So many great musicians have left their marks across the history of the music I (and millions more)love. The King, John&Paul(no last names necessary) Jimi, Kurt and many other greats.

Joe Strummer deserves a spot when listing the ones who changed the music world for the better. If by some chance you are reading this review with out benefit of knowing who Joe was or his life story, then you need to get some Clash CDs and do some internet reading. Joe and the Clash meant the world to many of us and I write this review of Joe's last album before his sudden passing with the heaviest of hearts. The Clash was THE BEST punk group ever, because they were the most musically talented. Many punk fans think that the point of punk was /is simply fast and furious. While that is certainly part of the appeal, there is another aspect that is more important. Independence! freedom from those who would pigeon hole you and tell you that you must continue to play music this way. Punk was first and foremost a big SCREW YOU! to the established music industry that had forgotten that rock music was born in rebellion. The fast and furious style is the manifestation of the anger of guys who are developing musically. The Clash matured into a great band that like a roman candle lite the world for a short time.

After the candle burned out the members went down the paths that life took them. Joe continued to do various things i.e. soundtracks,a little acting and even put out a great first solo album (89's "Earthquake Weather) in the late 90's he began to work again on albums with a new band (The Mescaleros) two wonderful albums of music full of various styles were produced ("Rock Art and the X-Ray Style" and "Global A Go-Go") Then the hammer fell. In December 2002 Joe was lost to all his present fans and his future fans. This album was completed by his friends and band members as a final tribute to a truncated life.

It is the finest memorial I could ever dream to be, for a man who just loved music. Don't take my word for it, read other reviews and go to various web sites to read of his passion. However if you really want to know his love and passion, then REALLY listen to his music. You will find all the love Joe had for music, in his music.

The songs on the album have been discussed in other reviews, so read them for a better understanding, as some people have written some beautiful things about Joe's final salute. All I want to say is that this is such a shame because the albums shows that Joe was really getting into a groove and what the future might have been. If you're a fan of Joe Strummer and you don't have this album, shame on you, GET IT NOW!! If you are becoming a fan then you can't miss with this FINE work.

The only fault I would have is not a fault at all. You see if you're like me and you think the world of Joe, when the album reaches it's climax you may feel sadness as Joe sings a cover of "Silver and Gold" a song lamenting the need to do so much in life before it ends.

Joe sings the line "going to take a trip around the world, going to kiss all the pretty girls,going to do everything silver and gold.....and I 've got to hurry up before I grow to old" This song now chokes me up when I hear it and think of Joe and that is my only fault with this beautiful album.

Joe may have had a weak heart physically, but the soul of his heart was a SUPERNOVA.

Joe Strummer's final release is an eclectic mix of genres and moods, much like Sandanista and Combat Rock from The Clash. The best tracks include the rocker Coma Girl, the reggae head-bobber Get Down Moses, the groove-laden Burnin' Streets, and the bittersweet ballad Silver and Gold. Fans of The Clash who preferred the band's all-out punk anthems may not like it quite as much, but those who appreciate The Clash's experimental side, or those who just like Joe's persona and songwriting, will find much to love here.

Seldom does a performer have as much to say as the amazing Joe Strummer. His last album is as good and powerful as any Clash release. Not quite the same as the Clash but thats what makes it so good. He followed his own path and did things his own way and the resulting career stands up to the test of time and the final words are a fitting and masterful conclusion. All of the songs are great but his Ode to Johhny Cash, "Long Shadow" could also be a tale of his own great legacy. The greats always leave us too early but Streetcore is amazing and should be in everyones collection!!

I'm so blown away by this album as well as Global A Go-Go. I could see that he was going somewhere early on, but with these albums he has most obviously arrived. I don't know if I can think of better, more brilliant rock-n-roll/cross-genre albums ever made. Can't stop listening. Thanks, Joe, for leaving me with something that I'll never put away.

Joe Strummer And The Mescoleros-Streetcore *****


Released in late 2003, Streetcore is easily Joe Stummer and The Mescaleros' best album. Where Globel A Go-Go, and Rock Art And The X-Ray Style had moments of weakness, Streetcore shines bright from the openeing notes of 'Coma Girl' to the last drone of 'Silver And Gold.'

Streetcore was released just weeks before Strummers untimely and tragic death. The power, the pain, and the conviction that Strummer had been known for his entire career comes across here clearer then ever before. He had finally realized he needs not impress anyone anymore, because he had already impressed us all, many, many times before.

His song writing chops come through on songs like 'Come Girl' 'Get Down Moses' 'Arms Aloft' and 'All In A Day.' His use of imagry and socialy concious attitude is premenant everywhere.

His love of Reggae is brought to the forfront of one of the stand out tracks 'Get Down Moses' which may be the very best thing Strummer ever wrote, maybe even better then his solo work as well as his legendary work with the phenomonal Clash.

Also on the cover of Bob Marley and The Wailors' 'Redemption Song' his love of reggae comes through. This is better then the original. May seem impossible but Strummer kicks it up a notch yet without changing the slightest thing. Divine!

'Long Shadow' is without any shadow of a doubt the very esence of Strummer. The vocal harmones are reminicent of early Clash, but even at that with a the grace of the Clash, Mick Jones and the boys could have never hoped to create something so angelic. The lyrics rival that of Strummers all time best and even that of his hero's Woddy Guthrie and old Mr. Zimmermen (Bob Dylan.)

Streetcore is the end all and be all of Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros. Even though it may play out like a solo album none of this would have been possible without his boys.