Just got finished watching "The Future is Unwritten" the Joe Strummer documentary. Funny thing is I'm reading his biography also, both have kind of hit a note with me. I'm not very impressed with fame or icons, but Joe was a person that I would have given anything to be around. He embodied everything I've always loved about punk and music in general. He understood that it's a community meant to make people aware and a force for change, to make young people get up and look at the world they live in. This was not limited to only his music. I loved that towards the end he was doing a world music show on the BBC World and he was still out on the streets just talking to kids and getting them to discuss music and the world. Yeah punk started as a fashion thing but Joe is the one who made it a cause, he gave it attitude and brains.
I know I can be very judgemental about what others listen to but I think I do it because they don't want to see what else is out there. The idea of going out and creating something from scratch no matter what your talent was why everything happened in '77, and now we're back to square one. Kids are spoon fed crap music, fashion and opinions without thinking twice. The concept of DIY is something we need to bring back, and quick. Thankfully I have always been able to surround myself with friends who create there own opinions, weather they are wrong or right. I feel this is why Leyla and I get along so well, we rabidly disagree with each other but in the end its about ideas. I don't like being proven wrong (which happens very often) but it opens my eyes to new things everyday. I like to think I've become very good friends with Pablo and he is a prime example of just living your life, something I realy admire. We've both followed the same path in life, from angry bootboys to laid back joes content with nothing more than some food, music and being outside.
Needless to say the film was great and I have a renewed love for Joe's music and life. On another note its the first snow of the season here! None on the ground but pretty none the less.
3 comments:
great post man. joe strummer is the most efficient, egocentric man i have ever seen. instantly charasmatic and enjoyable.
i have thought that about joe for years. there hasn't been a day pass since i was 16 that something he said in his lyrics hasnt hit a chord (no pun intended) with me and my life. simply put, not just one of the best musicians but probably one great guy.
I completely agree with you! Maybe I'm a disappointment to my generation but I feel that most of the music now days is very manufactured. Even the so called 'indie' stuff is uncreative and a complete bore! The Clash were one of those bands that really made a difference. Joe Strummer is my Guitar Hero! Ohh ohh whoa!
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