Notes from the underground.

IN THE SAME YEAR that we lost another of The Ramones, we also lost Joe Strummer, most famously of The Clash, but also of The 101ers, Big Audio Dynamite, The Pogues, The Mescaleros, et al. Nothing will ever come close to the first Clash records, which still make the hair on the back of my neck stand up. The Clash was flicking cool, from their leather jackets and greased-up hair to the way Strummer snarled when he sang--not yelled--lyrics that really meant something. The Clash also experimented with different sounds and styles, most notably bringing reggae/ska tempos and licks into their work. Sandinista and London Calling began this transformation, and by the time Combat Rock came out they had a hit in "Rock the Casbah" (And toured with the Who in 1982). Strummer also appeared in a few good films, most notably Mystery Train and Straight to Hell. When I saw The Mescaleros last year they put on a great show, and it was truly a big deal for me to meet him and shake his hand. There are tons of Clash records coming out now (and I'm sure many more to follow, capitalizing on his death--and The Clash's induction into the Rock and Roll Music Hall of Fame this March). There are lots of demos and bootlegs of early stuff coming out, most recently Golden Bullets. It's a European boot that's got old stuff on there and rarities, such as a cover of "Louie, Louie" and Desmond Dekker's "The Israelites." It's also got a track or two from Sandinista and Combat Rock sessions, previously unreleased. Joe Strummer, 1952-2002, Death or Glory... In the small records category this month comes a new 7" by The Total Sound Group Direct Action Committee. Don't sleep on Tim Kerr--he's producing some killer stuff and also making his own music with a deeply-entrenched DIY philosophy Look for the bluesy Our Friends are Friends on Estrus... Bring on the punk rock! No brakes! Throw on that Electric Eye Muscle 7", kick up your heels and swing your fists! Chaotic, speedy punk rawk, these guys (and girl) kill it... And how 'bout them Greenhornes? Slight ly fuzzed out and leaning on the garage side, the '60s comparisons are apt, especially considering the B-side's Yardbirds cover ("Lost Woman")... More 7"s worthy of note, picked up at world famous Fallout Records in Seattle: I've seen both of the bands play live but had yet to hear recorded stuff by either Visqueen or Right On!, both from Seattle. Suffice it to say neither disappoint. Right On! has a deep pedigree, and the mere presence of Rob Vasquez should be enough of a clue-in to snatch their Buried Alive 7" on Royal Records. Picking up where The Night Kings left off, it's

catchy garagified punk with enough force to hit you good in the gut. And Visqueen? Speaking of pedigree--Kim Warnick? The Fastbacks? Geezus, kid, you gotta get out more if you don't know The Fastbacks. This is unadulterated power pop, and Kim and Rachel's voices harmonizing is flicking magic (like Kim and Lulu's). And to top it off, their drummer Ben skates!... Portland's The Thermals are destined to become indie-rock superstars, which generally means that they play drab, shoegazing, emotionally fraught music, but not so in this case. Their debut LP on Sub Pop (More Parts Per Million) is fucking great, with a Wire-y, arty edge, frenetic tunes, and a sound reminiscent of early (good) Pavement. These kids have the look, the sound, and maybe you read it here first, but regardless, this shit is dynamite... On the live front, Tempe, Arizona's Half Empties are proving that there are some Arizona bands with balls. Straight-up two guitar punk rock and roll, paint-peeling and barn-burning, and drummer Jesse skates!