A compact run-down (less a history) of "the only band that matters" compiled from interview snips from existing Don Letts documentaries, along with interviews with those who have documented and been influenced by the Clash and their legacy.
In a time when the idea that the individual can and should make a difference, the Clash's messages have become relevant again - if they were ever made irrelevant - and feel as fresh and urgent as they did in the late '70s/early '80s, and this may be why, in addition to the untimely passing of de facto band leader Joe Strummer in 2002, there has been a passel of Clash/Strummer books and documentaries released in the past few years.
Unlike other Clash documentaries, this piece includes full plays of select songs, including the enduring "London Calling", allowing the music that changed many young lives to continue to speak.
I was intrigued by the summary that described the sisters' music as a sort of Appalachian hip hop, but found on listening that the music was actually closer to world music rooted in Appalachia, which I find different enough to make note of. The voices of both the reporter and the sisters struck me as stiff, scripted and detached, a contrast to the warm laconic music the sisters produce.
Comments by April O'Brien
Comment for "The Clash: Revolution Rock"
April O'Brien
Posted on February 26, 2008 at 08:41 AM | Permalink
Review of The Clash: Revolution Rock
A compact run-down (less a history) of "the only band that matters" compiled from interview snips from existing Don Letts documentaries, along with interviews with those who have documented and been influenced by the Clash and their legacy.
In a time when the idea that the individual can and should make a difference, the Clash's messages have become relevant again - if they were ever made irrelevant - and feel as fresh and urgent as they did in the late '70s/early '80s, and this may be why, in addition to the untimely passing of de facto band leader Joe Strummer in 2002, there has been a passel of Clash/Strummer books and documentaries released in the past few years.
Unlike other Clash documentaries, this piece includes full plays of select songs, including the enduring "London Calling", allowing the music that changed many young lives to continue to speak.
Comment for "Rising Appalachia"
April O'Brien
Posted on February 26, 2008 at 03:32 AM | Permalink
Review of Rising Appalachia
I was intrigued by the summary that described the sisters' music as a sort of Appalachian hip hop, but found on listening that the music was actually closer to world music rooted in Appalachia, which I find different enough to make note of. The voices of both the reporter and the sisters struck me as stiff, scripted and detached, a contrast to the warm laconic music the sisters produce.