Sorry about that last post ~ just had to get it written to save me explaining to everyone.Back to the topic at hand as there are lots of Clash related odds and ends coming through the wires and want to fire through them so the featured posts get completed this week also.

There’s a continuous tide of Clash related art being produced and I know for collectors and fans alike it’s an interesting attraction. I’ve always admired rather than envied those who could put their earnings toward art for art’s sake (sorry for the trite cliche) – the few times I’ve come close to purchasing something from that realm I’ve always determined the $150 could be better spent on 10 CDs, some clothes, a holday or whatever. In truth my own music collection is a bit out of control, okay a lot out of control. Then again I’m ten times more likely to be listening to music that watching TV.

London Calling has become the Taj Mahal of all things Clash it would seem and perhaps more so in the last decade. Along with the 19 tracks on the record the cover art seems to have become iconic to all music lovers – and indeed the image captured by Pennie Smith is unique to say the least. I still recall first buying that record – and first I was excited that it had lyrics (a first for The Clash) and also lots of small b/w images from that US tour. The inserts and the front and rear artwork were as enjoyable in some respects as the music contained on the vinyl. So speaking of that cover here is a link to a canvas art print of the Simonon photo. I do like the fact that only a portion of the original image has been painted and the colour pallette and intentional distortion/blur adds to the lack of convention. Maybe it’d look cool on a wall??

Don Letts’ movie Carnival remains in production but somewhere I read that it’s near release? I know I read Aug 29th for a premiere so I’ll keep digging. Definitely something to look out for. More information in the coming days I promise. Notting Hill coverage in full on the blog!

A film I want to eventually both talk about at length but also ensure everyone has seen is the Strummer documentary ‘Let’s Rock Again’. While The Future is Unwritten got so much press and attention this film was somewhat sidelined. I’ll delve into it at length later but in the meantime take a visit to - The Noising Machine – and check his review of the film. An accurate and concise summary of a film that clearly has to be seen for any Clash fan. Joe was so relaxed during the shooting and it’s a treasure that Dick Rude got this film made.

More later – no roof visits scheduled. Tim