Good Evening, sorry for my Elle rant, but I do feel an elle of a lot better now. I need to bring you a selection of Clash bits from around the net as my inbox and searches keep bring in more than I can relay to you. In addition to my story  yesterday about the Jail Guitar Doors film ‘Breaking Rocks’ making the Raindance Film Festival there is another Clash connection to the film festival. There must be something in the (rain)water?

This Clash relationship flows all the way back to 1975 as the pre-clash Mick Jones ‘project’ London SS auditioned a Kiwi named Patrik Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald didn’t join the inner circle of The Clash but did remain in London for a few years as a ‘gun for hire’ or Punk poet depending on your point of view. His biggest moment was playing Victoria Park during Rock Against Racism (yes, on the stage) so he kept near the Clash shadow. Drop in and read the article – it’s interesting stuff. Oh, the Raindance connection….a film at the festival entitled ‘All The Years of Trying‘.

Staying in the past and more of that pre-clash extended family, John Lydon has announced that Public Image Limited are reforming. Yes it’s been 17 years and perhaps a cynic will see this as little more than a grab for cash by the former Finsbury Park native. My point of view – I’d sooner PiL tried to play some gigs or make another record than see the Sex Pistols go round the houses for the 4th(?) time. It might be my age – or just perspective but I think PiL accomplished a great deal more than the Pistols in real terms.  If nothing else it’ll be a chance for more interviews with Lydon as he still opens his mouth with more than an answer in mind. Stay tuned…

“Younger people at the moment are very mouthy and aggressive, You’re all terrified of your own youth. You’re not allowed to give them a clip around the ear and send them home.”                 John Lydon

Time for some odd trivia (the things you learn when researching). It’s over 15 years since Kurt Cobain died, in 1992 he listed his best 50 albums of all time. Which Clash album made that list? Answers or guesses in the comments section please.

Still not back my popular demand – I know I need these – the 4 piece Clash action figures are still on back order. I’ve written seeking an update but at this time have had no reply. $60 for the set works out to about 15 quid per Clash member but I wonder if a reserve/interchangeable drummer is available? The product description is rather surreal:

Bring home a piece of British punk rock history with these amazing “The Clash” action figures from new music action figure manufacturer, Locoape. This Clash action figure set is part of Locoape’s Icon figure series and includes an action figure of Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon and Topper Headon. Each 6” Clash action figure features each band member, their respective instrument, accessories, action figure base with “The Clash” logo name plate and one of four randomly inserted “The Clash” action figure back drops. The back drop is inserted in the rear of the base which highlights each Clash action figure for display.

What back drops can they possibly mean? Accessories…? Boggles the mind. I must find out how soon they’ll have thse back in stock as Christmas is just 3.5 months away.

OK – some short ones -

This is great, the ghost of Joe haunting a Chicago record shop Also,  Was Joe really only 5’8 tall? That will make my short-arse brother happy. I’ve noticed The Clash Blog is popular in Spain and I’ve heard from some of you. Can you tell me what this says?

This is fun, a feud between Flaming Lips and Arcade Fire. I like the ones who cover a Clash song and don’t look like an Italian football player – so you figure it out.  Finally the US Top 5 Albums Sep, 1983:  Michael Jackson, The Eurythmics, Hall and Oates, Stevie Nicks, The Clash

I’m done…sorry for lack of Clash Cup….will squeeze two rounds in tomorrow. Happy labour (labor) day if you have a job – wishing you a quick return to work if you don’t.

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