As sad as it is, this was Joe Strummer's last input into the music world, and what an input it was.
Released shortly after Strummer's abrupt death on 22nd of December 2002, this album was one hell of a way to go out. But before I review the album a little background on Strummer's life I think is neccesary.
Born John Graham Mellor in Turkey in 1952 where his father was a clerk in the British diplomatic service, Young John spent his childhood accompanying his father on his postings around the world. He was then enrolled in an old-fashioned English boarding school where a lot of his theories were constructed.
Eventually, he became a street musician, taking the name Joe Strummer.
Then, in the early to mid seventies he formed the 101'ers (legend has it that the band was named after the torture room in George Orwell's "1984"). He soon quit the 101'ers after being asked by Mick Jones to join the punk revolution and form The Clash. I think we all know how the rest of the story goes.
But this album is really the complete the package. It has anything one could want from an album. Whether its the rockin' opener "Coma Girl" or the truly amazing cover of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song", this is a fine way for Strummer to farewell his legions of fans.
From punk-fuelled "All In A Day", to reggae sing-along "Get Down Moses" and the country stroll of "Long Shadow" this album, in true Strummer fashion, is very eclectic yet seems to fit together perfectly.
Even
London Calling gets a mention on the laid back "Midnight Jam" but Strummer still hasnt lost his political edge as shown in "Burnin' Streets": "London's burning - don't tell the Queen"
"Ramshackle Day Parade" is also an amazing song with its very laid back anthem-like feel which you wont soon forget.
Be sure not to overlook the brilliance of Strummer's back-up band 'The Mescaleros', who are as follows:
Scott Shields- Guitar, Bass
Martin Slattery- Keyboards, Guitar
Pablo Cook- Percussion
Tymon Dogg- Violin, Strings
Richard Flack- Effects
And as though Joe somehow foresaw his own death, he covered the Neil Young song "Silver and Gold", which has the lyrics "I'll do everything, Silver and Gold, But I got to hurry up, Before I get to old"
A fitting end to a truly remarkable, amazing yet deeply emotional album.
A definite classic.
