GREENMUSE is a regular reader and fan contributor at antiMUSIC, the views expressed here don't necessarily reflect those of antiMUSIC or our sponsors, but we are sure you will enjoy what he has to say! 

What’s it going to be then, eh? Today I heard some news that I didn’t anticipate hearing for at least another 20 or so years.  The sad news was that the frontman of my all time favorite band had died, Joe Strummer. Up until today I found it silly and pointless when people would cry when a musician dies. After all I thought, it’s not like any of these people really knew the artist in question. Today has changed all that, despite the fact that I never met Joe in person and never got to see him perform in person; but I did spend the last 4 or 5 years listening to his music everyday. His music has greatly influenced the direction in which I have taken my life, so needless to say the death of Joe has left a very empty feeling in the very depths of my being, if I’m was not physically doing something such as writing into the computer, I know I will probably cry. It’s like losing a friend. Oddly enough, I drove to work today listening to “sandinista”, which I never do because I find it more of an evening album, rather than a morning album.

I can remember the first clash album I bought, “super black market clash.” I bought it through BMG using one of those ”7000 cd’s for a penny” or similar offers. When I first popped it into the player, I was instantly struck by the sheer brilliance of the band. That album had a bit of everything ,the straight up punk songs like “1977” to the dub stuff such as “robber dub”. I was amazed by the way the band could easily switch between musical styles, but at the same time never seeming like a parody of the musical style in question. I must have listened to that album 3 times a day in its entirety every day until I got my next clash album. Even though The Clash was sort of before my time,(I was born in 79) to me they are my version of the what the Beatles were to previous generations. True innovators, who were not afraid to take chances. What other band in the punk genre would risk all the precious angry young fans and release the very experimental “sandinista”? Back in the 70s people said punk died the day the clash signed to Epic, I think not. I think it showed a lot of what things were all about in the punk world when the Clash refused to sell their double album’s at double album prices to maintain their idea of value for money. To me the idea of a band putting their wallets where their mouths is takes some bollocks. 

Apologies if this isn’t very good, I’m understandably very shaken up and will end it here.  I feel exceptionally bad for Joe’s family being so very very close to the holidays. A truly terrible time for the loss of anyone, my condolences go out to them.

Rest well Joe, you are very much missed.

Greenmuse loves to hear from you, post a message below or send him an email at greenmuse@antimusic.com (he does get some rather strange emails from time to time... there was this one from a 14 punker girl who asked him if he wanted to...) 
 

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