There was only one image I could use for a post on September 11. A photoshoot that I’ve always loved changed in significance in 2001 and yet again the following December.  I’d written about New York City and the ‘anniversary’ last night and can’t add much to that. I know a huge ratio of visitors to the Blog are from the city and I do my best to fathom just how much it has impacted my friends there. I can’t say a single thing to reduce that impact. Six people who I indirectly worked with were on the 94th floor of tower one in the WTC that day, just starting a normal day at work. I trust my former work colleagues recollect that this morning. I can’t help but do so.

If you’ve seen these two clips before then consider yourself lucky. I’d like to thank Gail for bringing these to my attention. The video quality is well above average for a 1980 TV clip and the audio is also decent throughout with few drops in the mix. My goodness the band looked and sounded amazing and the energy is just electric even though it was just a television performance.

So you get a white hot London Calling with Strummer mixing up the lines as was his custom. We’ve even got multiple camera angles for a great look at Topper (so a few clips focus on his brilliant drumming). I’m not sure I’ve ever heard Mick’s voice so strong and assured. The confidence of performing songs off of London Calling is palpable. As for Joe thrashing that guitar it’s priceless viewing he’s just so focused. You’ve also got Micky Gallagher on keyboards. Paul seems to be more confident and even comfortable with his vocal duties both backing and lead (though not sure you hear his backing vocals).

Train in Vain is just an assault driven by Headon’s drumming and Mick sings it with more fire than the recorded version. There’s some video bleed and edit issues as the tape joins Guns of Brixton but what’s remaining is still really good. Watching Strummer play bass is always great, like seeing a centre half going on a run into the opposing penalty area. Simply excellent video and it’s made my evening. Strummer with near skinhead is also smashing.

From the same broadcast you also get a sterling rendition of Clampdown to complete the quartet. My only complaints would be Topper’s beret and Mick’s grape zoot suit. Put these boys on the cover of Elle!

The performance was from Apr 25 -- 1980 on ABC TV’s Fridays sketch comedy show recorded in Los Angeles.

I don’t normally make a featured post about a single video clip unless it is a new ‘event’ or somehow exclusive to the site. In this case it’s neither but rules are meant to be broken. To the best of my knowledge (and to more seasoned internet Clash fans than myself) it’s the first time thought that this clip has  been available online. It’s visually pretty bad/borderline awful- and the audio isn’t fantastic but it is a unique document and well worth your time. It’s a clip from September 1977 on French television. A brief interview with a pretty chirpy Mick (primarily) and a very disgusted looking Joe with Topper and Paul warily looking on. Jones looks like he might weigh 9.5 stone and a strong gust of wind would take him out of the studio. The interview runs to 2:48 and is followed by Complete Control and 1977.

“Control Absolute” indeed. A very weak (volume/depth) guitar sound reminded me of my first practice amp set low. Probably due to the TV station but impossible to say. It’s strange hearing Complete Control in such a demo/subdued way but doesn’t detract from the overall importance of this document. Seeing the band interviewed ‘out of their element’ and riding high on the buzz the debut album created is excellent stuff. You have to love the special effects used as well. The stage set looks like a 10 year old kid’s bedroom….pretty weird clip overall but something I’d never seen in my life before yesterday.

Cheers Tim

I’ve tried like mad not to resort to this but bloody hell a lot of stuff gets uploaded to you tube. If you like this -- send me a message -- if you don’t, send me a message -- but I’ll commit to doing a semi regular you tube Clash roundup. You never know what you’re missing and I’ll try and help you out by catching the good, the bad and…well have a look.

#1 -- This is just bizarre. An original interpretation by the Dithyramb french duet (Dame Bérénice de la Trouffinière and Dame Culnégonde de la Garde Montée). Recorded in Paris, September 5, 2009. Full details here about these two, if tu parle francais please write in and explain more!

#2 Cover of “Should I stay or should I go” by The Clash. Performed by Hybrid, Live @ The Rum Shack in Weymouth September 2009. Not bad but where is the camera…on a ceiling fan?

# 3 -- These lads need a bass player, a vocalist and should not be playing in the middle of the road. It sounds a bit Pavement to me….I actually love it.

# 4 -- The Kooks *I’ve since been advised it was a Kook (the singular) playing Police and Thieves with Mick Jones for Strummerville event at the R+R Public Library

Cheers then ~ talk tomorrow.