Former Clash frontman rediscovers creative touch on second solo LP
Joe Strummer made his mark on the punk scene as frontman of The Clash, which was one of the genre’s most creative and innovative bands.
At their best, the group brought fans classic albums like “London Calling” and “Combat Rock” among other solid works. But they exited the limelight in 1985 with little more than a whimper, as 1985’s “Cut the Crap” was a flop with both critics and fans despite a featuring a (very) few shining moments.
But that dud wasn’t enough to cheapen the band’s accomplishments of the 1970s and early ‘80s. The Clash were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2003 shortly after Strummer’s sudden death,
After the group disbanded, Strummer began his solo career by contributing the soundtrack to the movie “Walker” in 1987. He followed that up with the critically acclaimed “Earthquake Weather” in 1989, which despite its warm reception from critics flew under the radar of the public – so much so that an officially licensed copy of the album nowadays is a scarce commodity, and that’s a true shame.
I first was introduced to this work circa 2003 when I found a cassette at a Knoxville flea market. I wore the tape out in short order and spent nearly two decades attempting in vain to find it on vinyl or compact disc. Well, my search finally ended last month while in Nashville. (Naturally, I finally was able to find it in Music City.)
The work showcases Strummer at a level approaching his very best. His lyrics are both biting and charming as he recaptures the creativity he exhibited during his early days fronting the greatest-ever punk band (with obvious apologies to X, the Sex Pistols and the Ramones).
The CD’s opener, “Gangsterville,” was released as a single and could’ve fit nicely on any Clash album. Overall, the 14-song collection represents some of Strummer’s finest work, with songs such as “Ride Your Donkey,” King of the Bayou” and others standing out as extremely experimental, charming and creative.
In short, the album contains everything that made Strummer a rock legend. While coming across a copy of it is rare, fans of The Clash must scoop one up if they do. And don’t be afraid to pay top dollar for one, as it is worth every penny of the investment.
