London Calling

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!

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

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 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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

British shouting

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Incredibly boring and overly long.

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!

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

5/5 I was prepared to enjoy this album. I was not prepared to call it a 10/10. London Calling begins with the iconic title track, a hard hitting rocker which bangs. Then Brand New Cadillac is a new take on a classic rock and roll song, which just sounds so good. Jimmy Jazz is such a surreal change-up, but a great track nonetheless. Three very different exceptionally good songs let us know that this album is not going to be one dimensional. Hateful is amazing, then another massive left turn pays off on the reggae-infused Rudie Can't Fail. Spanish Bombs is such an enjoyable listen, and the organ work supports the guitar beautifully. Then The Right Profile is a banger, and it becomes clear that track after track is just brilliant. Lost in the Supermarket is a masterpiece. Lyrically great, sonically timeless and just structured and wrapped perfectly. Suprise, suprise, Clampdown is class as well. The instrumentation is so perfectly chosen, from the muddy opening, to the organ infused second verse. The catchy hook is endlessly appealing. Concluding the incomparable first half (until you hear the second), The Guns of Brixton is as hard-hitting as it is theatrical. I love the bass work. Wrong 'Em Boyo is a ska-like, light-hearted banger, with heavy saxophone playing. Why? I don't know, but I love it. Death or Glory is a classic rock track, but great guitar work and change-ups stop it being boring or repetitive. Koka Kola is a simple, beautiful song about cocaine, before The Card Cheat is just another level, sounding magnificent, with some of the best lyrics on the album. Lover's Rock is a simple, beautiful song about sex, still introducing new, great sounds at this point in the experience, with the layered vocals. Four Horsemen is harder, with a great vocal performance from Joe Strummer on top of exceptional instrumentation. A real statement from the band. So is I'm Not Down, when Mick Jones has his own amazing performance, and the sense of optimism conveyed is quite beautiful really. At this point, it's been nearly an hour, and still not a song that is not exceptional in its own right. Revolution Rock refuses to be that track, with a simple reggae backing all that's needed for Strummer to produce something amazing as he so often does. A laid-back, passionate song. Then we reach the last stop with Train in Vain. A catchy, poppy track which flows brilliantly. In conclusion, this album is just so, so, so amazing. One of the greatest ever. London Calling 5/5 Brand New Cadillac 5/5 Jimmy Jazz 5/5 Hateful 5/5 Rudie Can't Fail 5/5 (LEAST FAV) Spanish Bombs 5/5 The Right Profile 5/5 Lost in the Supermarket 5/5 (FAV) Clampdown 5/5 The Guns of Brixton 5/5 Wrong 'Em Boyo 5/5 Death or Glory 5/5 Koka Kola 5/5 The Card Cheat 5/5 Lover's Rock 5/5 Four Horsemen 5/5 I'm Not Down 5/5 Revolution Rock 5/5 Train in Vain (Stand by Me) 5/5

Already a favorite; this album rules; favorites: train in vain, lost in the supermarket, guns of Brixton, clampdown.

What else can I say that hasn't been said by a million others? This album is a goddamn masterpiece and I'm jealous of anyone who gets to hear it for the first time.

A fantastic recording of a great band at their peak. Several of these songs are all time greats.

Big love Revolution rock Kenne ich schon sehr gut

This is #day155 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... this has to be one of the most diverse punk records in music history. Released in 1979 as a double album, it’s one of the most compelling records of a plethora of genres—new wave, pop, reggae, dub, lounge jazz, rockabilly, ska, hard rock, and more. What could be more punk than going further than just punk? Nineteen tracks fly by before you know it, documenting the spirit of the time. The sound is tight, with the rhythm section of drums, bass, and guitar still feeling as fresh and exciting as it did in the late '70s—absolutely pleasurable to listen to. It’s a 5 out of 5—a must-listen, and indispensable album of the turn of the decade. The title track alone is an anthem for years to come. Looking forward to #day156.

DEATH OR GLORY

Contender

FUCK YES!!!!!!!

I bought this album on a school field trip at a record store in Victoria, BC probably around 1981 or so, without knowing anything about the Clash, but that album cover sure had me curious. Start to finish, this has to be the best "double" album I've ever heard (at the time) with every track solid and good, rare for an album with so many tracks. Special mention of side one which in my opinion one of my favourite side one's of all-time. The Clash are considered punk, but the band explores all kind of music styles and genres with great success and it never tires or drags throughout. You can drop the needle on any song and still feel confident it won't disappoint. Rolling Stone called it the best album of the 80's (it was actually released in December 1979 in the UK and January 1980 in the US) and it's hard to disagree and though there might have been "better" records, London Calling was one of the most important punk or any album for that matter, of the decade. Essential!

Har den!

Iconic double album of infectious British punk flirting with rockabilly, dub reggae, ska and New Wave, London Calling has been justifiably considered essential and topped critics' lists since 1979 (1980 for the United States). Every single song feels vital and timeless!

10/10 An album with only legendary and strong songs on it. The Clash is more than just a punk band, you can hear influences from different styles on the album such as ska, raggae and rockabilly. Favourite tracks: Clampdown Death or Glory Hateful London Calling Least favourite tracks: Jimmy Jazz

Great album! Sounds as good today as it did when it was released 45+ years ago!

Yes.

++*: Jimmy Jazz, The Right Profile ++: London Calling, Brand New Cadillac, Hateful, Rudie Can't Fail, Spanish Bombs, Lost in the Supermarket, Clampdown, The Guns of Brixton, Wrong 'Em Boyo, Death or Glory, Koka Kola, The Card Cheat, Lover's Rock, Four Horsemen, I'm Not Down, Revolution Rock, Train in Vain 10/10

I mean, it's London Calling. I already loved The Clash's self-titled debut album and gave it a high 4. I went into this album fully expecting to love it, and I was right to do so. This album is excellent. Everything about it just works. The vocals are engaging in a way that isn't annoying. The instrumental sound is strong. There's still a clear punk core, but the clear influences from genres like reggae, new wave, and even jazz at times makes the album an enjoyable listen that never bores you, which is kind of important for any album that lasts over an hour. The variety in each song is awesome. Comparing the opening title track to the closer "Train in Vain (Stand by Me)" really shows the varied talent of the Clash. The themes pertaining to things like society, drugs, and conflict provoke thought, which is kind of what punk is meant to do. London Calling is one of those albums that absolutely deserves the praise it gets. It's captivating, entertaining, and full of things to appreciate. I love it. 5/5.

great opener, then full of excellent tracks

yeah this is really good

Didn’t expect this one to be so jazzy and ska-heavy! I’ve listened to the title track a million times, but I didn’t realize that The Clash were so much more than that. It’s weird calling The Clash a “find”, but this album really is that for me!

Classic good ol Brit rock

Great catchy energetic punk songs. Great fusion of genres like ska reggae and punk. Thought it would get repetitive with how long it was but I wasn't let down at all! Favourites- spanish bombs, lost in the supermarket

Definitely really liked this! Should listen to it again when I’m not five papers deep.

Well lfg The last Clash was right when I started this list in early 2021, meaning there’s been almost a thousand albums since. I was patient for a while, but like a few classic albums, I just had to see what the hype was about Anyway, I’m hopping on the Clash bandwagon, this is pretty great. Aside from the first and last song, I love the straightforward rock of “Clampdown” and “Hateful”, the reggae tunes “Guns of Brixton” and “Revolution Rock” and the polished gems “The Card Cheat”, “Spanish Bombs” & “Lost in the Supermarket”. December 6, 2024

Usually a 2 record set of any variety is just too much. This is an album that just keeps delivering track after track throughout. A classic from the moment the needle hits the vinyl. All killer, no filler.

Could use a little more black Cadillac and a little less lost in the supermarket but tough to critique this album much.

4.8 The only band that matters. I guess the only knock on this is that maybe the production is a bit polished compared to some of the live releases.

As one part of iconic punk duo Houmous & Chutney I know a thing or two about taking musical genres and making them appeal to the masses. Got to admire it when other people attempt it. 4.5

Un álbum muy divertido de escuchar, súper pegadizo, una producción muy coherente, a pesar de salirse a veces del punk rock explorando otros géneros, lo hacen muy notoriamente, pero matienen siempre la cohesión, nada se siente fuera de lugar. Siento que no estoy siendo muy objetivo, pero no me importa jaja

Sing a long shit

Stan : That's what they called themselves. Like, "The Clash". The only band that mattered. They called themselves that for a reason. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

I have heard the full album a few times, but I'm mostly only familiar with the title track and Train in Vain. This album is really good. It's so diverse in sound and genre. It's catchy in all the right ways. It is definitely worth repeated listens.

Het beste rock-album ooit geproduceerd? Lijkt me niet eens een overstatement. Hij zit zeker bij een select gezelschap. Het is de uitzonderlijke mastery of de instrumenten, de coole - maar niet over de top rebelse - attitude van Joe en Paul aan de microfoon, de moeiteloze switches van genre naar genre, de catchiness van de songs zonder dat het verhaal of de boodschap verloren gaat, dat deze plaat naar binnen laat glijden - ondanks zijn behoorlijke afspeeltijd. Die lange afspeeltijd komt ook voor een deel op het conto van een aantal heuse fillers ('The Right Profile', 'Kola Kola', 'Four Horsemen'), maar zelfs die zwakke broeders hebben iets aandoenlijks. Toch denk ik dat íéts meer consistentie op een overwegend briljant album de perfecte score waard was, waardoor ik net blijf hangen op die 9,5. Maar desalniettemin moet dit voor eeuwig onthouden worden als een ragfijn, genre-fluïde album dat zichzelf tijdens je luisterbeurt constant opnieuw uitvindt en daardoor elke keer weer een energie-boost krijgt en geeft. 9,5/10 Highlights: London Calling Spanish Bombs (het contrast tussen de vrolijke muziek en de ernst van het thema is simpelweg geniaal) The Guns of Brixton Wrong 'Em Boyo (Beste cover op het album) Train in Vain (Stand By Me)

Iconisch meesterwerkje. Van albumhoes tot het tijdperk waarin het is gemaakt. De blend van genres en het heerlijke Britse gebrul. London Calling van the Clash is in de jaren 20 van deze eeuw de Punk-era ontgroeid. Het was natuurlijk al het album wat een nieuwe tijd inluidde en de punk-muziek behapbaar en muzikaal maakte, hedendaags is het nog meer een iconisch beeld/moment uit een ver vervlogen tijd. Ik vond het dan ook moeilijk om London Calling helemaal op haar eigen merites te beoordelen. Zeker openingstrack London Calling is zo ingeburgerd en hoor je tegenwoordig overal en nergens, dat staat niet meer voor punk en is vrij mainstream. Maar sowieso vind ik deze plaat groter/meer dan een punkplaat. Er zijn super veel genres geblend in de nummers, de tracks zijn allen uniek en zijn gelaagder en muzikaler dan de og-punk van de 3 jaar voor London Calling. Vandaag kon ik extra genieten van de reggae en ska nummers op het album. Zeker ook de covers zoals Revolution Rock, wat heerlijk en uniek gebracht. Punk-spanning en Reggae-ontspanning gecombineerd. Na meer dan een uur brits gebrul op soepele ska beats ben ik er wel uit. Deze plaat is en blijft uniek en een meesterwerk, ook los van de iconische status die het heeft vergaard. Joe Strummer is echt in topvorm en ik kan echt genieten van de de man op de cover, Paul Simonon. Volgens mij is hij verantwoordelijk voor veel creatieve inbreng, niet zijn muzikaal (hij kan niet eens bassen voordat hij bij the Clash kwam). Niet gek dat hij en Damon Albarn later dikke maten werden. Het blijft moeilijk om zo'n album een goede review te geven alsof je deze voor het eerst hoort. Status en vooroordelen zullen daarom altijd meespelen. Desalniettemin maakt London Calling gewoon weer indruk, en dus 5 ballen. 9/10 Highlights Rudie Can't Fail Spanish Bombs The Guns of Brixton Wrong 'Em Boyo Revolution Rock Train in Vain

Absolute love of my youth. Only problem with this album is Train in Vain can’t be listened to eternally.

4,5 sterren maar ik ben gul

Easy 5 from me. It doesn’t fit with my usual tastes and I can’t really articulate why I love it. Maybe nostalgia? I’ve been listening to this since college.

Soft 5. I'm on the fence. I enjoyed a number of tracks. The Clash has some great instrumentals, but the vocals were really hit and miss for me. The energy is hard to deny though! 'Train in Vain' was an easy fave for me.

Well it's an absolute belter. I love this album. So many fantastic tracks, Jimmy Jazz, Rudie Can't Fail, Lost in the Supermarket, Death or Glory. I listened to this so much as a kid. I remember my electronics teacher saying the Clash were one hit wonders with Rock the Casbah. Such an idiot.

4.5 stars. Not just punk rock, so many genres (reggae, new wave, ska, even some jazz) work together to make a great sound that is more mainstream than typical punk. Catchy bookends ("London Calling" and "Train in Vain (Stand by Me)") are the highlights. A few too many total tracks but overall the whole listen is so good.

Another that I've listened to relatively recently and that I heard growing up from my parents. Pretty great album really. Nice mix of kinda messy punk rock, reggae, ska. Right up my street really. A couple of tracks reminded me a bit of the Libertines, particularly Jimmy Jazz, which I'd never noticed before..... But I guess there's countless bands that the clash influenced. Highlights: London calling Rudie can't fail Lost in the supermarket The guns of Brixton Wrong em boyo Death or glory I'm not down Revolution rock Train in vain The only reason I can think to not give this a 5 is that there is a fair bit of filler..... But 5 it is