After the demise of the Clash, Joe went on to some strange times. His first solo album was poorly produced and seemed half-hearted. The soundtrack to Walker (available now as a re-issue from Astralwerks) was a much better album, despite being almost completely instrumental.
And then the long spell of no music from Joe. Oh, he was around, doing guest vocals, touring with the Pogues, soundtrack work, even jumping in on BAD for a couple of songs, but no albums of his own.
Then in 1999 came a disc with a horrible cover and brilliant music inside, Rock Art and the X-ray Style. Joe was back and sounded like he had something left to say. The flawless Global-a-Go Go followed in 2001 and it was like Joe had never left. The music was amazing, the lyrics funny and sometimes biting, and the touring was relentless.
Then Joe died. December 22nd, 2002. Three years to the day.
Joe Strummer was one of the last honest men in rock and roll. I miss Joe being in this world. I miss knowing he's out there with an endless enthusiasm and optimism. I miss waiting for his next song.
In an era of crap bands, well-rehearsed and produced revolution, image over substance, and lack of real soul; you all owe it to yourselves to pick up one of Joe's solo albums. It's good for you.
Joe's final release was called Streetcore, it followed his other albums by having a horrible cover over top of brilliant songs. It's unintentionally sad, most of the songs being real corkers. I named this song as my favorite song of the year 2003.
This is Burning Streets by Joe Strummer, from the album Streetcore
The Song
Burnin Streets (6.9MB MP3)
The Site
Official Site
The Album
Streetcore
