raise a toast to saint joe strummer

Yesterday was the 7th anniversary of Joe Strummer’s death. Below are a few reminders of why he was the best.

cover of the week – joe strummer edition

The late (Saint) Joe Strummer would’ve turned 57 last week, so this week we’ll feature a couple Strummer related covers.

First up is Police & Thieves, originally by Junior Murvin and later covered by The Clash. In the video below Strummer talks about the “bold brass neck” the group had to cover this reggae classic (Police & Thieves talk starts at the 8:45 mark).

Police & Thieves – Live at Bonds Casino – The Clash

Police & Thieves – Junior Murvin

Next is a chilling cover of Straight to Hell by Cat Power (i think. it sounds like her…). I don’t think this cover was ever properly released on either of the Cat Power cover records. Likely came from a radio broadcast of something. Don’t quite remember when or where I picked this up…

Straight to Hell – Cat Power

Straight to Hell – The Clash

Many years after The Clash called it quits, Joe returned with a terrific group called The Mescaleros. Here’s their take on Jimmy Cliff’s The Harder They Come, recorded live in NYC in October 2001.

The Harder They Come – Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros

The Harder They Come – Jimmy Cliff

so long joe…