Friday afternoon and I’m knackered, supposed to play football in a few hours and it is 104f so I’m not impressed at all. This recent video frenzy I’ve been on isn’t intentional, it’s just that there are a number of things I keep finding coupled with great clips being sent to me (which is much appreciated). I will write more soon, I promise I just tend to remember stories I want to write about but instantly forget video so I have to seize the moment and get this stuff posted.  For this afternoon I wanted to share a video of Billy Bragg performing at the Electric Picnic 5 Sep in Ireland, this hot on the heels of his recent Beethoven inspired trip to Los Angeles. The clip is most notable for both the song but also the Strummer/Jail Guitar Doors guitar that Bragg is playing.

Regular visitors may accuse me of mentioning Billy Bragg too often and I’ve a 2 part answer to that. Yes I do mention him, I’m a huge fan of Bragg and have been for over 25 years. Equally importantly I feel that Billy Bragg comes from the same bloodlines that got the Clash up and running at the dawn of British Punk. From his earliest Bragg plus amp being labeled as a ‘one-man Clash’ right through to the present day and his continued dedication to causes that deserve attention. In conjunction he’s the engine room behind Jail Guitar Doors and will never cease to triumph the impact that The Clash had in terms of both influence on him but also their importance to music history.

Bragg doesn’t seek the easy path, even as he has matured and the issues have changed from Thatcher and supporting striking Coal Miners through to international business practices and the corruption of big oil money. Mixing pop and politics has been his battle for so long and I only wish more artists would mix a little more awareness into their agendas. That said I know there are those who can’t stand Bragg….if you’re one of those don’t worry you’re still welcome round these parts, you can’t help your lack of taste! There’s a lengthy (18 minute) 2 part inverview with Bragg that goes along with the track which I endorse. He now has a 15 year old son who is learning guitar and NOT supporting West Ham (good lad), Billy’s storytelling as usual is hilarious.

Part One -- Billy Bragg Interview

Part Two -- Billy Bragg Interview