man, I can't believe Joe Strummer died. I was 10 years old when Combat Rock came out, but it was the second album I ever owned. I owe a lot of who I am today to The Clash. My politics, my view on the world, my taste in music, my view of myself. Much of my life can be traced back to listening to that album when I was 11 years old. It was tough then -- being a punk kid with a blonde mohawk in a conservative middle-class school.
A friend of mine summed it up really well: In those days, punk wasn't something you listened to so you would be cool, or so you could get chicks, or so people would like you. You listened to it because it meant something to you & you didn't really care what anyone else thought. I've carried that attitude all my life.
What amazes me the most is that I can listen to those same songs today & still find something new in them. Such talent & political awareness is seldom seen in any music these days.
Cheers & rest in peace Joe.
A friend of mine summed it up really well: In those days, punk wasn't something you listened to so you would be cool, or so you could get chicks, or so people would like you. You listened to it because it meant something to you & you didn't really care what anyone else thought. I've carried that attitude all my life.
What amazes me the most is that I can listen to those same songs today & still find something new in them. Such talent & political awareness is seldom seen in any music these days.
Cheers & rest in peace Joe.
