Joe Strummer And The Mescaleros - Streetcore (2003)Joe Strummer, rest his soul, died unexpectedly of heart complications in December 2002. You might remember him as the lead singer of The Clash, one of the greatest bands to ever make music. A few years before he died, he was touring and playing with his band, The Mescaleros. They recorded this, their best cd, Streetcore, throughout 2002. In 2003, it was released, and it being Strummer's last record is just the ultimate sadness.
This final cd is so world-wise and sounds like if London Calling were an indie record instead of a punk one. The music is very full sounding, has a lot of instrumentation other than the usual rock quartet sound. The songwriting is exquisite, this record is just a must. Joe Strummer was a classic figure, and this album is what I would consider the culmination of his life.
The most moving part of the whole album, easily, is the last song on it, Silver And Gold. Hearing Joe Strummer sing that about his ambitions and then add that he's "got to hurry up before [he grows] too old" is just too much knowing that this album was releast posthumously.
Oh, and if Long Shadow sounds like Johnny Cash, it's because Joe Strummer wrote it for Johnny Cash to sing... but then Cash died, as well. Its appearance on the record is a nod from deceased musician to deceased musician. Just a great cd.
Genres: Rock, Folk, Indie, Punk
Recommended Tracks: Coma Girl, Get Down Moses, Arms Aloft, Silver And Gold
Link: http://www.mediafire.com(SLASH)?mlnwyuzzmby
The Clash - London Calling (1980)
