Strummerville is the not for profit organization set up in memory of Joe Strummer. This grass roots organization supports new talent and has presence that the UK Glastonbury Festival as well as others.
They have a legit mission statement as follows:
Strummerville is a registered charity that gives support to aspiring musicians and help to projects that help change the world through music.
Set up by the friends and family of Joe Strummer in the year after his death, the charity seeks to reflect Joe's unique contribution to the music world by offering support, resources and performance opportunities to artists who would not normally have access to them.
Joe Strummer is pretty infamous for his wisdom and intuitiveness. He is one of the few musicians who listened more than he spoke. Encounters with friends and fans alike will always point to a man revered. The stereotypical 'rock star' life was never exhibited as he sat backstage in a venue just alone and exhausted, he gave his all every time and he gave his all in everything he did. Its so easy to be closed minded and put forth that 'me first' persona, but he didn't. That may be the reason the misfits and the pilgrims sat at his feet to listen to his words. The preachings of Strummer weren't preaching, they were eye opening revelations of what very few people can see. An intimacy with his species, is a great statement. Joe was in tune with his fellow humans, "Ignore Alien Orders" the infamous guitar sticker could very well been a message to us all.
In the film "The Future is Unwritten", friends and acquaintances gather round bonfires to discuss their memories of Joe. Bonfires hold a dear place in the Strummer world, Joe would gather friends and family around to talk, Talk and listen, of course. I can never watch that film without sobbing at one point or another.
Strummerville, the organization, keeps this Strummer flame alive. As ceremonial offering they have put together a free download of the bands currently being mentored by the Strummerville. I can say there is something for everyone in this 11 song compilation.
This is a great showing of Joes global radio interest. There are some rather brow furrowing songs on this for sure. There are a couple that struck me as highlights "John Mellor" of course, (Strummers birth name) performed by The Vagabonds is cute as is "Don't Lose Your Mind", by Great White Whale. Some never got a few notes out but I wont mention them, they may be your favorites.
A worthy cause, a worthy memory and something new for tired ears.