39. The Clash
The Clash CBS, 1977
A surging bitter thrill: exquisitely ripped artwork (unfortunately not seen here due to this being the cover for the US version…never got time to scan the UK cover yet) and thin, yelping tracks make it the iconic punk LP.
1. The Clash
London Calling CBS, 1979
"London Calling" comes in clanging, to the anvil-hammer blows of punkamilitary marching beat. From the apocalyptic chill of its signature song, to the rousing warmth of the final track, "Train In Vain" (a last-minute addition, uncredited on the album sleeve), The Clash's third and greatest album closed the decade with a grand flourish.
Over four sprawling sides of vinyl, the group who had embodied the very spirit of punk showed they weren't trapped inside of it. Swaggering through some blistering rockabilly ("Brand New Cadillac"), jangling white reggae ("Revolution Rock") and everything in between, The Clash at last convinced the world they were a classic band, worthy of comparison to the great giants of rock. For good or for ill, their next stop was the stadiums of America. Being The Clash, of course, they delivered every word with a rebel yell, like four men in thrall to their own heroic myth. But the songwriting engine of Mick Jones and Joe Strummer worked at peak efficiency, while the 'Topper' Headon and Paul Simonon rhythm axis grew in grace and power.
The records sheer diversity justifies its length, sustained by the raw intensity that began to dissipate during their even more ambitious, yet less focused follow-up, "Sandinista!". For now, there was optimism and grit, and a passionate engagement with the real world. "London Calling" was a triumphant realisation of the punk ideal: energy, anger, and the exhilaration of a life full of possibilities.
Magic moment: Strummer's sweat-drenched outro toast to "Revolution Rock": "El Clash combo…playin' requests from the bandstand!"
Nineties act most likely to record it: Manic Street Preachers.
Article courtesy of Andreana O'Gormane
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