Hello all, a few days after we shared the news of Mick Jones and Paul Simonon working together on the new Gorillaz record the British press have seized the story. “Punk reunion” is the preferred headline it seems – but have a gander at the summaries if you will:

The Guardian

The Daily Mirror

The Telegraph

The best quote was the following from Mick Jones ”We didn’t argue as much as we used to. We were wrapped up on our track in a day, no nonsense, and then went down the pub for a pint.”

As I’d written it was the first time the two had recorded together since The Clash, but as the Telegraph article correctly stated they did play live together at a birthday party for Kate Moss in January 2006.

Speaking of Mick – big thanks to Gail who forwarded this Big Audio Dynamite (BAD II) youtube video (beneath) that neither she nor I had seen before, hoping you haven’t either. The live version of The Globe is great to see – sound and video quality are top notch, they were occasionally hit and miss as a live proposition but I blamed that more on the technology of the day than the band themselves. Great to see Mick having such a good time – but please explain just what was going on with his hair. I was at that concert and it was a great night. One query – the video text says Hammersmith…sort it out, that was at Kentish Town, I’ll have to see if I have the ticket stub to scan. I’m happy to say as much as I liked B.A.D. they never influenced my dress sense.

Right then there’s this – obviously quickly done but entertaining regardless. “The Best Clash Dance Songs”……It’s not exhaustive but they have a good list to be starting with. At some point over the last 30 years I’ve probably danced, well..moved, to every song The Clash ever wrote so I can’t come up with a definitive list myself. I would ensure Hitsville UK made that list were I to bother….worst Clash song to dance to – “Somebody Got Murdered”.

The Specials – so far have only confirmed Coachella and New York City as far as US dates…so if you live in the 3,000+ miles in between I’ve no good news yet but I’ll keep an eye out.

Killing Joke – they’re back….read more about that on The Quietus.

Finally, while I’m still working out a schedule for the return of The Clash Cup – this page might suffice – he’s calling it Cover Clash, not due to it it featuring The Clash but it will feature covers. Today it features a cover version by The Clash.

Sam I am….

dsd

Friday night and its still chucking it down with rain here, pretty mad as we have now had the equivalent of a normal annual amount of rainfall just this week. Remind me in 6 months when it hasn’t rained since ok? So….a bit more info on the Gorillaz album courtesy of the NME. The album is scheduled for a release date of March 8th on both sides of the Atlantic it seems, and the collaboration with Simonon/Jones is just limited to the one track as initially reported (the title track Plastic Beach). I may be biased as I was/am a serious Blur fan, but I really like what Damon does in general and I don’t think it would be very far off the mark to suggest what he has achieved/attempted/meshed with Gorillaz is in many ways similar to what Mick Jones managed to accomplish with Big Audio Dynamite. The parallels are pronounced, two important key members of previously great bands that started fresh with something completely unexpected. Both bands had then made albums without musical boundaries that appealed to very different (and new) fans due to the broad reach in style and musical sense. Sure there was some magpie approach but nobody else did what Big Audio Dynamite were doing from 1985-1990 and you can say much the same for Gorillaz. Biggest difference Mick and company didn’t become cartoon characters but the clothing and baseball caps was the next best thing eh?

If you want or need the ideal initiation to Gorillaz – may I suggest getting a copy of the DVD  ‘Demon Days – Live in Manchester‘. Musically and visually its rather amazing. In addition to Mick and Paul the new album is packed with guest musicians such as Lou Reed, Mos Def, Mark E Smith, Snoop Dogg, Bobby Womack, De La Soul and Super Furry Animals’ Gruff Rhys. Did Mick have a pint with Lou Reed? Was Paul having a natter with Snoop Dogg? We need to know and you might find out as there looks to be a full interview with Damon Albarn in the new NME so if you get hold of a copy please share anything with us that might be useful. Right…so we’ll keep our eyes on that until the album comes out then.

I don’t profess to know the origins of everything so I wanted to feature a song of the day today – from Earthquake Weather – Joe doing his version of ‘Ride The Donkey‘ — always really liked this one and don’t know much about the origins - The Tennors – (Tenors) – but this site is a bit lacking in info, but what a great track. Audio is over on the right of this page in the video link. Original version linked here for your enjoyment (shit that’s really good!)

Yes Yes…I mentioned The Libertines the other day but the new interview(s) with Carl Barat totally contradicts what he was saying as recently as

Pete Doherty, will he or won't he?

October. The new interview (BBC version here) suggests he’s looking at this happening in 2011 as he’s too busy in 2010 (aren’t we all). That said the same news hasn’t been confirmed in by Pete as of now. I’m thinking if Babyshambles up the odds by making a third brilliant album we can perhaps forget the notion of a Libertines reunion, especially as it might be a case of Carl wanting it more. Wouldn’t Pete Doherty be tempted to say no thanks after all that has happened? Stay tuned and don’t forget that it looks likely that Pete might be heading back to jail in the interim also….

Libertine to Springsteen…I rarely mention The Boss unless he mentions The Clash and wouldn’t you know it…he has. On this link from the Sundance Channel check some of Springsteen’s favourite tracks of all time which includes a Clash song and a few others that may well shock you (well they did me).

Back in the morning I think….have a good night.

Good Evening – just a short post tonight but I wanted to share a quick summary from the Rich Kids reunion show last night. I so wish I could have been there as it sounds like it was brilliant on so many levels. The good news? Two friends of the blog (namely Stuart and photographer Pete) were there and have kindly provided a summary of the event and photos to boot! Thanks to the two of you and let me hand it over to Stuart:

Well, what a fantastic night at the Rich Kids bash. You’ll be pleased to know that Carbon Silicon were back with a bang – only four songs – Global War on Culture, The News, Why do men fight and What the fuck. All delivered with fun and energy which reminded me why this band is soooooo SPECIAL . A very special mention for Rusty Egan who guested on drums and was so powerful – highlight being his magnificent performance on the News – wow did he give some welly. An awesome Why do Men fight also deserves a mention – a good old rambling epic – like the old Carbon Silicon days – went on for ages but totally captivating. Other highlights of the evening include Viv Albertine (God she looks good – Oil of Olay adds next surely?) wooing the crowd with “Confesions of a Milf” , Ian Broudie and Glen Matlock with The Illusions belting through Wreckless Eric’s Whole Wide World, Glen again with Patti Palladin leading a singlaong – ohhh so many great moments…… As for the Rich Kids – well what can i say – they played with enormous energy and it was hard to believe they hadn’t been together for 30 odd years. Another special mention for Midge Ure, as his vocals were outstanding. Most enjoyable though was seeing these guys having such a great time – it was quite touching. Encores were A Rousing All or Nothing with the band being joined by Mick TJ and Gary Kemp and having a generally riotous time finishing with an absolutely belting Rich Kids – honestly it was fantastic and I feel so lucky to have been there – God these old punk rockers know how to put on a show, have a laugh , and create a brilliant atmosphere – I’m proud to say thats my kinda music. It was also nice to see Pete the Snapper albeit briefly and I noticed with disappointment the demin quota was at a more manageable level than the Breaking Rocks bash in October – mind you who am i to talk – it was so cold i had a cardigan on under my jacket – so Val Donican jibes my way next time Pete! I’ll try and write this up properly when i get a moment but hopefully this’ll give a bit of an idea – all the best – Stu

Mick Jones looking dapper for 2010. Image Courtesy Peter Stevens

Stu – thank you…that’s a lovely capture of what sounded like a uniquely amazing night. Pete – Thanks as always for doing what you do best! I’ll sort out more photos when we talk….. Stu – I’ve got that breaking rocks article to post soon….

Video clip above and to the right ~ worth a look for a hidden Clash track mixed in there!

Tim