I get to be as self-indulgent as I want without wasting anyone's time. Guilt-free solipsism -- excellent!

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Joe Strummer is dead.

Joe *was* The Clash, and therefore *was* punk rock. And therefore *was* the driving force behind the aesthetic/unarticulated philosophy that completely dominates the way white kids of my generation, the one before mine, and the one after mine perceive art, culture and morality. Plus he inspired so many people to form bands -- even his choice of a stage name reflected that anti-elitist approach to art (and encapsulated his sense of humor). Given that he personified punk, it's ironic that he was the one who pushed punk forward, integrating reggae and R&B and hip-hop and f'in zydeco. But then that's even more punk, isn't it? I'm so grateful that I got to see him on a recent tour with the Mescaleros in New York. Hearing some of those Clash songs played live sent chills down my spine. Joe Strummer was someone to look up to. He had integrity.
His death is a huge loss.

His family have requested that donations be made to Nelson Mandela's foundation attempting to raise awareness of AIDS in Africa. At his death, he was working on a song with Bono to benefit the foundation.

I'm not at home, so I can't post any MP3s, but do yourself a favor and raise a glass to Joe while listening to The Magnificent Seven or Koka Kola or Straight To Hell.
| posted by Alex at 12:01 PM