HEART & MIND: THE PAUL SIMONON INTERVIEW

Whatever you think of the Clash—and I haven’t much cared for them since “White Man In Hammersmith Palais”—a couple of things are indisputable. They’re successful, and they’re sincere in their political endeavors. That said, the result of this is somnambulistic, self-indulgent albums. Which leaves this writer in the strange position of loving the Clash despite their music, not because of it. Puerile lyrics, dated noises. When it works, on bits and pieces of London Calling, it was almost by chance. “Train In Vain” wasn’t even credited on the album. “Lost In The Supermarket” seemed easy going compared to the sloganeering bombastics of the rest of the songs. Their latest opus, the triple Sandinista! is simply awful. Besides the obvious tastelessness in calling a pop platter after a revolution, it found the Clash in a real mess, staggering around from style to style and theme to theme, like a guerilla with his head cut off. In a silly attempt to sound moderne, it sounded old before it was even released. The thing is, they’ve forgotten how to write a good tune. Not only is there no “Complete Control” here, there’s not even a “Stay Free.” The Clash are not what they once could have been and if they aren’t just another pop group, if they don’t get their shit together, they’ll end up that way.

Whatever my own reservations towards the band are, I’d have to be a bloody fool to turn down the chance to talk to them. At 11:30 I present myself at The Black Hole (CBS Bldg. Manhattan), 13th Floor. I have a friend in tow for moral support, a tape recorder (broken, but I don’t know that yet) in one hand and a list of guideline questions (which I promptly lose) in the other. I’m greeted by P.R. agent extraordinaire Gale Sparrow, a chirpy, attractive young lady who seems constantly in motion, unlike me. I woke up late, haven’t shaved, and look more fit to be collecting the garbage than representing a national magazine. “Hello, you must be Iman” she shrills. “Paul was here a moment ago. He arrived before I did today. I didn’t expect to see him awake this early. Do you have a copy of the new album. Here’s one by Gary Glitter, Shakin’ Stevens. Have you the new Adam and the Ants. Leave your address and I’ll send one. A poster of the Clash fell off my window, would you like it?” I take everything they’re giving (avaricious little bugger). A tall, gangly, incredibly thin young man enters the office. Replete in two-tone Titfer, raincoat and dazzling red shirt. “There you are Paul. This is Iman from CREEM Magazine. Have you got those tapes you wanted? I think they’re in the other office. We’re going to see the video, then we’ll go across the street to do the interview. Is that alright, good. ” Off we go to the video room. It could fit 30 people easy.