"London Calling" 2012

London, one of the world's great cities, was awarded the 2012 Olympic Games on July 6, 2005. And that was very likely the last time that this fact crossed my mind. Until I learned that London's Olympic committee is using the title song from The Clash's classic 1979 album London Calling as the London Games 'jingle' in advertising. Where it seems odd that they'd use a song with lyrics like:

"London calling to the faraway towns
Now war is declared, and battle come down
London calling to the underworld
Come out of the cupboard, you boys and girls"

and...

London calling to the zombies of death
Quit holding out, and draw another breath

and...

The ice age is coming, the sun's zooming in
Meltdown expected, the wheat is growing thin
Engines stop running, but I have no fear
'Cause London is drowning, and I live by the river

It, to me at least, seems equally odd that The Clash have allowed the song to be used. Although, since I can't find the commerical online to listen, I will wager a guess that these lines don't pop up in the advert.

Here's Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Dave Grohl and Steve Van Zandt paying their respects to The Clash's Joe Strummer who had passed away in late 2002 at the 2003 Grammys.

London Calling (Live at 2003 Grammys) by hipstereo.blogspot.com