Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros Release Re-Issues and Rarities Record Honors Legendary Singer’s 60th Anniversary
To celebrate the extraordinary life and career of musician Joe Strummer, Hellcat Records proudly announces the digital release of Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros, The Hellcat Years . The album comes out on August 21st, which would have been the iconic artist's 60th birthday. In addition to the digital release, Rock Art and the X-Ray Style, Global A Go-Go and Streetcore, will be re-issued on September 25th.
Fans are invited to stream the rare and previously unheard live recording of "Johnny Appleseed" courtesy of Rolling Stone by going http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/song-premiere-joe-strummer-the-mescaleros-johnny-appleseed-live-20120821">here.>
A comprehensive collection of recorded music, hard to find b-sides and never before heard impassioned live performances, the compilation highlights three superb albums; Rock Art and the X-Ray Style, Global A Go-Go and Streetcore, all recorded between 1999 and Strummer's untimely death in 2002. It was during this period that Strummer wrote, recorded and toured with the band he dubbed "The Mescaleros." These records capture the one time Clash front man amidst an undeniable creative resurgence. In a review of Streetcore, UK newspaper The Guardian called the record Strummer's "best work since the Clash's London Calling."
Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros, The Hellcat Years also features three rare live tracks documenting the celebratory 2002 reunion of Strummer and Clash band mate Mick Jones at a benefit concert for the Fire Brigades Union in London. Backed by an overjoyed Mescaleros, the two legends roar through exhilarating versions of Clash classics Bank Robber, White Riot and London's Burning.