Johnny Appleseed

Joe Strummer is most famous for being the lead singer, lyricist and rhythm guitarist for the English punk band, The Clash, ‘The Only Band That Matters’. Of course, The Clash is one of the most critically acclaimed and successful musical acts ever, and not to mention one of my favorite bands. Of course, otherwise I probably wouldn’t be discussing them. After six albums the The Clash disbanded in 1985, when I was a wee lad of four, and all members moved onto separate projects. After years of doing solo work, soundtracks and much more, Joe Strummer put together a backing band of highly talented musicians and instrumentalists, dubbed ‘The Mescaleros’, of which Mescalero is an Apache Native American tribe from New Mexico.

Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros put out three albums before Strummer’s untimely death in 2002 at the age of 50. It is evident in their music of how Strummer remains one of the most talented musicians of the last fifty years. Many of you have probably already heard a track by the group, yes, surprisingly so. JS & The Mescaleros’ track ‘Mondo Bongo’ was featured in the movie ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ when Angela & Brad meet in South America, doing that sultry dance in the evening. That’s the song. I am however writing to feature their track ‘Johnny Appleseed’. It’s fast paced with complex instrumental progressions, Strummer’s firm voice, flourishing choruses conveyed with power and politically charged lyrics, of which Strummer has always been known for. A truly brilliant song. It really is a shame that Strummer died at such a young age, who knows what other beautiful music he might have put out.

Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - Johnny Appleseed

Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - Mondo Bongo