the first line of "guns of brixton" is one of the most badass lyrics of all time!! way tougher than latter-day gangster rappers without needing to use "M-er F-er". ;)

(i know there are a lot of hip hop fans in these parts - myself included - and i intend no offenses - cultural, musical or otherwise - in the direction of said MC's)

I used to play both of these records when I used to spin out at a friend's bistro.

An interesting pairing seeing as the Costello tune was really Elvis's only reggae experiment and it was directly influenced by the Clash, who were heavily influenced by reggae and dub, as heard on Brixton (which Simonon wrote, but had to be forced to sing). Of course, Brixton was written after Detectives, but the link is there nonetheless. Great tunes both.

Wow, cool facts. Cliff, what's Simonon's story? I always hear more about Strummer and Jones but he seems to have been a major creative force for that band too, no?

Oh cool. MLB suspended Josh Beckett & fined him for his temper tantrum the other day.

This made my day.

Alex, this is like the third time in the last week that you put on a song that I was thinking about. I was singing Watching the Detectives (mercifully to myself).

Always loved the grittiness of Guns of Brixton. Must have played that cassette a million times.

You need to visit the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Annex on Mercer, they have a Clash exhibit going on.

http://www.rockannex.com/the-experience

Special Exhibit - The Clash

Revolution Rock: The Story of the Clash is the Annex's first featured exhibit. This exhibit allows visitors to get an in-depth look into how the band’s politicized lyrics, musical experimentation, and rebellious attitude have helped shape rock history. As rebels with a cause, The Clash took the manic anger of British punk and transformed it into a political and aesthetic agenda. Album after album, as they railed against the status quo of corporate rock and safe middle-class values, The Clash was a burning reminder of why punk mattered.

One of my FAVORITE Costello songs ..... nicely done Alex!

Simonon was the dude who gave the Clash their image and arty edge.