Best Album of 2012 "This is PIL"

The Best Album of 2012 had to be the May release of This is PIL by Public Image Ltd. A post-punk sound that grows on you as you listen to it and captivates your attention.

PIL along with frontman John Lydon have survived the line up changes in the band yet every new album that is released over the years brings new fresh material which musically is challenging and very, very modern.

Yet another catalog of songs we can add among our favourites to the PIL Archive of music over the years not every song equally as strong as the other but some great gems can be found on the album.

Larry

This is PIL BBC Review

http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/8gvh

Amy Winehouse Found Dead At Home

Amy Winehouse dies at age 27

Very sad news and a waste of talent. However she lived on the fast road with excesses of drink and drugs.

Better to remember her for the better times she sometimes had.

Hugh Cornwell & The Stranglers

The Stranglers were at their best when with Hugh Cornwell however the former lead singer from the group has made a successful go at being a solo artist which is testament to his unchanging musical talent.

One thing certain when we get Scottish independence we will still welcome talented English bands to tour in this country. Music is food for the soul and can brighten up the dullest of days.

And I still find the time to sing karaoke whether I am in Kirkcaldy or Dundee.

Reading is also a pleasure and Hugh Cornwell's autobiography A Multitude of Sins is worth a read where he describes how demeaning it was when he spent a short time in prison.

Check out his albums, tours and source of reading as he is an inspiration for up and coming artists on the rock or punk scene.

Joe Strummer: "The Future Is Unwritten"

The time passes quickly now eight years since the untimely death of Joe Strummer. He was an artist, a political lyricist, socialist and socialite and man for humanity.

His name lives on with Strummerville a registered charity that aims to create new opportunities for aspiring musicians.

http://www.strummerville.com

I post here in remembrance what is written in Wikipedia about him

John Graham Mellor (21 August 1952 – 22 December 2002), best remembered by his stage name Joe Strummer, was the co-founder, lyricist, rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist of the critically acclaimed British rock band The Clash. His musical experience included his membership in The 101ers, Latino Rockabilly War, The Mescaleros and The Pogues, in addition to his own solo music career. Strummer's work as a musician allowed him to explore other interests, which included acting, creating film scores for television and movies, songwriting, radio broadcasting, and a position as a radio host.

Joe Strummer and The Clash were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in January 2003. In his remembrance, Strummer's friends and family have established the Strummerville Foundation for the promotion of new music, and each year there are many festivals and both organized and spontaneous ceremonies worldwide to celebrate his memory.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Strummer

Joe Strummer: "The Future Is Unwritten"

I heard it on the radio announcing the death of punk hero Joe Strummer. It was 2002 and three days before Christmas. I was shocked as he was a young 50 year old and I was enthusiastic about his band the Mescaleros. I liked their music and had decided to go see them live but that dream was cut short with the passing of Joe. He will never be forgotten from punk hero to his brilliant brand of world music with the Mescaleros his memory lives on with the charity Strummerville http://www.strummerville.com.

I also thought Joe was a terrific song writer with his social and political leaning lyrics. Socialite or Socialist it does not matter I liked the songs that had a political theme to them.

There is a few websites dedicated to the memory of him http://www.joestrummer.org and Strummer News are two I came across.

Also check out the documentary "The Future Is Unwritten"

And what more can I say? Joe had the charisma to appeal to the ordinary man on the street or on the dole was immense. Check out Johnny Cash & Joe Strummer - Redemption Song I also like probably his best album with his band Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - Global A Go-Go pure world music slant there is everything here from Reggae to even Celtic sounds. Check out the album.


Joe also never sold out or forgot his punk and rock'n'roll roots his band covered hits by The Clash from London Calling to Rock The Casbah

Let us not forget Joe Strummer and check out the movie http://www.joestrummerthemovie.com

Joe Strummer RIP: John Graham Mellor (21 August 1952 – 22 December 2002.)

Larry

Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros - Global A Go -Go

Sun Is Shining - Bob Marley

Nothing's Gonna Change My World