The Clash produced three outstanding, innovative albums in my opinion.
Their debut Clash record was like a cannon firing into the punk wilderness heralding their arrival on the scene. Brass, angry and political, it would help elevate them as the 'Only Band that Matters'.
After a similarly sounding second LP, it was the break-through masterpiece London Calling that entrenched their standing in rock history. Released in the last months of 1979 but receiving airplay in early 1980, this diverse album ushered in the wide musical influences affecting the band at the time. Elements of jazz, reggae, rockabilly, R&B and ska blended incredibly well with the punk setting. Revolution rock with no boundaries!
How to follow-up a masterpiece? By venturing into deeper musical soundscapes! Sandinista continued on the Clash's political theme, with some stand out songs, but the music was so experimental (and over three records) that it was easy to see why this record was reviled. Fans and critics were were confused and upset! The music was meandering and intoxicating at the same time, adding rap, dub, soul, gospel and choir to their expanding world music repertoire according to Joe Strummer's tastes in particular. Today it sounds so fresh and relevant. Musical genius decades ahead of its time.
Albums
London Calling 5 (7 songs)
Clash 5 (4
songs)
Sandinista 4.5 (4 songs)
Give ‘em Enough Rope 4 (3 songs)
Combat Rock 3.5 (3
songs)
Black Market Clash 3.5 (3 songs)
Cut the Crap. 1.5 (1 song)
Top 25 Songs
Top 25 Songs
- Clampdown
- Guns of Brixton
- White Riot
- I Fought the Law
- London Calling
- Brand New Cadillac
- Police on my Back
- Magnificent Seven
- Lost in the Supermarket
- Should I Stay or Should I Go
- Rock the Casbah
- Train in Vain
- Charlie Don't Surf
- Stay Free
- Bank Robber
- Police + Thieves
- Pressure Drop
- This is Radio Clash
- Straight to Hell
- This is England
- Career Opportunities
- Safe European Home
- Somebody Got Murdered
- Tommy Gun
- The Call Up
