Fireworks, gunshots and drunk drivers equates to freedom by any other name I guess. As America celebrates it’s 233rd anniversary I feel the years kicking in. Deep in the recesses of my youth was the U.S. Bicentennial which I have vague memories of being aware of. Something else special was going on that summer of ’76 and it was on a smaller scale in a flat above the Westway.

All these years later The Clash remain on peoples minds and writing the blog daily has brought that into much sharper focus. Good to know I’m not whistling in the dark anyway. As you might have worked out this Clash Blog post’s title will be a recurrent one where I steer you toward other blog entries about the Clash.

Kick off with a quick glance at Dabysan who has a profile that tells you nothing sensible but still he wrote a rapid fire review of The Clash at Shea CD. He gives it the once over and really applauds it. He also makes his case for not buying it sooner (maybe he was working on his profile) but makes personal amends by calling it the best live album ever.  It’s a double edged sword in my eyes, I love live music and I think hearing/seeing The Clash live when they were on full throttle is one of the best things ever. I still don’t own a great live Clash album. Lacking Topper and a set list that’s punctured doesn’t get it done on this release either. It’s a good live album but I’d point to the Smiths, The Wedding Present and James as bands I like who captured the live recording to much greater effect.

I’ve a feeling we might never get the perfect live Clash album we’d like to see which is a crime.

Which version do you fancy?

Next up is a brilliant undertaking by Jeffen who has essentially written an overview (and downloads) for every version of Straight To Hell he could get his hands on. It’s a really ambitous concoction and he’s done a marvellous job. Please take the time to visit and give him and leave the plaudits this merits. It’s such an entertaining list and features among the 22 versions the long Clash version, Red Letter Day (where did they go?), The Pogues, Phil Cody and many many more (in my best K-Tel voice). Don’t listen to me, tap the link and go and see.

Today’s Cut The Crap award goes to Kerrang! magazine for their top 50 punk albums list, yes it’s an old post but that doesn’t make it any less bollocks. I don’t ask to see The Clash take the top 3 slots but nothing in the top 5? In proper punk spirit we’ll make our own list here. Send your ideas to me and I’ll add it to theideas list. Here’s my top 10 in no particular order.

The Clash – The Clash

The Saints – The Saints

The Clash – Give ‘em Enough Rope

The Libertines – The Libertines

Sex Pistols – Never Mind The Bollocks

Black Flag – Damaged

Wire – Pink Flag

Buzzcocks – Love Bites

Operation Ivy – Energy

The Clash – London Calling

Take your shots, I know it’s not the most original but I did it in less than 5 minutes whilst I was on the phone!

I’ve some really exciting news about the blog that I hope to be able announce by Monday – it’s an exclusive interview and I’m going to ask for your help with questions.

Til Tomorrow…