[squash54]

What ever happened to Joe Strummer, the guitarist and lead singer with the 80's band 'The Clash"?

Well Joe dropped off the music radar pretty much after the breakup of the band. However in about 2000 he formed an excellent new backing group called The Mascaleros and produced three albums. Regrettably, the third was published after his sudden death (from a congenital heart defect) in 2002.

I came across his last two albums on Sparks a while ago and a quick listen was engaging enough to cause me to bookmark them for a closer listen when I had more time. I'm glad I did because I have now D'd both - 'Global A Go-Go' and the postumous 'Streetcore'.

The albums showcase Joe's diverse musical influences but there are a few tracks that will satisfy Clash fans. There is hard driving rock and roll, as well as world and folk influences (acoustic, electric and even a bit of electronic). The songs are intelligently written with a number displaying the strong social message found in many of the Clash songs. One album even has a tribute song to Johnny Cash (Long Shadow) and he does an excellent cover of Bob Marley's 'Redemption Song'.

However, throughout both albums its Joe's rich and raw voice - one of the great rock and roll voices of the 80's (think 'London Calling') - that ties everything together and makes both albums highly satisfying.

Cheers,

Squash

[Nightfly]

Squash,

I agree, I as well have these fine albums.Joe always had his eye on the world
scene, and I think his writing and music on these, reflect those insights.

Talking of ex-punkers post careers-I recently have gotten into Johnny Lydon's
(Johnny Rotten) albums he did with PIL Public Image Limited..
There is a great song by them called "Rise" .. a political but hopeful song,
where he sings the Irish prayer "may the road rise with you" and has Steve Vai
on guitar...It rocks.

[Starcat]

Originally Posted by Nightfly

Squash,

I agree, I as well have these fine albums.Joe always had his eye on the world
scene, and I think his writing and music on these, reflect those insights.

Talking of ex-punkers post careers-I recently have gotten into Johnny Lydon's
(Johnny Rotten) albums he did with PIL Public Image Limited..
There is a great song by them called "Rise" .. a political but hopeful song,
where he sings the Irish prayer "may the road rise with you" and has Steve Vai
on guitar...It rocks.

I agree with you, Nightfly.
"Rise" is a great song, but I haven`t heard it in a long time.
Will have to download it, thanks for reminding me about it

[solaris]

Originally Posted by Nightfly

Squash,

I agree, I as well have these fine albums.Joe always had his eye on the world
scene, and I think his writing and music on these, reflect those insights.

Talking of ex-punkers post careers-I recently have gotten into Johnny Lydon's
(Johnny Rotten) albums he did with PIL Public Image Limited..
There is a great song by them called "Rise" .. a political but hopeful song,
where he sings the Irish prayer "may the road rise with you" and has Steve Vai
on guitar...It rocks.

I like "Rise" by Public Image Ltd. (from the winter of 1985/86) a great deal too Always brings forth the 'jolly' college memories

[Nightfly]

Originally Posted by solaris

I like "Rise" by Public Image Ltd. (from the winter of 1985/86) a great deal too Always brings forth the 'jolly' college memories

By your smiley's ,I can tell why you like the 80's so much....

[solaris]

Originally Posted by Nightfly

By your smiley's ,I can tell why you like the 80's so much....

This forum should have a cavalcade of different sexy 'girlie' smilies available and the option to (ab)use more than seven of them, THEN I would be able to illustrate my 80's to its fullest extend