Grafitti on a section of the East Side Gallery in Berlin.
Grafitti is everywhere in Berlin. Rarely is it as lucid as this.
If you have 3 minutes, take a listen to this version of the original Marley song, by Johnny Cash and Joe Strummer. These are two of the most incredible voices from my childhood and teen years. Strummer will always be my musical hero.
Another busy day after a very late night watching England meekly surrender to Australia at the Rose Bowl. Incredible innings from Watson and Clarke for the Aussies. Worth the entrance money!
Sam has senior prizegiving at school this evening. He has won the English Prize given to the student who achieves the highest marks in their English GCSE. I am so proud of him.
I gotta say that I prefer the haunting rendition of the Bob version, myself. I listened to him first in Jamaica when I was 16 and fell in love with the music (and photography).
I loved the graffiti in Berlin but I missed this one, Sean. Thanks for the link: not the prettiest voices i have ever heard but the performance still gave me goosebumps! Your boy has sure done well! My youngest is just about to go back to 'school'. At 18 he decided not to go to uni and got a job. He didn't know what he wanted to study, didn't like to go because that's what everyone does and he didn't like students! All that has changed is that he's found something that really interests him. That's my boy! He has followed the old man's advice: follow your interests! Fingers crossed for yours and mine and for all youngsters today.
@yrhenwr It is not much samller than actual size David, it was on an East Side Gallery mural at the Ostbahnhof end. Both old gravelly out of tune voices, but I love them, they give me goosebumps too. Good for your lad, he sounds very sensible.
I hadn't heard this version, so thanks Sean. It was remarkable how Johnny Cash's performances got even stronger as his health declined. His last few albums are marvellous. I don't know too much about Strummer (other than I read he was an upper class punk!). It is a wonderful Marley song but his reputation rather in tatters are the revelations of his views on parenting in the recent documentary film. At least 13 children with different women ad he is viewed as a role model by many young men in the UK.
@gooner46 I'm glad you like it Chris, I know how much you like your music so it is good to hear your views. You are right about Johnny Cash's voice and performances. Some of the songs on American IV:The Man comes Around just take my breath away, or in the case of Danny Boy, just opens the flood gates. It is an album that I seldom sing along too, I prefer just to listen.
Strummer wasn't really an upper class punk, but he wasn't from the sink estates either. From reading his Biography, he was quite a principled guy who embraced anti fascism and anti racism as worthy causes, and a music visionary that was misunderstood with songs like White Riot and White man in the Hammersmith Palais. He did also bluff his way a lot at first when he clearly didn't have the talent of some of his contempories. Thankfully he got away with it. I can't imagine not listening to his and Mick Jones voice several times a week!!
As for Marley, I think we have to be careful with reputations, because behaviour, morals, prejudices etc were very different back then. What was acceptable in the 60s and 70s particularly isn't nowadays, so it is a shame if there are those today who think it is acceptable. but it doesn't necessarily make them bad people, well not in every case!
@gooner46 blimey, Wagner is way too highbrow for me, I think I'd have to bring a book while you debated that. But you me and David debating the merits of something in a pub has all the makings of a Two Ronnies or Monty Python sketch! Interesting question, how to judge the famous, particularly those with a colourful tale.
Very powerful shot. And voices of my life also.
Strummer wasn't really an upper class punk, but he wasn't from the sink estates either. From reading his Biography, he was quite a principled guy who embraced anti fascism and anti racism as worthy causes, and a music visionary that was misunderstood with songs like White Riot and White man in the Hammersmith Palais. He did also bluff his way a lot at first when he clearly didn't have the talent of some of his contempories. Thankfully he got away with it. I can't imagine not listening to his and Mick Jones voice several times a week!!
As for Marley, I think we have to be careful with reputations, because behaviour, morals, prejudices etc were very different back then. What was acceptable in the 60s and 70s particularly isn't nowadays, so it is a shame if there are those today who think it is acceptable. but it doesn't necessarily make them bad people, well not in every case!
Congratulations to Sam for his achievement, well done! I hope you all enjoyed your evening.