Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros: Rock Art and X-Ray Style

Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros: Rock Art and X-Ray Style
Label: Hellcat
Release Date: 1999
Review Date: 2000

Hats off to Hellcat for releasing a new Strummer record, but what else would you expect from them? Considering rightfully maligned relseases (Cut the Crap and Earthquake Weather) anyone would hesitate a little when considering a new Strummer release. He’s been doing soundtrack work for many years with his most recent work (I beleive) featured in the Cusack film Grosse Point Blank, along with some Clash tunes as well. Strummer is everywhere lately, and even though the Clash remain (fortunately) in a state of un-reuniuon, that hasn’t stopped him from playing the hits while on tour with the Mescalaros. The first exploratory branch of the U.S. tour featured an almost even split of Clash standards and new compositions. The band is a young assortment of UK’ers who seemed genuinely pleased to be on stage with a living ledgend. The new songs had promise and were often quite good. The audience response was enthusiastic for these compositions. It was as if they were relieved that they didn’t have to pretend to be polite for some forgettable ditties. Joe looked surprisingly good. Clash songs were met by a roar of approval from the crowd and band members alike, who were not afraid to add a little of their own flavor to hallowed songs without trampling their memories. I caught the first tour in Chicago and the second in Portland Or. By the time they rolled into Portland the X-Ray style had been released and as a result they probably felt more secure playing more originals, and thankfully dropping “Rock the Casbah.” They must have finally realized that people coming to the shows really didn’t need to hear it again. Strummer looked road weary and the show got off to a very slow start untill someone in the crowd pissed him off enough to make him wade in and have a few words with the offender. From that point on it was vintage bombastic Joe Strummer all over again.

So what of X-Ray Style? It’s more like the “Straight to Hell” parts of Combat Rock than early Clash, but more latin then island flavored. It’s even a little bit like Big Audio Dynamite in parts. It’s a kinder, gentler Joe Strummer, but it’s not like he’s lost his balls. X-Ray Style is a solid record, and the band gives an equally solid live performance with the benifit of throwing in some barn burning favorites from the days of Clash infamy. It seems like Strummer is popping up all over the mainstream and alternative press. Thrasher Magazine’s sister publication Juxtapoz even had killer deal for a subscription that included copy of X-Ray Style gratis. X-Ray style is a mature but still energetic release, definitely worth picking up. It will be interesting to see where he goes from here.

Rock Art and X-Ray Style: A

Snail Mail: Hellcat Records 2789 Sunset Blvd La Ca 900026