Death and glory

The Beeb has excellent coverage of Joe Strummer's death. London Calling remains one of my favourite records and I still pop in the old cassette, the one with part of "Spanish Bombs" worn out from heavy listening, every once in a while. Beside being a great album, I'm always impressed that some of its themes--like the anti-consumerism of "Lost in the Supermarket"--seem more relevant today than they were in 1979. The lyrics are worth reading as well, especially since their thoughtfulness isn't always audible on record. RIP, Joe.

(Hmmm... Joe Strummer dies of a heart attack at 50, Joey Ramone dies of lymphoma at 49, and Dee Dee Ramone ODs at 49. Hard living, or punk rock curse?)