fuche_bu's Full Review: Chris Salewicz - Redemption Song: The Ballad of Jo...
In my humble opinion, The Clash was one of the greatest rock and roll bands of all time. They put out amazing albums that always had something to say. They were viewed as a punk band although they were clearly superior musicians. Joe Strummer was a brilliant if troubled artist.
My curiosity was piqued when I saw a biography of Strummer at a bookstore downtown. I figured Strummer was a rocker that I should read into. The book is Redemption Song: The Ballad of Joe Strummer by Chris Salewicz. Salewicz is a British music writer who had an ongoing relationship with Strummer. This has enabled Salewicz to get close to Strummer.
Redemption Song is pretty comprehensive. Salewicz did his research to provide us with a strong glimpse of John Mellors--the boy who would become Joe Strummer, rock legend. I like when biographers provide background information on the subjects heritage. Strummer's father was a diplomat who traveled and worked in different countries. Strummer was born in Ankara, Turkey. There is also information about his brother who committed suicide at an early age. This was something that impacted Strummer tremendously throughout his life. In the book, Salewicz reports that Strummer mostly blocked out any references to his brother.
I also greatly enjoyed the chapters on Strummer's early career. Many people do not know about his first band The 101ers. This was a band that lived in an abandoned building. Several anarchist/punk type bands lived in homes together.
There is also a lot of interesting anecdotes about the formation and rise of The Clash. Salewicz writes in a very honest manner. He often brings up Strummer's ego and personal weaknesses. There were many professional and musical differences. The relationship between Strummer and Mick Jones was often strained. Jones would be fired before the band fully broke up. The book includes many of the dynamics that led to the band's collapse.
Salewicz also writes about Strummer's complexity. He drank too much and did drugs but often preached against them. He wanted to be a faithful husband but committed numerous infidelities. Salewicz clearly admires Strummer although he makes an effort to fairly portray the star. This includes personal and professional relationships. At times, Salewicz goes too deeply into the business of the band and the record contracts. It slows the book down.
Another thing I don't like is the lack of a bibliography and discography. They do include a couple nice photo sections but I would have liked a discography for future reference when I want to track down Strummer recordings.
The book is easy to recommend for the rocker who likes to read. There are some great anecdotes on classic performances. There are also a lot of insights into the psychological development of the man and artist. The book is written in a casual style that will draw the reader in. I think fans of The Clash and Joe Strummer should seek this book out.
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