E=MC2
Big Audio Dynamite
Mick Jones came out of that broken CLASH gate in 84 with this amazing track that somehow works so well — even as it mixes samples, genres and new 80’s sounds.
And it all went down as Strummer reluctantly released the final CLASH record CUT THE CRAP without Jones. I have a soft spot for THIS IS ENGLAND, but it was clearly Jones who embraced his newfound freedom and spread his wings, calling the shots with his new, cool band.
And their records mostly still sound great (!) with a sound that eludes and transcends those unforgiving traps of the 80’s. The career that began here, stretched over a decade — twice as long as The Clash existed!
Great interview with Mick here from ‘88 where he talks about music being hard to make and that you have to try hard. Love it!
E =mc2
Energy equals matter times the speed of light squared.
Jones uses this concept to describe a culture where things are moving too fast and veering out of control. It’s something we sure feel nowadays, but there was a special brand of this chaos in the 80’s when western culture and government (like matter) began to take up space in a different way. And it had dangerous energy, like cancer spreading. Bad culture and bad government were wreaking havoc on our globe and it almost felt like the people at the top were enjoying the power. Sure, it’s always been this way, but never quite on display like it was so obnoxiously in the 80’s.
I love these samples and those little random stories in this track. They could be bad dreams Mick had or maybe they’re based in reality. It doesn’t matter in the song because we feel the insanity either way.
Somebody I never met
But in a way I know
Didn't think that you could get
So much from a picture show
Man dies first reel
People ask what's the deal?
This ain't how it's supposed to be
Don't like no aborigine
Took a trip in Powis Square
Pop star dyed his hair
No fans to scream and shout
When mobsters came to flush him out
Gangland slaying underground
New identity must be found
On the left bank for a while
Insanity Bohemian style
Ritual ideas relativety
Only buildings no people prophecy
Time slide place to hide nudge reality
Foresight minds wide magic imagery, oh oh
Met a dwarf that was no good
Dressed like little Red Riding Hood
Bad habit taking life
A calling card a six inch knife
Ran off really fast
Mumbled something 'bout the past
Best sex I've ever seen
As if each moment was the last
Drops of blood color slide
Funeral for his bride
But it's him who's really dead
Gets to take the funeral ride
Ritual ideas relativity
Only buildings no people prophecy
Time slide place to hide nudge reality
Foresight minds wide magic imagery, oh oh
Oh oh
Oh oh
Oh oh
Space guy fell from the sky
Scratched my head and wondered why
Time slide into time
Across international dateline
Scientist eats bubblegum
Hall of fame baseball
Senators a Hoodlum
Big chiefs in the hall
Ritual ideas relativity
Only buildings no people prophecy
Time slide place to hide nudge reality
Foresight minds wide magic imagery, oh oh
Stray thoughts fear to tread
Placed upon the screen instead
She's my flame too hot to hold
Had to settle for her cold
Blood lust, Greek god, gold discovery
Gone bust, tight wad, slow recovery
Axe job, flame thrower, iron bar and gun
Betting shop, New owner, A walk in the sun
Ritual ideas relativity
Only buildings no people prophecy
Time slide place to hide nudge reality
Foresight minds wide magic imagery, oh oh
Spread the news the Maestro's back
With a beat box soundtrack
The King of brains, Queen of the sack'
Executives have heart attack
It's assault course celluloid
The money makers would avoid
Sometimes notions get reversed
Center of the universe
Ritual ideas relativity
Only buildings no people prophecy
Time slide place to hide nudge reality
Foresight minds wide magic imagery, oh oh
Oh oh
Oh oh
Oh oh
Ritual ideas relativety
Only buildings no people prophecy
Timeslide place to hide nudge reality
Foresight minds wide magic imagery, oh oh
Oh oh
Ritual ideas relativety
Only buildings no people prophecy
Timeslide place to hide nudge reality
Foresight minds wide magic imagery, oh oh, oh oh
