Shane MacGowan is the face and name most often associated with The Pogues. Unraveling Shane's psyche would require a book-length study but the crux of his identity lies somewhere in that conflict between English experience and Irish heritage. The abbreviated story of his life starts with his birth in England, but he was raised in Ireland, and moved back to England some years later. He won a scholarship to the renowned Westminster School, where he was possibly enrolled alongside Thomas Dolby and other notable people. MacGowan was involved with drugs and publicized hooliganery before being in a band, the first of which was The Nipple Erectors in 1977. [more inside]
posted by filthy light thief on Sep 13, 2009 - 87 comments

Parkspliced. Blur's Parklife remixed/bootlegged/mashed-up a la London Booted (and while you're in the mood: Hanzo Steel).
posted by Robot Johnny on Jul 14, 2004 - 8 comments

London Booted - A tribute to the Clash. In the vein of the Grey Album, here is an album of mash-ups in tribute to London Calling. Especially good is the mix of The Clash's Spanish Bombs and Outkast's Bombs over Baghdad. After reading the background (and hopefully donating to one of the worthwhile sponsors), get your download on.
posted by monju_bosatsu on Apr 24, 2004 - 8 comments

So should they stay or should they go? I don't know these people - honest.
posted by zimbobzim on Apr 22, 2002 - 15 comments

The Perfect Rock 'n Roll Photo A photo of The Clash bassist Paul Simonon smashing his guitar on stage has been picked as the perfect rock 'n' roll photo of all time. It's a great picture, summing up violence, anger, frustration and an adandonment of common-sense. But do you agree?
posted by skinsuit on Jan 23, 2002 - 46 comments