Hello again….how are we? Also why do doctors refer to us as we? I’m well thanks now that you’re asking but I won’t be if it doesn’t eventually rain in this city. Sorry for the lengthy delay between posts I’ve just had one of those weeks at work where I’ve felt empty by the time the evenings roll round and writing is the last thing I can manage. I’ll make up for it over the next 72 hours and next weekend I’m taking a trip out of state so hopefully will gain some blogging momentum there.

Tonight’s post was inspired by this question that popped up on a forum ‘were The Clash the greatest punk band?‘ which of course is a subjective question. You’d need to define who the contenders are, in fact exactly what was punk? Couldn’t it be applied to The Stooges or The MC5 if we go back in time, or Green Day and The Strokes if you wanted? Are you a punk band if you begin as one but don’t especially remain one? Is punk more to do with a sound or an attitude? Does it have to be both? Was Woody Guthrie punk? I’m of the very entrenched opinion that thirtyish years after first identifying with punk music and happily being called a punk if someone chose to do so it has more to do with how you think than having The Exploited or The Misfits written across the back of your black leather jacket. I think if you’re still prepared to call out someone for being a poser or a parasite, a divider or a racist then you’re probably still a punk. If you think that people should do their own thing and not wait for the corporations to give us guidance you’re probably a punk. If you think that too much control is had by the people in power with the money you’re probably a punk. I’ve nothing to guarantee my theories except that it’s what I believe. So were The Clash the best punk band? For me they were, as I think their debut album is still the best collection of punk songs and even then they don’t follow form entirely by throwing in Police and Thieves as a cover version. Perhaps more excitingly less than two years after recording their debut they had evolved into essentially a different band. Funny though it is that ‘post-punk’ has come to embody most of the better bands that surfaced from late ’78 until ’82 you could argue that The Clash were the first post punk band. In a sense at least.

Anyway I chucked that survey question up on Facebook earlier this week as I was appalled to see that only 25% at that point felt The Clash were the best punk band ever. Best punk band? You can make a good case for them being the best band in general, and certainly of their era they were unsurpassed. By the gentle power of persuasion that same poll now shows 67% voted The Clash as the best punk band. Now I feel guilty as if I’ve performed some electioneering (which I have) to create a better result. More seriously what band from the 76/77 punk era were better? I’d say Buzzcocks, The Ramones, The Damned and The Sex Pistols would constitute many people’s top five. I thought I’d look at a few random (magazine) polls to see where people rated The Clash as best band in other environments. So…Top 100 bands of all time:

Number 28 – Rolling Stone: The paper often cited for doing more to break the band in the US places The Clash in vaunted company at 28. The profile was written by The Edge who said “mplete throw-down to us. It was like: Why are you in music? What the hell is music all about, anyway? The members of the Clash were not world-class musicians by any means, but the racket they made was undeniable — the pure, visceral energy and the anger and the commitment. They were raw in every sense, and they were not ashamed that they were about much more than playing with precision and making sure the guitars were in tune. This wasn’t just entertainment. It was a life-and-death thing. They made it possible for us to take our band seriously” Here’s the link to the top 100, scroll through to 28 for The Clash profile.

Number 22 – VH1 : I know, who regards VH1 as a source of information these days…or ever? That doesn’t deny the fact that they ranked The Clash this high far ahead of The Kinks, Radiohead and The Velvet Underground to name just a few. Incidentally the highest ranked punk band. Here’s the full VH1 list.

Number 53 – AVRev: You’re probably wondering what sort of a source AVRev is (which stands for AudioVideo revolution) and the answer is I don’t really know. What I do like being a bit of a numbers person is that they used some formulas to generate their final list which gave scores out of 100 for US Sales, Innovation, Songs and Songwriting etc. Of course that remains a bit arbitrary but The Clash do score very well for ‘innovation’ (89) which places them in the top 10 all time, I’d argue that innovation is the most important attribute of a band. I’ve just lost respect for the poll however as I noticed they have The Police at number 11 (?)

Undetermined – Mojo: I couldn’t find a list from Mojo of top artists but they did do the top 100 albums of all time which saw London Calling in 22nd and the debut album at 49. On aggregate I’d say that earns them a place in the top 50.

Number 2 (best punk bands) – Rate Your Music: Rate your music is an odd site but still worth a visit if you’ve got time. They did create a best punk band list based on users votes for each album which you can visit here. The Clash came in at number 2 with the top spot being occupied by none of those suggested top 5 I mentioned earlier. Go and have a look.

We’ll look at more lists another time. I just read the sad/predictable news that Amy Winehouse has been found dead at the dreaded age 27. RIP. It’s been a bad two days with the tragic events in Norway and the news that a former work colleague younger than myself passed away at age 42 yesterday. I need some good news! Got any?

Talk to you soon, Tim

Thursday then everyone, we’ve nearly made it….well done you. I was just watching some clips of Suede from Coachella and beside B.A.D. playing last month I’m now regretting missing them. I’m also a bit pissed off the Brett Anderson being the same age as me doesn’t look more than a few years older than he did when the band were making some of the best records (in my humble opinion) of the 1990′s – at least certainly the first three albums. Makes me feel a need to get far more skinny, I’m guessing he doesn’t sit on his arse typing all day. Bastard.

I have a special guest post this evening from none other than our resident London photographer and budding scribe Pete that I think you’ll enjoy. If you live in London it will be a bit more poignant as its far from being good news but is news nonetheless. I feel remiss that I wasn’t a few steps ahead and promoting this event in advance which reiterates to me how busy we’ve been of late with ‘that tour’ and other sundry items. If you’re familiar with Carbon Silicon’s run at the ‘Carbon Casino’, or a London resident well versed in the pubs and clubs of West London you’re already surely aware of The Inn on The Green and the sad news that the venue was forced to close on April 30th. A preposterous increase in rates caused the venue to take stock and wind up operations bringing an end to a near six year run as a focal point in the Ladbroke Grove area. Mick Jones had more than a modest affinity with the venue and in the best of Clash traditions it was situated right underneath The Westway. You can find out more and sign an online petition via this link as this sad loss continues a far too aggressive tradition of closing down music venues, even ones that are newer and had established themselves in the local community. Fortunately Pete was able to make it along for (most) of the final night at The Inn and composed a fantastic report for us and took some great photos so I’ll hand it over to him.

The Final Curtain

Just over three years ago I spent a number of amazing Friday evenings photographing at a most unusual music venue, tucked directly under concrete platform which forms The Westway, halfway between Ladbroke Grove and Portobello Road. Mick Jones had chosen the venue, The Inn On The Green, for Carbon/Silicon to play seven consecutive Friday nights with a whole host of special guests.  I was so inspired by shooting these events and the unique atmosphere of the venue that I produced a photographic book, so it is with a really heavy heart that I have now to report that rumours about the imminent demise of The Inn On The Green are sadly true.

The final night was on Saturday 30^th April and I arrived early, as it would probably be a busy night. The stall holders of the world famous Portobello market were noisily clearing up in the warm evening sunshine as I made my way past the green to the El Camino on Portobello Road for a quick pre-gig chicken burrito.

Rat Scabies - image courtesy Peter Stevens Photography

Returning to The Inn On The Green and meeting Michelle, cartoonist/artist Stu Warwick and his lovely other half Esty (Estelle) we were then joined by a certain Mr Rat Scabies and his friend. Rat is more famously known as the drummer of The Damned and Stu had taken this opportunity to have some of his excellent cartoons personally signed.  Rat also came down to do a short(ish) set with The Members and proved, if proof were required, what a great drummer he is, with some very subtle snare work, worthy of Topper who has also graced the stage here. Nicky Tesco sung a brilliant version of their biggest hit ‘Sound Of The Suburbs’….and the gathered crowd danced and cheered. It was at this moment I thought that it would’ve been a great idea to get my Members clear vinyl 7” single signed by Nicky…if only I’d brought it !

Set concluded, landlady Tina was up next to explain to the assembled friends why they were having to close – money and rent basically. Their annual rent on the building, before any other costs was over £45,000 and was about to go up dramatically. Unfortunately, their wonderful community based business cannot now be sustained financially and time’s up. Tina and Dave had tried for many years to create something unique in a very multicultural area, where everyone was welcome and they succeeded in that sense. The ‘Inn’ had a real vibrancy about it and there was always something happening.

Nicky Tesco & The Members - image courtesy Peter Stevens Photography

Tina then proudly introduced the truly brilliant ‘Ramonas’ an all female Ramones tribute band who rocked their socks off (and mine) I was shooting, but singing along with everything. By the time their set had finished, just after midnight, the previous night’s activities had caught up with both Michelle and I we decided to cut out slightly earlier than planned….It must be an age thing I guess !!

The marvellous Taurus Trakker were up next as we slipped out back into the bar area ….God only knows what time the other bands, then finally the Rotten Hill Gang took to the stage !  Rather formally, I shook hands with Rat and Nicky Tesco and departed with The Ramonas version of ‘Blitzkrieg Bop’ still ringing in my ears. A fabulous band to remember my last night at The Inn On The Green. Another small music venue has gone, one which truly was at the heart of it’s community. No doubt it will become a gym or part of a big coffee or pub chain who can afford to pay the astronomic rents demanded these days.

The area will be culturally poorer for its passing and in my humble opinion this does not represent progress. Local businesses in Portobello are being slowing strangled and squeezed out. One can only truly appreciate our loss once these venues have gone forever. The list of small London venues which have disappeared in the last two decades is truly appalling.

I don’t want that bland corporate experience. I want something different, something unique. Three years ago events at The Inn On The Green inspired my photography and even got me to do some writing. Believe me, this would not have happened at yet another branch of Starbucks or All-Bar-One. The Inn On The Green is not quite as internationally well-known as The 100 Club in Oxford Street which was recently rescued from closure, but has served an equally valuable role in its community, giving young bands a chance to perform in front of an audience and many others a rehearsal, meeting or art exhibition space.

Cloey Ramona - image courtesy Peter Stevens Photography

Three years ago I rediscovered a feeling that I thought had been lost forever with the near-total corporatisation of the music business. I didn’t want to see my favourite band in a ten thousand seat concrete barn or a park ‘brought to me by a multinational soft drink, mobile phone or beer company…’ The thought of paying hugely inflated ticket prices to fund the hugely inflated egos, with untold numbers of middle men creaming off excess profits, actually stopped me from going out and enjoying real live music. Big venues and even bigger prices – it’s just not rock‘n’roll !

I just want to publicly says thanks to Tina, Dave and all their staff for their vision and amazing hard work over the years. It’s always been about the people and they are good people. This venue has given me some incredible memories and it’s so sad to reluctantly bid adieu.

Me again, my sincere thanks for that Pete as I feel like I was there now. I don’t know exactly when we’ll see the tide turn toward independent venues once again but it will happen. Even here two new venues (small, indie, gritty) have opened in the last six months and both seem to be prospering. As ever thank you for the photography which was simply stunning, I’ve not seen The Members in about thirty years I’d assume so the photos were great to see. Please join me in the comments to thank Pete for a great piece. Cheers – Tim.

I had a dream last night which featured the unlikely guest appearances of Terry Chimes, Osama Bin Laden and a ginger kid I went to school with when I was about nine years old. He was still nine which was odd and Terry Chimes and he were playing snooker (ginger was losing) whilst OBL seemed to be for the most part busy flirting with the girls in the dream and getting in a round of drinks. The only dialogue I recall was Terry saying that he couldn’t believe he was losing another frame and the in the dream I was more focused on me studying the difficulty of each upcoming shot rather than the unlikely cast of characters that I was watching. One of those observational dreams rather than a talking one so I wasn’t able to ask Bin Laden why his photographs aren’t being released or whether he had the taste of salt water in his mouth. (in case you were wondering).

image courtesy R E Aaron

I thought as its relatively early in the evening I would compile some Clash odds and sods for you tonight, and then tomorrow we should have another guest post followed by some of the standard updates than have been lacking of late. First of all the video linked here from the unlikeliest of sources Reuters which is a very short clip about the B.A.D. reunion including a brief chat with Mick Jones, the chap doing the voice-over not only reads his script like he had just heard of The Clash and Mick Jones about 3 minutes before reading the piece but his phrases include immortal cliches such as ‘rock and roll guitar and decidedly English vocal stylings’. It’s as if you took the lyrics from Safe European Home and asked your grandfather to read them aloud and with conviction. I know they say any press is good press but if you previously thought Reuters were square this will only confirm those 90 degree angles.

Another video then for you which I’d never seen before this week. When The Clash played the Jamaica World Music Festival in Montego Bay on Nov 27, 1982 it was part of a 3 day event that combined rock, pop, soul and reggae artists. The festival never became the annual event it was hoped to become but was surely a dream trip for the band, especially Paul Simonon who may have still harboured annoyance from his previous exclusion on the songwriting expedition by Mick and Joe back in 1978. Particularly when you remember much of the reggae influence and relative expertise within the band came from Paul’s earlier days. While the great audio recording of the event has long been available online and off I had not seen this before although read that it was in existence. The whole event was broadcast live on TV at the time in Jamaica and this 4 minute clip was evidently made as part of a special documentary for Canadian television. If anyone knows if the entire VHS is still in existence I’d love to know. Not fantastic video quality but that doesn’t outweigh that it’s still a rare and priceless piece.

Clash footage from the Jamaica World Music Festival, November 1982

Not to go back to the well but on this occasion I’m going to have to do so. You may remember a few days ago that cut and paste/chaotic and rather unsentimental piece in The Sun about the death of Poly Styrene and punk artists in general. The bad article just got worse with an addendum by none other than Alan McGee. For decades I’ve had a lot of respect for Alan McGee, his eye for talent and dedication to Creation Records and many of the the acts who excelled under his guidance can’t be ignored. He has an amazing history and was one of the most influential people involved with British indie music in the 1980′s. If I look back to what I was listening to in 1985 a huge percentage of my favourite acts were either discovered or promoted by McGee. Under normal conditions I could write chapters about all the times I’ve considered him crucial and I still do, which helps alleviate the blurb he added to the original column. You can check it for yourself here but essentially it opens with him lamenting the loss quite rightly of so many leading lights from the punk period but he also puts it down to their lifestyle. It could be a misquote I suppose but I don’t associate the loss of the specific people he mentions, namely “Joe Strummer, The Ramones, Tony Wilson and Malcolm McLaren” with the excesses of their lifestyles.

These were pretty uniformly untimely deaths from diseases and health issues were they not? We’re not looking at people found dead in car wrecks, suicides or with needles sticking out of their arms. Perhaps he means the fast paced life of gigging, touring and recording meant that time caught up with them but in that case why not say that. Perhaps I’m over-sensitive to it, but Joe’s death along with many of the other names we could reel off always seemed such bloody bad luck more than self prescribed. Not to demean cancer or a pre-existing heart condition but aren’t these really the random cards we are dealt to some extent? Not every smoker gets cancer, not every drinker has liver trouble, nor does every cancer sufferer smoke two packs a day. These are tragic diseases we should continue to support the research to combat and prevention of rather than be glib about who was dealt some sort of ‘consequence’. I have seen too many people die from cancer to see it any other way. Alan McGee you remain a brilliant chap but your words could have perhaps been chosen/quoted differently, say it ain’t so Alan. Then again it’s The Sun, why talk to them in the first place?

I’m also thinking about restructuring the ongoing Clash Landmarks series on the blog. I’ve got some ideas I’ll share soon and I’m hoping some of you can help me in far flung cities and countries. Lastly I really hope that the UK gets it right the the Alternative Vote referendum today but as you can tell here, I’ve got major doubts. More tomorrow and let me know what you think of the video and whether I’m getting the wrong end of the stick with Mr. McGee in the comments (you know…down below…so I don’t get an echo when I type). Cheers – Tim