Trouser Press Record Review - The Clash

The Clash
CBS 82000

To paraphrase (and soft-peddle) the kind of language that greeted Patti Smith's Horses, this Clash album is a tremendous debut. Of all the new wave bands that have released longplayers to date, the Clash have so much more to offer that there's no contest. (Leave the Stranglers out of this; they're like apples and oranges.) I really hate gushing about a new band, especially in light of all the journalistic excesses lately, but the Clash have produced such a strange and wonderful blend of pop, metal, aggro, and politics that I keep playing the sucker over and over again.

Fronted by ultra-psycho ex-101er Joe Strummer, the Clash is two guitars and a bass, with drums provided by whoever's around - there's no permanent fourth man. Strummer and songwriting cohort/guitarist Mick Jones both sing horribly; lots of Cockney slurring and much expression make the lyrics nearly 100% unintelligible which is a shame, 'cause that's the best part. It wasn't until I obtained a bootleg libretto through international 'channels' that I realized what an amazing band the Clash are. Try these snippets on for size:

Up and down the Westway, in and out the lights,
What a great traffic system, it's so bright
I can't think of a better way to spend the night
Than speeding around underneath the yellow lights
Do you think I'm a raving idiot, just got off the boat?
Step in line, sign this form, you ain't got a hope
Meanwhile things are heating up in the West End alright
Contracts in the offices and groups in the night
My bummin' slummin' friends have all got new boots
And someone just asked me if the group would wear suits
We're a garage band
We come from garageland
I hate the civil service rules
And I won't open letter bombs for you

Without getting involved in the political implications of anarchy in the UK, the Clash have the rage and the enthusiasm to make these lyrics work. The music fits perfectly, and the total effect is one of the wild-eyed hate of everything stupid. Get Clashed today!

Robbins, Ira. Trouser Press September 1977.

Article contribution by Anthony Peters

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