London Calling

Punk music, but the band knows how to play their instruemnts.

Day 21 of Albums you must hear.. And I’ve got an album that took me a couple of days to digest, in order to give it its well deserved attention. 1979’s release from The Clash, London Calling. Described by Rolling Stone magazine as the best album of the 1980’s, and by many others as the greatest album of all time, London Calling was a real treat to listen to over and over again. I have never listened to London Calling before, and most of the songs that I recognize from The Clash would come out in later years. The Clash didn’t invent the wheel when it comes to British Punk Rock, they just put the GoodYear rubber on that bitch and got the most commercial tread from it. London Calling is considered a Punk album but when you really give it a listen, it’s a potpourri of many different styles and genres. I felt no listening fatigue, as each song is well, different. It’s all tied together with one of the most unique vocalists in Rock music, Joe Strummer. Even when his voice breaks and strains, it is pure Punk and melodic. I couldn’t get enough. There are so many different instruments used on this album that it’s a call back to The Beatles famous experimentation in the studio in their twilight years. London Calling is an album that deserves to be listened to on either a high-end stereo or headphones. If not you will miss out on much of the charm sprinkled throughout. My favorite songs are the title track London Calling (the lyric “phony Beatlemania has bitten the dust” gave me a good chuckle), Hateful has a great breakdown every few bars that I love and the chorus is addictive. Rudie Can’t Fail has a lot of reggae influence and has a call back, or forward, to I Fought The Law. The Guns of Brixton is pretty gangster for 1979 and is catchy as hell. Lovers Rock is smoother than a baby’s powdered bottom. My favorite song, Train In Vain, wasn’t even listed on the original album artwork in 1979, as it was added last minute and might as well be considered a secret track back then. Sure, it’s the most poppy track, but it makes me feel really good. Green Day must have taken a lot from this band, I see so many similarities in style and willingness to cross genre jurisdictions. London Calling is a large album, it was released as a double album, even though it cost the same as a regular album to the consumers, much to the chagrin of the record label. I’m sure the kids back then were super happy about the savings! When I first learned about how highly regarded London Calling is worldwide, I didn’t want to rush through it, and I’m glad I didn’t. This is a five star listening experience and deserves more attention from the average listeners of today. Please share your thoughts, memories and opinions!

This is just the greatest fucking album. 19 songs, every single one of them unique and captivating in their own way. The sheer number of musical styles touched on in this one album is insane. Not something you would expect from one of the UK's original 'Punk' bands, but here it is. One of, if not THE, best album of all time in my opinion.

Easily one of my favourite albums of all time. Their third album in 3 years...and it's a double album... and it's all bangers. Just mind boggling. The Clash get lumped in with other punk bands, but the influences and genres that show up on this album are all over the musical spectrum. I finally listened to the original versions of the three covers: "Brand New Cadillac", "Wrong 'Em Boyo" and "Revolution Rock". The Clash versions are so great because they can inject their punk sensibility and energy into rockabilly, ska and reggae songs and create something new and exciting, whether it's covers or new songs that reflect their diverse influences. To me, this is emblematic of why this album is so groundbreaking and influential. (Not so) sleeper hit: "Spanish Bombs"

Not even kidding but I saw someone wearing a London Calling shirt while listening to this album in the Victoria and Albert Museum today. This is a perfect album. No, this is THE perfect album. When I get an album like London Calling, I instantly start to regret the other 5 star reviews I've given, as if they can't be put to the same standard. This album is a double album with the very definition of all killer no filler. Their "weaker tracks" are objectively great songs! Seriously, how did they write so many amazing songs? There are too many amazing songs, it's ridiculous. They're catchy and energetic with nothing less than a full, wild performance in each one. The vocals are strong, with two juxtaposing lead styles, and added harmonies used sparingly. The riffs are memorable. The production is clear, and they do all sorts of weird and interesting additions all throughout. They employ a unique style in each song so no two are alike, incorporating countless genres, such as rockabilly, jazz, power pop, and ska among others. London Calling: Perfect memorable opener literally howling at you about the doomsday of London. Such an eery vibe Brand New Cadillac: A psychobilly track, and one of the best of the era for sure. Starts off with a surf rock guitar hook with rockabilly vocals and lyric structure on a 50s subject. And the finish is so 50s! Short and sweet Jimmy Jazz: A personal favorite. A jazzy lounge track, catchy and memorable, with hilarious lyrics. Suck it coppers! Hateful: This one makes me want to dance and scream! Holy shit was an energetic and fast-paced track. I can't help but scream through the chorus (and even the verses). Love the back vocals, the beat, and that funny weird instrument in the background. Also, enjoy how the melody slows and speeds up whenever it wants. Rudie Can't Fail: Our first ska track! Such a fun track, and no you can't fail with that chicken skin suit. Gotta love the end where the sax thinks it's over and they're like "Nah fuck it, we're howling!" Spanish Bombs: SPANISH SONGS IN ANDALUCIA. That's enough to get this song stuck in my head. I'm obsessed with that pleasing guitar, so relaxing, and the organ is a nice addition. How do they make so many unique catchy songs? Oh, my core-uh-zahn. Right Profile: This one's weird... it's kinda like ska but also not. Either way love the combination of the sudden power chords with the sax interjections. And that rockabilly-like muddled guitar solo (that lasts just a few seconds) is weird too. There's a lot of weird noises throughout the song. Love it. Lost in the Supermarket: One of my favorite songs of all time. A reaction to capitalism I think. Love the mellow, groovy guitar and vocal style, catchy and melodic but still full of energy and personality. It's said that this was the first real indie rock song, with every indie rock band after trying to mimic this sound. I could only wish. Clampdown: Very punk lyrics I can get behind. Fuck the clampdown. Power pop in the harmonic vocal style (especially in the verses) and melodic power chords. Instrumentation gets interesting at the last minute, is it the distortion? Guns of Brixton: A highlight for sure. An eery reggae song with dark themes and a strange boing instrument. It's the little things like the creepy, agonizing back vocals that get me. Wrong Em Boyo: An underrated fun ska track! Simple and mindless, although it has strange production noises that all the songs have. Death or Glory: Another catchy power pop song with an inviting hook and an anthemic chorus. He who fucks nuns will later join the church. Koka Kola: A really fast and sudden punk song with hilarious lyrics and a slight rockabilly style. Card Cheat: One of the best piano ballads in rock history, full of power and emotion. Lover's Rock: This is where some people lose attention, and understandably since these songs aren't as loud and catchy as the earlier tracks. But this is a fantastic power pop entry, reminiscent of Big Star, with a fun latter half to dance to. Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh *plays the whistle, baby toy, and a snake* Four Horsemen: This one stood out to me when I first heard this album over a year ago but not sure why. I love the noisy chaos in the last minute, almost reminds me of Sonic Youth. Probably my least favorite track though alongside "Koka Kola." I like the transitions between these last few songs though. I'm Not Down: This one is an underrated personal favorite! Always puts me in a good mood to sing along and dance. A confidence booster for sure! I scream through the last half minute. And what a closing riff jfc. Revolution Rock: One last ska song before we close. A long one too at 5.5 minutes, so take your time, relax, and enjoy the groove. Train in Vain: One of the best songs of all time, and yet the most dreaded on the album because it indicates the end to a masterpiece we invested the past hour into. Can't help but sing along lyric for lyric as the music slowly dies down to a close. A perfect closer.

Not what I was expecting, and I reckon if I spent more time with this album it I would get more from it - but realistically I won’t do that as even getting through one full listen turned into an absolute chore

I actually thoroughly enjoyed this album. It was exactly what I think of as what punk music should be. I really liked the lyrics and the songs were super catchy. I actually want to revisit this album some more because of how good it was.

10/10 Best punk album ever.

Most likely the greatest record on this list.

Was releasing a double album the most or least punk thing Joe and the boys could've done by 1979? Does it matter one way or the other? Could it have been cut down to a more potent single album? Probably. It's fantastic in any case, obviously.

British shouting

In the summer of ’99, having just bagged my driver's license, my best friend Kenny and I were set for a much awaited road trip to Bologna for the Independent Days Festival—a celebration of alternative and punk-adjacent bands. We piled into my recently acquired third-hand Audi—a patchwork machine with a front bumper dangling by a thread, unreliable electronics, and a cracked glass sunroof. Fresh off a recent accident, this car was a piece of trash that my dad had to be practically convinced to let us drive, but in hindsight, it perfectly set the stage for the night ahead. Arriving in Bologna under deceptively clear skies, we were immediately swept up in the festival’s vibrant energy and an eclectic mix of local and international acts. As the night unfolded, rain began to pour, lending an almost cinematic quality to the experience but we were not really dressed appropriately. Soaked to the bone and freezing, we were forced to retreat to THAT car to warm up. In that steamy, disheveled refuge, the familiar chords of London Calling rang through the air. I turned to a shivering Kenny and said, “You know we’re missing a music icon right now,” and we both dashed out to catch Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros delivering a set packed with his signature Clash covers that radiated a near-spiritual intensity. Since then, London Calling has always been synonymous with one of the most carefree moments of my youth, and it's eponymous album is a true favourite. London Calling is a declaration of intent. The Clash had already made their mark as punk’s most politically engaged band, but here they pushed past the boundaries of the genre, blending punk rock with reggae grooves, ska upstrokes, rockabilly swagger, and more. It’s an album of reinvention and fearless experimentation that signaled punk could be more than a movement—it could evolve into something bigger. Whether it was the apocalyptic anthem “London Calling,” the politically charged cadence of “Spanish Bombs” (Iberian gibberish included), the dark, reggae-infused pulse of “The Guns of Brixton,” or the surprise pop charm of “Train in Vain,” every track bursts with energy and purpose. Speaking of Strummer's shout-sung style contrasts with Mick Jones’ more melodic delivery, and together they create a dynamic back-and-forth that fuels the record’s restless spirit. Normally, an album boasting 19 songs might feel sprawling or overreaching, but at least it’s not Sandinista!, which doubled down on genre-blending at triple the length. London Calling walks the line perfectly. Some tracks may resonate more than others, but the journey never drags. The album's broader impact is hard to overstate. it helped elevate The Clash from punk heroes to global icons, expanding their reach beyond their London roots and influencing countless bands that followed. It’s a document of youthful defiance, resilience, and possibility, captured at a moment when everything felt possible. The ride home was a surreal coda to the night—musical heaven in its purest form. Drenched by the relentless rain that continued, we drove in our boxers, water pouring through the roof and windows that randomly opened, yet nothing could dampen our spirits. That chaotic, beautiful journey perfectly encapsulated the raw, unfiltered energy of youth and the enduring power of London Calling.

Played in Rock Band 4. My high school calculus teacher once gatekept me for liking this album. I was wearing a shirt with the album art on it and she asked my favourite song on the album. I said Train in Vain (which fucking slaps) and she said "Oh, I prefer the more political songs like Spanish Bombs" as if I was some simpleton. She then proceeded to quiz me on the band member's names. I could only name Joe Strummer in the moment and was embarrassed but looking back, who the hell cares? I just loved every song on this awesome blend of punk, reggae, ska, and disco. It's still the only double album I've ever heard that completely earns both discs.

One of the greatest double albums of all time. Brilliant from start to finish.

Incredibly boring and overly long.

A classic album, no weak tracks, energetic, varied in its musical influences, never standing still, always fighting the good fight. Stand out tracks: London Calling, Lost in the Supermarket, Spanish Bombs, Rudie Can’t Fail, look, at this rate I’m going to just lift all the tracks.

I thought this was a terrific album. Constantly changing on a track by track basis, but hardly a weak track on the complete album. Probably this and their first album was The Clash at their best.

It's London calling!

It really is as good as everyone says it is.

19 songs and almost all of them a delight. 9/10 F.T: Train in Vain. NO, Lost in the Supermarket, no, Train in Vain, no-

The best album from the punk era.

What’s so cool about this album is that it bridges 70s rock and 80s punk almost perfectly. There’s some elements in here of early Ska music too, and I can even hear where current ska and punk get their sound. Overall enjoyable, some songs are skips but it’s hard for every song to be a hit.

I came expecting something like The Ramones or more "Should I Stay or Should I Go". Reggae? Blues? Gangster lyrics? Bass lines were so interesting, drums were on point and super good. Could have cut a few songs and some of the extra chorus repeats, but otherwise awesome.

I used to think this would have been better as a single album, but listening again I can’t imagine a song to miss off from this set. The energy, the passion and the nous of this album is hard to beat, and often mimicked, Each play I have a different favourite, but enjoyed singing along to Spanish Bombs most this time. I wish most, if not all, tried so hard to make people think while also singing along. An all-time classic.

2.5/5 I am aware it is regarded as one of the most important albums in history. However, it's not meant for me.

The only album you would need on a desert island. Also, 'Guns of Brixton' contains the best opening lines ever put on a record

The first album I bought on vinyl 9 years ago. Still holds up from my first listen. The first half of the album is perfection, unreal songwriting. There’s a significant drop in quality towards the end of the album (minus Train in Vain), but the sound of each song is so varied and so fresh, this just works as an album.

The magnum opus of one of the best punk bands. Despite its length. The album goes by like a breeze. Great track after great track with no drops in quality. Brilliant album.

Loved it, great album. Reminds me of Dad. Makes me want to take down the government.

Sweaty musicians. Gobbing fans. Cheap nachos. Cheap nachos? Yeah, the kind with the pump cheese and pickled jalapenos. Convenience store nachos. Or, in my case, Chelsea Street Nachos. No, not the affluent area in west London; rather, the chain restaurant usually located in malls. Like the one I worked for in the early 1980s in Gainesville, Florida. I’m not sure which was worse at Chelsea St. Pub: the nachos or the live cover bands that played in the evening. But the best came in between sets, following tired songs like Bob Seeger’s ‘Down on Main Street,’ when the head bartender would often put on 'London Calling.' I had never heard anything quite like it- predominately rock (no longer punk like the Clash’s first two LPs that I would later enjoy too), but also a splash of reggae here and jazz there, and even a little disco/soul ditty at the end of ‘Lovers Rock.’ And, their commentary on the politics of England had broadened to include ideas about other places in the world as well, a theme they could continue on their next recording, 'Sandanista.' It was 'London Calling,' though, that would become their Magnum Opus. At a running time of over an hour, back then, it was long, an investment in time. And the late, great Joe Strummer and Mick Jones filled the music with tons of lyrics about people and places and events with which I was completely unfamiliar. Before that needle hit the record, I had to arm myself with dictionaries and thesauruses, maps and history books (this was waaay before the internet), Spanish to English translations- things I never needed while listening to Bob Seeger. And I’m intentionally using the word ‘armed’ because if 'London Calling' is anything, it is a call to arms, mostly concerning human and civil rights, but the title track even addresses environmental pollution. Clean up the world, the Clash were preaching, with a wide variety of applications. It has been said, famously, that ‘while the Sex Pistols wanted to destroy, the Clash wanted to unite people.’ Brings to mind John Lydon’s famous statement to the audience at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom at the end of what would be the Pistols’ final live performance. Closing with a cover of the Stooges’ ‘No Fun,’ Lydon addressed the crowd, ‘This is no fun, this is no fun at all.’ Then, when the song ended, right before he dropped the mic and walked out he stared down all the hippies and asked: ‘Ever get the feeling you’ve been cheated?’ I’ve been listening to 'London Calling' for four decades, 2/3 of my life, and it’s still fun. And I’ve never felt cheated

I love this album, some of the tracks sound like 50's early rock (even album cover referencing Elvis amd the Clash's leather jackets are reminiscient of that style) but there are so many styles represented here, which show off how talented the band is. I like the combo of stacattos and legatos as how the other band members will weave in and out of vocals as they accompany Joe Strummer, along with the ad libs and random noises Joe make through the album. This album is peak punk - there are no rules, a lot of free expression, anti-establishment, critical, and oh so catchy. Favorites: Spanish Bombs, Lost in the Supermaket, Clampdown, Guns of Brixton (instrumentals are goofy for a serious topic), Death or Glory, I'm not Down, and Train in Vain.

Oh man, I love this album. An easy 5 stars. My only nitpick is that it's long and the tail end doesn't quite have the highs of the start. London Calling, Clampdown, Guns of Brixton. Joe Strummer's sort of dazed vocals just kill this entire album long. And it rocks.

Think the album is just a bit long, but I also think if you polled people with that opinion, they would never agree on which songs to pull, which just means it’s a solid album overall.

A double album that is packed with different sounds and ideas taking the band is tons of directions. I found myself mostly ignoring (or not being able to make out) the lyrics, but that didn’t take away from the enjoyment. There are some stone cold classics on this album, but even the deeper cuts are great. Sound l-wise, it’s way poppier and New Wave-y than I expected. Overall, this album was a blast to listen to start to finish.

Personal top 5 album. Not a clunker on all four sides.

Easily a top 50 all time album. Pop-punk before it was popular. No skips, overtly track offers something unique and has its place. A true accomplishment

classic

The only band that matters

Classic!

yes!

For me personally, I might give this 3.5 or 4 stars, depending on the day, because while I do like it, it is not the kind of music I normally want to put on. I was not raised on punk music, and so much of this album does not resonate with me that much, beyond enjoying having it on every once in a while. However, there is no denying how monumental this album is and how much it influenced. It's influence is so great that it can be clearly heard in bands two or three generations removed that may have not have listened to this album directly but listened to bands that were so strongly influenced by this album. So, I'd probably give this 4.5 stars, but I'll round up to 5, because it just feels right to say this is a 5 star album.

Timeless. Easy to listen. Groundbreaking still as it was way back then.

Very good, not too 40 of all time, as I thought but still top 100 all time for me with a bunch of classic songs and some of my favs like Spanish Bombs. It’s a 9/10

A lot going on here. I really like a lot about this album. London Calling, Rudie Can't Fail, Guns of Brixton all stand out to me. In a tier below I have Wrong 'Em Boyo, Death or Glory. But some of it hasn't aged so well and there's quite a bit they could have cut and strengthened the overall content, but when it is good, it is really, really, really good. Shame about the P-bass on the cover. Great photo but bit of a waste.

It's been years since I've listened to this and I kind of expected to not like it as much as I did in college when I listened to it all the time. But it's still great. The only two songs I've never loved are "Brand New Cadillac" and "Jimmy Jazz," (songs 2 and 3). The rest are amazing. Punk filtered through half-a-dozen different sub genres. One of the best double-albums ever.

The range of styles on London Calling is incredible. Yes, it's a mess - but what a glorious mess that somehow holds it all together. It shows a band that was confident in mixing and matching, borrowing bits from their own upbringing and then trying to to piece it all together. The rockabilly, reggae and even elements of jazz have such a strong London street feel. You have to remember that music was so tribal at the time. Attempting to fuse together so many diverse styles is quite a feat. I also love the double album element, You wouldn't get any rock band trying to pull this off today. Experimentation now seems to be the preserve of hip hop with Kendrick, etc. Death or Glory still reminds me of Bill Joel's We didn't Start the Fire. But even this doesn't distract from an absolute masterpiece.

The definitive punk album of the late 70's, it is an iconic masterpiece. It's one of the records I can put on and sing along to fervently the whole way through. And I immediately feel 21 and invincible again. It's a straight shot of cocky optimistic joy, spitting in the face of the apocalypse and our slowly burning civilized decline. This is powerful stuff. Every single song offers something different, quirky, oddball, unique. These are punks with style, punks with attitude, but also punks with soul. Top shelf stuff right here, it doesn't get any better than this. Death or glory!! \m/

It is a disservice to the Clash to label them as a punk band. They incorporate elements of garage, ska, rockabilly, and emergent new wave sounds that would influence the next generation. Their lyrics are insightful and socially conscious which creates a sprawling whole taking the listener across various sonic landscapes

My All Time Favourite Clash Album. Uncle Joe and the Boys doing some great work, moving on from the pure punk power of The First album. Everything about this album is great from the Faux Elvis cover to the mixture of Punk/Reggae/Ska that oozes through the 4 sides. You realise how musically good this band was and what untapped genius was still in there when they split. Favourites here are "Jimmy Jazz" "London Calling" "Rudie Can't Fail" and "Spanish Bombs" But as I say not a bad track throughout so this is in my top 10 Albums of all time and a jealously coveted (by my Son) part of my record collection. He'll get it... eventually!

Really really fun album. I was surprised by the variation of influences that went into this thing, and The Clash pulls them all off so well. No complaints here. 9/10

excellent. another album on my regular listen list. punk bands are usually associated with 3 chord wonders with bad playing made up for by attitude. the clash display here they can properly play and write songs and still have more punk ethos than most. managing to do different styles of music and make it work. that's usually a recipe for a mess of an album but the punk band pull it off.

Variety and depth and rock and roots, up front or in the background. So much going on here. "Punk" is too small a word, The Clash were always far greater than that.

Listened to it quite a few times, such good vibes. I really hear a lot of hooks and stuff that sound like they could have been in modern indie rock music, so I suppose their influence lives on!

The greatest double album since "The Beatles" with as much diversity of topics and musical themes therein. This was as good as they got. Mandatory for any collection.

It's a bit cliche to be into post-punk at this point in my life, but I am. And this is a fantastic post-punk album, among other things. I could have sworn I listened to it before, but I guess that was just the title track and Spanish Bombs. And to answer the random RYM commenter: Yes, there is reggae. And God bless it.

Dad- 7 Mom- 6 Mike- NA Lori- 8 Michael- 8 Miles- 7 Cole- NA Avg- 7.2

London Calling? I’m not pickin that shit up😂😂😂 Better than Elvis

I felt like I was Lost In the Supermarket drinking Koka Kola listening to this.

I like to imagine that the image of Paul Simonon smashing his bass on the cover of this record was taken while they were playing “Jimmy Jazz”.

I liked it so much, it's an "soft punk" to my taste. As a lot of people said, this album is "punk making music, knowing what they're doing"

Never heard the whole album before today, having absorbed a puritan disdain for the Clash, too eager to please, hopping on fads (punk, new wave, reggae), posers and poseurs. Now I think these objections are tenuous or immaterial. This is a mess of an album, but has a clutch of splendid songs, and was a happy presence to have around. Writing a day after a diatribe against The Arcade Fire and their weak, airy lyrics, I must add that while the Clash can be purposely vague, they smash out concrete images that linger, and their sloganeering has more ambiguity than I would've expected.

The clash is not my favorite punk band, but i alaways know their influences and their impact, especially with this reccord that i've never listen. First the cover is a reference to Elvis's first reccord, a nice wink to the fact that Elvis represent what the punk mouvement is, at his debut and he became phoney and famous. It represent Paul Simonon destroying his guitar, and its one one the most recgonisable and and the 9th best album cover picture. The titled track: London Calling with is icnnic riff really summ up the album with is lyrics that critised the world they live in with their punk vision, also critisied the fact that the punk mouvement is now too phoney (like beatlemania to their oppnion) Its a double album so their is a lot of track, icnludiong 3 covers: brand new cadillac that pay hommage to on of the first british rock and roller, the other is revlution rock and wrong'em boyo. The lyricals themes are very diverses, we have crime (Jimmy jazz, the guns of brixton) drugs, violence and very urbans problems, desilusion and depression are also important in the album, finaly their is some love songs. The album was release in 1979 so the punk wave was for the most part over, and now new wave is the new thing, The Clash embrace it, still connected to their punk style and attidute but musically they are clearly the most diverse punk just in the differend kind of music they made here, like there is not a lot of 100% punk song here, musically is ol' fashoned rock, jazz, ska, pop and i think reggea was the most present in here. Anyway i didn't apreciate all songs, but for the symbol that this album is, his cultural and musical influences its a punk masterpiece.

A punk classic effortlessly blending strongly politically loaded statements with surprisingly danceable music, more refined and smoothed out than its predecessors, for the better or worse

I approached this album with reticence, knowing it is almost universally critically revered, and not being much of a fan of the two singles, London Calling and Stand By Me, mostly because they were played to death at the time and The Clash were fawned over by the critics, who were gleeful about the death of prog and the ascendency of punk. But I have to admit, there is more to the band than I was aware of. The Clash were celebrated at the time for approaching pop with the energy and simplicity of early rock 'n roll, and that much is true. But what that doesn't get at is the degree of variety on London Calling. The Clash mine strains of reggae, rockabilly, and pop and mutate them into something new and elemental. Each song is different, but what they have in common is simple but distinctive hooks. The Clash may leave me cold, but I've got to give them credit. They succeed wildly in what they set out to do. I can't bear to rate London Calling higher than a 4, but it would be dishonest to rate it lower than that.

For some reason this didn't really move the needle for me. I thought it was fine, but nothing to swoon over.

Largely disappointed by this. I was expecting a lot more punk but it is a mixture of styles that doesn’t have any purpose. The album is too long with a few decent songs rescuing it in places.

For me I think The Clash would come pretty high up in the 1001 overrated bands of all time. Vocals as annoying as Costello, and music on this album about as punk as the Bangles. ‘Lost in the Supermarket’ is about as cringe as you can get. Other than the opening track (which saves it from a 1*) it all sounds like tedious pub rock to me. I have never and will never like them it seems.

Majorly overrated “punk” by a bunch of Johnny-come-lately average musicians. There were so many bands that were much more interesting from this era, and yet somehow the clash stole their oxygen. And this is by far their best record… Even I have a copy and I have no idea why I bought it.

Historically, I have not enjoyed the radio hits from the Clash. Two of them are on this album. But there is also a wide range of offerings which have given me a greater appreciation of this band’s scope. However, I still dislike this type of lead vocals that seems so be so popular on this list: whiny, pissed off British boys.

What a banger! I wouldn’t call it punk anymore but it’s a perfect new wave record.

funny, but because of Elvis Presley album I got in here, I also listened to this album because of the album cover resemblance. Liked this album then, but lets go once again. london calling – great song. rudie can't fail – looove it. i also like spanish bombs haha

The album where The Clash transcended (or betrayed according to some) their punk origins and became “the only band that matters” although in truth the myriad influences had been there along, going back to Strummer’s 101er days, Mick’s love of guitar heroes and Topper’s jazz drumming. Anyway, it is one of my favourite albums of all time, the depth and range of material astounding. No two songs sound alike; the styles jump from straight rock, new wave, to reggae and ska, to rockabilly and rock and roll, to northern soul, sometimes in the same song. And yet all of this seems effortless and never stops sounding like The Clash. All this variety wasn’t the band showing off, “look, we can do this too…” rather an explosion of ideas, overflowing creativity. The songs are excellent, the band becoming bigger than life, the self-mythologising increasing. The anger and power of punk rock was still there, the politics and social commentary, but there were love songs too, moments of tenderness. I love this album. I hear something new every time I listen to it. This time it was a new appreciation of how good a song “The Card Cheat” is, the futility and regret of someone near the end, the echoes of history, all set to a horn driven, Phil Spector Wall of Sound, “Be My Baby” backing. One of the greatest albums of all time.

The first few bars of London Calling are amongst the best in rock/pop music history. Everything about this album is absorbing. The switches in influence, bass lines that have been sampled, even an iconic album cover. To call this punk misses everything about it. A band in West London taking on all the musical influences around them and producing a double album where there is barely a weakness.

It's one of the best, if not the best punk albums ever - upon relistening it to again after a few years I didn't remember it had so many other influences, for example ska and rockabilly. It's an excellently written and played album, I like the tightness and how punchy it is - but playful at the same time. His voice is not my favorite and it's the only criticism of the otherwise stellar album.

One of my top 10 albums. An amazing record that stretches the boundaries of punk rock. It has so much more depth and breadth records put out by many of their peers. So many great songs: London Calling, Spanish Bombs, Train in Vain, Clampdown, Rudie Can't Fail.

I once heard London Calling described as the one that The Clash put out after they learned how to play their instruments. I don’t know about that but I will say that this album is absolutely perfect in every way. Every song is great, it encompasses so many styles of music and mixes them together flawlessly. It never suffers from the “sameness syndrome” where you can’t really tell the songs apart. They are all memorable and filled with just great moments that transcend a pigeonholed genre of “Punk” that is usually assigned to The Clash. It is so much more than that musically and lyrically. Even the album cover is a brilliant nod to Elvis Presley’s debut album with the color and placement of the lettering. I always saw the photo of Paul Simonon smashing his bass as symbolic of them breaking the concept of what we think of as rock and roll - they are redefining music as we know it with London Calling. This is easily a top 10 album for me. On my last.fm stats it’s ranked at #5 in terms of overall songs played from it but I think if I spent some more time cleaning up and consolidating the scrobbles (yes autocorrect, I meant scrobbles, not scribbles!) from the various reissues and deluxe versions it would eek out a higher spot. I was asked to create playlists for various birthday parties (mom’s 70th and dad’s 80th) and I absolutely, with no regrets, added “Lost in the Supermarket” to each of them. I mean, “I wasn’t born so much as I fell out” seems like a perfect lyric for the occasion. As I was listening last night and thinking of what song to share with my blog post review I would think I had one but then I’d look at the upcoming tracks and find something else equally as worthy. This album is just that good. It is essential for every collection and deserves every bit of acclaim it has ever received.

Awesome

London calling is a classic album. Transformative, experimental and was ahead of its time.

London is calling, I’m answering

Overall: 10/10 This was one of the first albums I ever bought on CD and I only bought it cause it had 19 songs and it was on sale so it seemed like a good use of my money. Thankfully, I was right! I didn't love it as much at the time as I do now though, I think almost every song on this one rips. I love the amount of different genres that they pulled from to craft these songs. I hear influence from ska, 50s rock, surf rock, classic punk and even some pop music! The fact that it all works is a testament to how talented these guys were. They were much more than a punk band. Fav Song: Rudie Can't Fail Least Fav Song: Lover's Rock

Favorite songs: Train in Vain (Stand By Me), London Calling, Brand New Cadillac, Revolution Rock, Clampdown, Hateful, Rudie Can't Fail, Spanish Bombs, The Right Profile, The Guns of Brixton, Wrong 'Em Boyo, Death or Glory Least favorite songs: Lost in the Supermarket 5/5

BANGER! Did not realize how much ska is on this record. 5/5

I knew The Clash evolved their sound over the years, but was surprised by how little of this particular album sounded like 'punk'. The pent-up tension of the title track actually seems like a bit of an outlier on the record (and in general, really - nobody's recorded a song *quite* like it), both musically and lyrically. Still, whatever styles they used, the first disc slaps - it's a 5* collection of bangers. The second half isn't quite as strong, but it does seem to be growing on me (and Train in Vain is a corking closer). I definitely understand the amount praise for this album, even if it's not for the exact reasons I was expecting. 4.5

Great album. Has my favorite song by The Clash. I forgot until the very last track. What a great way to end an album!

Who doesn't love this album or the Clash in general? Listening to this as an adult is such a different experience. The richness and variation, skill and expertise I never could've noticed as a young teenager. Epic record from start to finish

Perfection.

Best clash album!

Classic. I've been familiar with this album for more than 25 years now. On a careful relisten, I'm just realizing how standout the bass lines actually are.

Iconic

Ah, a classic! London Calling is arguable the greatest punk album ever. One thing I've always appreciated is the length. Most punk album are pretty short. This one is willing to take around an hour which is fun. It's great 97/100

Three cheers! One of my all-time favs!!!! 5/5 #albumsky #musicsky #musicchallenge

Lots of variety and a strong message. The Clampdown is more relevant than ever as the US slides into fascism which of course is sad.

Låten death and glory gav denna en automatisk femma. Jävlar vad bra varierande album!!!

Terrific

It doesn’t get much better than this. The Clash remind people that punk is a spirit, mindset, and way of living and seeing the world; not a sound. They play a bit of everything here and every member has their standout moments. The music is egalitarian as are the lyrics. Their punk, new wave, post-punk, pop rock, reggae, rock n roll music provides the backdrop for stories and character studies largely focused around struggle - class, race, urban, capitalist, consumerist, liberation, internal. Keep fighting it.

Classic cover. Strummer is an amazing singer and a totally iconic band.

Very well paced double album with a lot of bangers. There are no skips. My favorite tracks are London Calling, Rudie Can't Fail, Spanish Bombs, Lost in the Supermarket, Clampdown, and Death or Glory.

heard before. starting out with a classic i see. great album.

This is one of those bands that I know of, but never know anything specific about them. Now I understand why they are so well regarded. This is one of the best albums I've heard in a very long time. Upbeat punk-lite music that goes just hard enough to be enjoyable, but not too hard as to be off-putting. All the songs were great, but the one that will make the playlist will be, "London Calling" I could have picked about 10 songs from this album. Songs like "Revolution Rock" with it's reggae feel is right up my alley. I just think the London Calling is more of what The Clash represent. You know what, there's been a few albums I didn't add any songs from, so I'll add Revolution Rock as a bonus track. My list, my rules. lol 5 Stars, and quite possibly the best album on this list that I've seen to date.

Classic