Another day in the desert without rain ho-hum, and I am knackered this morning I must confess. Not a great deal to report back on today so I’ll cut to the quick hits and then plot the course for later. A lot that’s written about The Clash focuses around the split and I find myself guilty of that too, I think it’s borne from wishing they had continued longer. I’m putting together a piece on Bernie Rhodes who is naturally a giant piece in the Clash story.

Back to this morning, I found this well written article by Michael Aushenker about the Combat Rock Sessions and the original Rat Patrol versions of tracks produced by Mick Jones. I’m not sure if Sony/CBS will ever let these versions see the light of day, I’ve heard some but surely not all of the Jones versions and some tracks that were lost in the mix. In these days of reissue repackage repackage (copyright Morrissey) I’d be confident that there would a market for it and the fans would feel satiated, better than another video compilation from a band that wasn’t interested in video.  I especially like Idle in the Kangaroo Court, audio is here.

I’ve always been a fan of Blur and am looking forward to seeing how well the summer shows are received. Damon Albarn of course most recently worked with Paul in The Good, The Bad and The Queen. On the strength of that album (perhaps my favourite over the last few years) I was saddened that the project was shelved after the one album. Lightning in a bottle I guess. Damon remains an interesting chap and I was surprised to see them reunite, I have a feeling one more album and then the old battles will reemerge. Reviews from Glastonbury seem favourable.

Better than Alex James

30 years after supporting The Clash, the Zeros (haven’t heard them in an age!) are playing live again. I scouted down some of an older interview with them and it’s worth sharing this piece.

Someone in the organization knew one of the members of the Clash, but the thought of getting the Clash to assist with a benefit was the furthest thing from anyone’s mind. Hector recalls: “We thought these guys wouldn’t be available to play this gig in a million years, but (Joe) Strummer and (Mick) Jones showed up at the meeting to plan the gig! Basically, they said, ‘We want to play the show, but we can’t use the name because we’re under contract with Bill Graham.’ ” The problem was solved by billing the band as “The Best Band Ever — Direct from England,” and the day after Clash played with Bo Diddley at the Berkeley Community Theater, the Clash played the New Youth Movement Benefit, supported by the Zeros and Negative Trend.

Lastly a really enjoyable interview with Joe Strummer from 1999. I think a giant collection of Strummer interviews compiled as a one (maybe two) volume book would be a wonderful thing. Joe was at full speed in the interview amongst my favourite statements was:

I just liked ‘Hellcat.’ Doesn’t that sound good? Imagine a jacket with ‘Hellcat Recording Artist- piss off’ on the back of it. It’s so great to say that rather than (mumbles) ‘Uh, I’m on Sony.’ It doesn’t compare.

Hope your Tuesday is a stunner, seems the blog is getting some traction and the global nature of the readers is brilliant to see. More later..

Cheers – Tim