The Clash, a stack of music videos, some full concert sets and the movie Westway to the World.

Hope you enjoy it.

Joe Strummer 1952-2002