Song Saturday- All about Joe

"If you're out to get the honey, you don't go killin' all the bees!"~ Joe Strummer

This week, while channel surfing I happened on the gem "Joe Strummer-The Future Is Unwritten"

If you love music WATCH THIS MOVIE.

It was absolutely lovely to watch. Chock full of outakes from his life and the world that surrounded him as he grew into himself. Narrated mostly by Himself, it was also full of music that he loved, not just his own.

I was particularly touched by his post-Clash times and struggles. It reminded me of what most artists whether they be musicians, artists, writers or everyday people face.

-Here's something to remember: YOU ARE ALL ARTISTS. As Oscar Wilde wrote: "Life has been your art. You have set yourself to music. Your days are your sonnets."

Now, some of us have gloomy sonnets and others of us are mean with our sonnets, while still others are incredibly prolific. It doesn't matter if you have lived, you are art. (As well as the artist)

Joe Strummer found this truth. I was deeply touched by his closing words at the end of this movie. It boosted me. It put things in perspective a bit. I have a tendency to vacillate between hope and angry cynicism. I'm very sure I'm not the only one. However, it feels so very much better to be hopeful. I'm going to practice this more.

So today, you get a double shot. First, "Closing Remarks" and second, one of my favorite songs from late-life Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros; "Johnny Appleseed".

Keep your heads up, dive into the art of life. "Take Humanity Back; Without People you're nothing." ~ Joe Strummer.

Song Saturday- Clampdown

Okay Song Saturday Listeneners, here's your chance to weigh in. The recent London riots? revolution or blatant theivery? And...why are innocent computer users being arrested for the riots? Hmm?

Song Saturday-Eve of Destruction

Seems pretty apt for today. On my Best of Johnny Thunder's album he asks the crowd, "You want electric or the hippie shit?" I opted for the hippie shit for y'all...Happy Song Saturday.Edit

Song Saturday-Exploding Plastic Inevitable

Today Andy Warhol would have been 83, maybe it's a good thing he wasn't aroung longer or we would have had to watch in dismay as! he joined the ranks of celebrity plastic. In anycase, Happy Song Saturday

Song Saturday-Green World

I know it's been some time, I have been out enjoying the summer, but this week, take a min and contemplate your "Green" world.

Song Saturday-It's Too Late Because We're Dead

Enjoying the weekend with some Slow Club who has a delicious, uncanny knack for making serious lyrics sound upbeat and light.

Enjoy.

A Father's Day Reminder

I don't have a Father.

I sometimes tell people I sprung from the head of Zeus like Athena.

The truth is my mother never told me the same story twice about who he is or was. I have my theories about why, but in the end it doesn't matter.

So I appreciate good fathers. I really do.

I'll tell you a secret:

Good Dads very often bring a tear to my eyes. Good men are important and special.

And, I think you don't have to be an actual biological parent to be a good "Dad"

Sometimes the man who lives next door and helps you change your tire is filling that role, even though he has no kids of his own.

Sometimes the stranger who opens the door and helps you carry groceries so you can deal with a tired toddler is being a good "dad".

It's important

And for those Fathers out there who for whatever reason are feeling like they fucked up, or missed out or had their last chance.

Don't sit there on this day or any day for that matter.

There is always time, to be the right kind of Dad. To accept your children for who they are.

Who they REALLY are.

Get over yourself and your expectations. Be a good Parent. There's still time.