The Clash, the quintessential punk rock band, and one of my earliest musical choices. They were iconic, anarchic, inspiring, and prolific.
Joe Strummer on lead vocals, rhythm guitar, Mick Jones on lead guitar and vocals, Paul Simonon on bass and backing vocals, and Nicky "Topper" Headon on drums and percussion made up the original classic lineup. Strummer and Simonon played from 1976 to 1986, Mick Jones was with the band from 1976 to 1983. Topper was with the band from 1977 to 1982, and although he didn't start with them, he had the longest straight run. Other drummers during the band's lifetime included Rob Harper (1976-1977), Pete Howard (1983-1986)
Terry Chimes played the drums in 1976 and 1977, and was back for 1982-83. Nick Sheppard and Vince White took on the lead guitar role from 1983 to 1986, with Keith Levene getting guitar mention in 1976.
During their time as a band they put out 6 albums, The Clash (1977), Give 'Em Enough Rope (1978), London Calling (1979), Sandinista! (1980), Combat Rock (1982), and Cut the Crap (1985).
Known for their politically charged lyrics, their ability to blend other musical styles into punk, and their refusal to sell-out, The Clash helped set the tone of the punk movement and influenced many artists and bands to come including Iggy Pop, Green Day, NOFX, Beastie Boys and so many more.
"Joe was as huge an inspiration to me now as he was in 1977. He combined cool with an uncompromising stance, infused reggae into punk and taught a whole generation of us more about politics than any number of teacher or politicians." - Iggy Pop
"Passionate, principled, genius - 3 words that sum up Joe Strummer". - Martin Scorcese
"Alot of the records I loved when I was younger no longer hold up as great records. They take you back, but they've lost the thrill. Not The Clash. Not Joe Strummer. I really believe they were the greatest band of them all...." - Jakob Dylan, The Wallflowers
Settle in, take your time, and have a listen. There is no order, but if you think there should be I'd love to hear your thoughts.
London Calling
Rock The Casbah
I Fought The Law
The Magnificent Seven
Should I Stay or Should I Go
Guns of Brixton
Lost in the Supermarket
Tommy Gun
White Riot
Train in Vain (Live)
(White Man) in Hammersmith Palais
Were you counting? That was 11. You're welcome!
