I am really disappointed in the Vanilla Tapes - hard to believe

[JimmyJazz]

I know, but I am sorely disappointed. First, it was expensive, almost $30.00. Second, I really didn't need one more copy of London Calling since I have London Calling, Essential, Story of and Broadway, not to mention from Here to Eternity. But, I thought I would buy it for the unreleased stuff and the DVD. Well, the unreleased stuff stinks - they're rehearsal tapes - big whoop. The most amusing thing about them is hearing the Clash play "Lonesome Me." It's not a cd one would play at a party or anything, though.

As for the DVD, it's just a continuation of the Don Letts film, Westway to the World only this time it's narrated by that Cling On, Kosmo Vinyl - Ew, Ew, Ew. In fact, much of the footage is the same. The promotional videos are the same ones that are on Westway as well.

Am I missing something? Does someone have this who actually likes it? What is the point of this release?

Anyway, I realize this isn't nearly as important as the demise of ones marriage, which I am truly sorry to hear about, but I felt the need to vent and I thought I would shock a few people at the same time.

[Wickerman]

1. What is the point of this release?

Funny that would be asked about a Clash release. I've thought that since the 70's about most Who releases and always thought the Clash as a next generation Who.

Sad how history repeats. I'll probably buy it as I have been listening to a cassette London Calling, taped from the vinyl that sits in my closet - for me it will be nice to have the extras.

[JimmyJazz]

5. I'll be happy to send you my extra copy! The number of

cd's I have containing the song, "Guns of Brixton" is completely obscene. I think Kosmo's making some money off of this - the unreleased rehersal material was found in his house. I just couldn't stomach watching him being interviewed - he defines the word "tool"

[flamingyouth]

2. I haven't bought them yet

But now you've got me thinking that I won't. That's too bad. Sorry to hear that. :(

[JimmyJazz]

6. I would recommend the Essential Clash - both the CD and the

DVD over this. Neither contain Kosmo except when he stands up at Shea stadium and introduces the band. I can tolerate that.

[jdsmith]

3. You may want to try this website for Clash outtakes, etc.

http://www.clashcity.com/imct/the_file.php?go=main/MP3s/The%20Clash&lev=1

[JimmyJazz]

7. thanks n/t

[XNASA]

4. It doesn't really get any better than Westway to the World.....

So I didn't get my hopes up.

[JimmyJazz]

8. Essential is very good as well. It has some pretty funny interview

footage at the end and complete videos.

[CrownPrinceBandar]

9. That's too bad............

I hate to see record types wringing money out of a band as near and dear to my heart as the Clash. Mainly because I don't know if they were even about this kinda thing. It seems that someone is poking at a potential cash cow and wringing the Clash name for all its worth.

I felt the same way about "Streetcore". Joe's spirit was there, but I think they just cobbled it together to get a posthumous release out there. It felt really flat and hurried.

[JimmyJazz]

10. Oh, I looooovvvvveeee Streetcore. They apparently had a lot

to work from, much of it unfinished. It might not have the flow of some of his other work, but Damn - Burnin' Streets and the Redemption Song! Wow. I think those are some of his bests recording ever. As for Silver and Gold, it still brings tears to my eyes everytime I hear it. See, now I'm back to being a fan!

I know that Mick Jones and Joe Strummer were really crappy business men and never made a tremendous amount of money (relatively speaking), but this just seems a churning of everything that's already been done before. I would have rather seen them release some additional live material than this.

[CrownPrinceBandar]

11. Agree to disagree, I can live with that...

Everyone thinks I'm nuts because I'm not all ga-ga about Joe's "Redemption Song". While I thought the performance was good, it needed more polish in the mix. It sounded to demo-ish. "Silver and Gold" was one of the better tracks on the album, but "All in a Day" was one of my favs.

However, I will admit a bias for his earlier Mescaleros stuff. Songs like "Bhindi Bhagee" and "Shaktar Donetsk" are my favorite tunes.

[JimmyJazz]

12. oh yeah - also two of my favorites. I love the

guitar in Bhindi Bhagee - my kids call it the "bagel song" and ask me to play it all the time. I also like Global-a-Go-Go. Only Joe Strummer could write a song about Pete Townshend, the Stooges and Ronnie and Ronnettes!.

I think I like Redemption song because I like to play Marley's version and then listen to Strummer's. I thought the rawness of the sounded actually added to the emotion of the song. But, I can see how someone else would have a different opinion. I am certainly not telling you that you are wrong.

I also love Burnin' Streets because I think lyrically it's tremendously powerful. It brings back memories of "London's Burnin'"

I agree that it would have been better had Joe survived to do the mixing himself and to produce a final product with his stamp of approval, but since that was not to be, I'll take it.

[CrownPrinceBandar]

13. You have great taste in guitar parts..................

that African, "Ju-Ju" style guitar in "Bhindi" is completely sublime.

[JimmyJazz]

14. thanks - an unusual compliment for me to receive since I usually

focus more on the lyrics of a song. But, I'll take 'em anyway I can get 'em!