Your Daily Song Fix

From their 1977 album of the same name, this song rocks, plain and simple. Richard Hell is best known for his influence on punk fashion (spiked hair, clothing held together with safety pins, etc.) and for his roles in the band Television (who was infinitely instrumental in the popularization of New York’s CBGB club) and then later with Johnny Thunders’ The Heartbreakers.

Since the 80s, Hell has focused primarily on writing novels, but still releases some music.

“Beyond and Back,” from the 1981 album Wild Gift by iconic and influential L.A. punk band X, filters rockabilly riffs through a jaded sneer. What do punk relationship troubles sound like? This: “Now it’s five to twelve – shut up and smoke.”

The Clash AKA “The Only Band That Matters,” released their self-titled debut album in 1977 (does anyone have the stat on how many debut albums are self-titled?). It was a hit around the UK as The Clash established themselves as a freedom fighter band in their native country.

This track, Police and Thieves (a regular recording room warm up song) was chosen over the Bob Marley’s Dancing Shoes to round out the album’s song list. The song was originally written and recorded by Junior Murvin and Lee “Scratch” Perry 1976 and appears on a variety of albums including: the classic 1980 soundtrack for the film THE ROCKERS (where I first discovered this song) and Lee Perry’s This Is Reggae Music, vol 3.

Murvin’s first comment regarding The Clash recording was: “They have destroyed Jah work!” I am sure he came around because the song jams. In the end however, I believe Murvin’s version is superior and is well worth exploring.