Good Morning from the desert bunker, I hope you are all in fine fettle. Not sure where to start as I’ve got a lot of loose ends and limited time…stop talking..get typing! A sad note to start as Mink Deville founder Willy DeVille has passed away following a bout with cancer at the age of 58. A slice of New York’s rich music (punk) heritage scene has gone.

One thought is related to the Joe Strummer BBC World Service audio files which I covered the other day. I’m trying to get through all of the broadcasts but I must specifically endorse the Don Letts ‘tribute’ show to Joe.  I can’t say enough about the 60 minutes that Don put together. Naturally Letts has insight to The Clash that is unrivalled in many ways and his ability to observe, capture and explain some of these events is just a joy. Put aside an hour and listen to this – for the music, for the memories and for the chance to hear Letts pay respect.

Of special interest to me is a track I’ve never heard before – it appears about 45 minutes into the show. A track written by Joe for Big Audio Dynamite that was never released – called ‘Dog in a Satellite’. It’s a demo recording but is simply captivating. Letts announced it as the first time it had ever been broadcast. Logic suggests it was scrapped from the sessions for No. 10 Upping Street. Amazed to hear songs as great as this be left in the vaults, but it also builds hope that we can still find nuggets. That period marked the last time that Strummer and Jones worked together and I’ve a feeling there is perhaps more there to be shared…or maybe I just hope so!

Related to this is the news that there is going to be a reissue of the debut Big Audio Dynamite album. A legacy edition is due which will feature 2 remastered discs including bonus material. I’m not sure if this will bring the anticipated pile of 12″ remixes (hope not) or perhaps demo versions and songs that were left behind (hope so). I’ll keep hunting for more information and keep you posted. I still feel ‘This Is.. Big Audio Dynamite’ was a vital record and you truly have to have known the musical landscape of 1985 to appreciate how different and bold it was. Not just from the pop/C86 scene that was out there but also that the creator was just a few years from being part of a band like The Clash who had such a defined fan base. I like to think that Mick made every effort to say ‘Let’s try this instead’ to fans who would follow him from the Clash. My only complaints are with the thin/treble high  sound and  the overall production  of the record, both symptomatic of the mid 80′s. In terms of the ideas, the sampling, crossover feel/appeal and making you want to shuffle your feet – it was brilliant.

More soon, the Clash Cup update and lots of other info.