Reviews (page 2 of 15)
Obviously I know this album cover, everyone does. But I didn't know the album. I thought I knew what to expect from the album cover, but I was very wrong. However, what I heard was pretty damn good, and even better on the second listen, and even better on the third. In fact I like it so much I think I might see if anyone's ever put the album cover on a t shirt. That would be good.
This wasn't a favorite of min until relatively recently, so I'm definitely familiar with it. It's a treat to have it served up in the context of the 1001 list because it really stands out as a great album next to all the others. It sounds ... fucking great. Rich and loud, round sound, but still sharp when the music is sharp. The songs are fun, anthemic, big and small, a mature development of punk rock. It's a lot, and it's long, but it earns the length. One of the GOAT double albums.
3.5 rather, enjoyed listening but wouldnt listen again i think though again realising im not a huge fan of rock
Classic punk album that deserves its standing
Nice variety. Like the reggae bits alongside the rougher guitars.
I've never listened to this entire album before and I kept waiting for the inevitable downturn, but it never came. It's a collection of great tracks and greater tracks, and worthy of all 5 of these stars.
Easily one the best records I’ve ever heard…and most likely the best double album with really only a few weaker songs towards the later half of the album. 3 1/2 stars: Koka Kola Four Horsemen Lovers Rock I’m Not Down The rest of the album 5 stars!
An absolute classic. The first 12 songs are all 5-star songs. The quality goes up and down after that until you hit “Train in Vain,” which is an all-timer. I’d rate this 4.5 stars if I could. But there is just too much good stuff on here to call it a 4-star album.
Niet helemaal mn ding de stemmen zijn erg monotoon maar ik vind de gitaar wel leuk
Fun songs that are consistently good throughout. Literally 0 complaints about this album.
Alright overall, but man oh man did it ever give us Train in Vain.
Rudy Can't Fail and apparently, neither can The Clash. This is an album so good, you'll understand how they picked up the moniker "The Only Band That Matters." The way the band manages to blend their punk roots with some serious musicianship and songwriting chops really is something to hear.
classic really
me gusta que no haya sido un rock puro y duro, estuvo más bien divertido, lo escucharía otra vez
incomprensible que no le guste a nancy, lamentablemente de pobre oído musical. tremenda portada chabon, es imposible que con esta portada tu album sea una mierda.
классический панк на одних и тех же аккордах) уважаю, слушать не хочу)
Overall this album was not for me. I can understand the attraction, however the overall composition of all the instruments, I wasn’t a fan of. A few select songs stood out.
previously listened, maybe needs a relisten
a great disc of a wonderful band!
Mwaw
Non l’ho finito ma sono la storia
Över 60 album och detta är det första jag faktiskt har lyssnat på förut. Bra variation, gillar pianot som dyker upp i några låtar. Solid!
Continues to be one of the best albums to have crossed the channel. Amazing album from beginning to end without a flaw encountered along the way.
Punk has never been my genre of choice. I have always heard this band at the very top of the list of most influential punk bands. So when this album popped up on this list I was a little excited. After listening to it I am more confused than I was before I listened to it. This doesn't spund like punk as I know it. It lacks a certain edge that I associate punk with. I don't know if its a good thing or a bad thing. I am going to check out more of The Clash's catalog and maybe this album will make more sense. Overall, I think I like it?
In these end times, where the richest man in the world is an open fascist and has the ear of the demented, nappy-wearing president of the richest, most powerful country in the world, and Germany (of all places) is regressing back to the 1930s, it's good to hear this album again. Anti-fascist, anti-war, pro-humanity. Everything that should be normal to decent people, all celebrated as they should be over four sides of vinyl. Undeniably a great album (until side four anyway, which features the lowest point of The Clash's entire catalogue in Lover's Rock...) and deserving of its place at the very top of the rock canon.
He guardado en mi playlist 4 canciones, en general el disco no me ha disgustado, pero tampoco me ha parecido una obra maestra, y en algún caso las voces no me han convencido en absoluto.
Great album. The summer of Strummer.
No. I can't stand this band.
very very very British as seems to be the norm for this list I didn’t mind this one, there were a couple of songs that I really enjoyed like the last track but most I was eh on. The instrumentals were pretty good but the singers voice annoyed me at some points. I do genuinely think that this would grow on me with a couple listens, so I would listen again. 3.27/5
One of the classics and an instant 5. Punk with skill and style. The represntation of the multi cultural london, counter culture and youth is heady. The Joe Strummer snarl and his lyrics are unmatched and there is just a lot of really really good pop songs here. Any album that waits an hour to drop Train in Vain as the last track has the confidence of its convictions.
Really good album. But overstays it's welcome quite a bit and you can see where they were fully buying into the "legend of the Clash".
A lot of unexpected variety. I really enjoyed about half of it. 3.5/5
Kind of Okay, but not all songs couldn't covince me
Great album expectaions where really high, think it fell just short of them
I loved it. Music I’ve heard before but definitely like the album
Yeah, this one should be on the list.
Not what I was expecting, but pretty good nonetheless. Favourite Track(s): London Calling Least Favourite Track(s): Spanish Bombs
Hate London but looov this album
One of the best albums of all time and had listened before. Basically a foundational album for punk, post-punk, SKA and a million other variations. Every song sounds good and had some generational bangers scattered throughout. This one would be one of the most fun live playthroughs as a setlist.
nice instrumentals, dont rlly like the singers voice
Classic, legendary
9.3/10 Fav track: Spanish Bombs
3.5 stars
Great album, with several real classic tracks.
Great album, not too familiar with The Clash outside of the title song and Rock the Kasbah. Liked the genre bending they did in this album. Some stand outs for me were Jimmy Jazz, Lost in the Supermarket and Train in Vain.
I was amazed I'd never actually listened to this one in its entirety before! I loved the variety on this album, I'd heard quite a few of the songs before, but in isolation rather than en mass. Was pleasantly surprised by the depth of talent, humour and instrumentation on show, as well as the expected punk roots and themes. I don't think there were any particularly weak tracks either. A great listen. As an album hard to beat. Most surprised by Jimmy Jazz, but it was perfectly placed between Brand New Cadillac and Hateful. Someone really thought about the track order and that pleases me. As an album 5/5 As listening enjoyment 4/5
I didn‘t know this would be so fun
This was a fun one. Didn’t know if this band but great songs.
It was fun. Dragged a little, but a fun mix.
Overall pretty good but lots of songs in the middle are way too similar. But I love train in vein.
I mean, c'mon. One of the godfathers of modern rock. Hair bands, grunge, pop, alternative... you name it - they all point to these guys. And this album. It still speaks. 5
Top 10 punk rock album of all time, top 100 album of all time
i feel like this would have been more my thing when i was a teen. not quite as good as combat rock, but still a fun time
Good album.
Probably Punk's finest hour and an obvious 5 stars. Flat out Rock, jazz, reggae, blues, rockabily and punk come together with politics and social commentary in an angry burst of energy. About as good as it gets
O começo do álbum é muito forte, infelizmente acho que ele desce o nível na segunda metade. Mas tá tudo certo, ainda gostei bastante!
Homogeneous. The guitar tones are a highlight for me and like 5 songs here are all timers. Would have been stronger with like 5 less songs too (the story of the Clash's career). Rating: 8/10
Pretty fun album, well produced and also appreciate the social commentary of the lyrics
Lost In The Supermarket
そもそも僕は、短い曲が大量に詰まったアルバムより長い曲が少ない方が嬉しいし、音の数も極力それを表現するのに最低限の数であって欲しい。 それを踏まえて、このアルバムは短い曲が大量だし、音数も多い。その割にはまあいいんじゃないかくらいの評価で、思っていたよりは微妙だなという感じ。
This bangs, love the variety of sounds. The Clash really be rocking here
I liked it and then I didn't like it. The last song was my favorite on the album. Not sure when I would ever relisten to this.
This is another one that I'm surprised, hearing the style, that it's from so long ago. This totally sounds to me like 2010s/2020s alternative rock. Which probably makes it foundational to some degree. It was fine, I was never unhappy, but kinda like background music in the car, not something I'd be excited if it came on.
Great album but too long.
I really want to give a damn about this album.
It just kept going and going and going. The music is fine, but not anywhere near good enough to justify the run length. While I appreciated the adventures into other genres and styles, most of the songs sounds exactly the same.
its good .
All my favourite bands love this band but I only think they're OK.
This is great early punk. You can see the transition happening.
Not realy a bad album but certainly not the classic as the hype goes. High on attitude, low on originality.
Clásico
Superb. Never heard this album before but this was worthy of a five star. Just an amazingly eclectic record start to finish, GAH this was great.
I mean what can you say about this album other than its a clear 5/5. No notes.
Major early Mott the Hoople vibes here A bunch of songs really sound like Ian hunter I really like all of these songs and I’ll definitely beating again at some point 4/5 Favorite: London calling, lost in the supermarket, Spanish bombs
Cool vibe, some classic songs. Yet a little long.
It's amazing, and it was good to give it a careful listen. I've listened to it a fair few times before but never realised it was a double album, which is a good sign - it doesn't drag. It manages to feel coherent despite the big range of styles and influences. I think it's down to a mixture of Strummer's vocals, the production, and the attitude that pervades it.
The album has a few good tracks, but it didn’t quite win me over.
3,5
I listen to this album for the first time a couple of years ago and wasn't super crazy about it, but I enjoyed it a lot more on this listen. There are still a couple of songs that I don't really care for, but for the most part this is a very good album. Low 5!
all the songs are relatively similar and there’s not much difference in instrumentation or vibration in them other than the occasional slower/faster song or new riff. i like the punk vibe. I like when they include trumpets.
that was fire
A few folk in the reviews still fighting the punk wars I see. The musicians in The Clash weren't the only ones who rebranded themselves to catch the wave but they were among the first. By this third album what would be the point in continuing to write White Riot? I always hear Train In Vain differently since reading of Viv Albertine's bemused indifference to poor old Mick pouring his heart out.
I remember my first listen of this album, thinking it was very overrated. Let'see now It was fine, enjoyable as a rock album but way too long
This album is a classic in punk music. It deserves its place in this list as a classic that defines its genre.
10/10
This album has a lot of insanely good music on it, and some stuff that just kinda seemed to go on longer than it should have. Completely understand why this is a classic, though.
Not as good as Sandanista! or Combat Rock but still a 4 at the very least.
Another album that made me audibly react when it came up. (This time, a sort of hushed "oooooooh.") I was huge into punk rock in high school, and I knew The Clash were deities in this world, and that this was their opus. And then I grabbed whatever tracks I could from it on Napster (!) and was baffled. A bunch of this stuff didn't even sound punk! It probably sat moribund on my hard drive for, say, three or four years and when I listened to The Clash it was the big hits, "Lost in the Supermarket," and their debut album, which is punk as hell. Sometime around 19 or 20, I spun it again and it clicked. Since that moment I've probably listened to this album more times than any other. It contains multitudes, multitudes I say! The style-jumping from track to track (rock, mod, ska, reggae, dub, punk, pop-punk, a friggin' piano ballad), the eternally resonant lyrics (war is bad! commercialism is bad! bosses are bad! drugs are bad!), an album cover that both lionizes and annihilates old-timey rock n' roll generally and Elvis specifically. "Clampdown" was the song of my quarter-life crisis when I didn't know what I wanted to do, but was broke and hated my job. "Lost in the Supermarket" would have been the song of my teen years if I had any goddamn sense. I'm sure "Train in Vain (Stand by Me)" was on our wedding playlist, even if that don't make no damn sense. If you listened to this and didn't like it, give it a few months, try it again, repeat until it changes your life.
London Calling: 5/10 but added it to my playlist. kinda boring but not necessarily bad. Brand New Cadillac: 3/10 the lyrics are fun but thats it. kind of reminded me of oingo boingo for some reason. added this to my playlist too but ill probably remove it later. Jimmy Jazz: 1/10 boring as hell. couldn't even add it to my playlist to give it a few more listens. Hateful:5/10 liked it better than the other 3. but still a bit boring to me. but there's a specific chords change in the chorus which makes this song worth adding to my playlist. Rudies Can't Fail: 2/10 i lowkey hate his voice and everything about this band but ill still try my best to listen to it fully. no i genuinely cant do this, i even removed the 3 songs that i added to my playlist before except london calling(just for the beatlemania line lol). i can imagine someone enjoying this album though, it's just not the one for me. from the 5 songs i listened to, ill rate this album a 3/10
First time hearing this album! So far I really like how each track sounds different from one another. I loved the mix of genres and especially the jazz influence! Long album but from first listen there are no songs that felt weak. I also love the album cover My favourite tracks: london calling, jimmy jazz, lost in the supermarket, clampdown, lover's rock, and i'm not down
Iconic Cover. Fantastic song titles. I am not a big fan of The Clash but I do enjoy this album. I would rate this 8.5/10. The album is 1 hour and 5 minutes but it feels shorter like I am often surprised that the album is done.
British again
I appreciated the variety in genre and execution of each song on this album, I just kinda wish there weren't as many songs as there were... Got to be a bit of a slog at the end, but I was glad the music didn't blend together the way some punk albums do.
I like how this album is essentially a punk variation on so many different genres surrounding it. There are a few absolutely killer moments - “London Calling” and “The Guns of Brixton” are easily among my all-time favorites. 7/10
Excelente
Världens bästa album
Jag är inte riktigt ett clashfan. Det är okej, och den här skivan har ju många hits. Stark trea, nästan fyra.
Fräckt! 4,5/5
Fick lite ångest när jag såg längden - är det ens lagligt i genren PUNK? Men det var så jävla äkta och ball.
Min mest lyssnade skiva någonsin. Clash var mitt liv från att jag var 17 och några år framåt. Har alltid hoppat över första låten men har på senare år börjat klara av att lyssna på den. Den är väl rätt fet med. Sen är ju andra låten en parentes innan det banger på banger, på banger, på banger, på banger, på banger, på banger. Sen ska det sägas att det inte är Clash bästa platta. Det är ju självklart Sandinista!
Would definitely listen again. Very fun, and very talented.
Pretty Solid from start to end. The title track and Los in the Supermarket were my personal favorites. 7/10
Controversial but maybe if I could I would have taken half a star off coz it’s a little too long imho. But still 100% a must listen and one of the few classics that actually deserves the title.
nice
Let’s be clear. This is not a manufactured band. People don’t know what nepotism means either.
Enjoyable as always
A classic for a reason. Easy 5 stars
bom álbum punk. 3,5.
it feels like ok background music, sometimes it's almost ear catching when it becomes balera and folk. the lisp is hard to not notice 2/5
buenísimo
ganz nett
Spanish Bombs, yo te cuero infenito!
Pretty boring actually. The lead track is good but it ends there.
I really liked this one, very classic punk rock. Unfortunately I don’t think I can rate it 5 stars because the songs can begin to sound the same halfway through and it’s easy to lose interest, after all there’s almost twenty of them. But individually I think there’s many great singles off this album, I’d still listen to this over most other albums off here
Would score higher if you dropped the second disc
Listened to this one plenty over the years. Lives up to its reputation as an amazing and fun album with lots of variety that doesn't dip in quality. Spanish Bombs might be my favourite off the album but it's all great.
Hmmm two Clash in a row. A little more up and down compared to the other one (which should maybe be a four) but still cool
Every song is great, and on top of it all they have Lost In The Supermarket on this one.
I’ve tried London Calling before and always came away thinking The Clash just weren’t for me, so I decided to give it another full shot. I definitely liked it more this time. The title track is great, “Brand New Cadillac” rocks, “Death or Glory” was another standout, and I had the unexpected realization that “Train in Vain” is a song I’ve known and liked for years without realizing it was The Clash. That said, I still don’t love the album as a whole. The ska and reggae-influenced material isn’t really my thing, and Joe Strummer’s voice started wearing on me as the album went along. The biggest problem, though, is that it just feels too long. It’s funny because I’ll happily listen to a Tool album with eight songs that runs 65 minutes, but 65 minutes of *London Calling* feels endless. An album isn’t too long because of its runtime—it’s too long when I start noticing its runtime. I came away realizing I like more Clash songs than I thought, but I still don’t think I’m much of a Clash album guy. This revisit was definitely worthwhile, though.
At the beginning, I was enthusiastic about what was going to happen next. However, soon enough I found myself bored. Imagine a punk rock record that makes you want to sleep. London Calling does exactly that. The vocalist's performance is arguably the worst feature of the album. It's nasal, boring, never improves the song and basically dumb. His voice ruined numerious tracks, and I just didn't want to hear any more of him. The guitarist did a good job in the opening couple of tracks and performed, uh, one solo I believe, but generally his playing was mediocre. The drums felt to be underrepresented, idk, no real highlights in this regard. Strangely, The Clash switch to pop numerious times... And it sounds bad. They even add some weird kind of sounds usually heard in comedies or circuses. What does that have to do with punk? Alright, one could argue they are not obliged to stay within one style, that is fair. However, all of their experiments fail. I was just waiting for this to end, finding myself disgusted by either the vocals or even the guitar a couple of times, which is rare. I even noticed that the lyrics were tasteless as a person who does not care about them. All in all, an epic failure by The Clash, waiting for that hour to lapse was either boring or felt like damage to my ears. At least the album artwork is kind of cool. Decent tracks: London Calling, Brand New Cadillac, The Guns of Brixton (debatable, they just repeat the same thing like three times, but the beginning was okay), Four Horsemen (finally some music at the end of the track). P.S. Seeing that this has an average of 3.96 is crazy.
5 stars 10 Stars 50 STARS 500 FUCKING STARS! It's amazing how The Clash were able to make songs that you've heard 10,000 times, but still somehow feel fresh every single time you listen to them. The way the political message is there if you want to hear it, if not, you still hear a great song. Fantastic songwriting abilities. Truely one of my favorite 'Perfect 10' albums. Sometimes I have to remind myself that this isn't a Best Of album.
I thought I would have liked this album more. There are obviously some good songs, but not enough to make me want to listen to it again.
Didn't really like it, everything sounded like one song and all of it was MEH. Ima neke zaniljive delove tako da 3/5 ili 5/10 ne znam kako se rejtira. Ima dve pesme koje mi se svidjaju pa zato Sad kad razmislim album ima elemente mnogih razlitih zanrova tako da ako su ranije radili samo punk i ovde prealze i imaju elemete cak i rege muzike to je top
I love this album from front to back. Many double albums rely on conceptual filler or a long, epic track to cut all that wax. This is just a stellar collection of great songs (even if “Supermarket” has its off days for me). Favorite moments include “Guns of Brixton” and “Lover’s Rock.”
It's been a while since I've listened to this album. For the first few tracks I was a bit disappointed. Around "Spanish Bombs" I changed to a better stereo system and Voilá! We have excellent sounding and well produced music! "Lost In The Supermarket" is an all time favorite of mine after working in the supermarket industry for the past 15 years. I can no longer shop happily! Nice blend of all musical styles here, and done right. It's a crisp punk sound where the production doesn't overshadow the band's original attempts or attitudes. It's cool to think that bands like The Clash have turned me onto Reggae music. One of the special musical clashes(no pun intended) to be produced by the 20th century.
Same feeling as the ramones, not bad but not really my thing. I think I’m less into early punk bands when the lead singer can’t sing.
I've heard the songs on this album exactly the wrong number of times. It wasn't fresh and thrilling but it wasn't nostalgic either. It's a shame because objectively, I completely understand why people adore this album so much. I appreciated it immensely, I just didn't *feel* it quite the way I hoped I would.
Great 80s album. Less punk than their previous albums but still really good. Wish I had this one on vinyl.
I knew the bookend tracks: "London Calling" and "Train in Vain". I got hooked by one other track: "The Guns of Brixton". The rest of the tracks were just ok, but fun.Interesting that the styles straddle rock / punk / ska / etc.
Interesting how little of this truly feels punk. There is still a lot to like here, including some of their classics, but this definitely the sound of a band stretching its limits.
The highs are really high. It's hard to beat the gut kick of an opener...and to be immediately followed by a weird 50s throwback about a Cadillac feels that much lower for how excellently the album starts. & that was much of my takeaway from this. I often really love all the styles they're throwing at the wall - ska, punk, new wave elements. Added a few songs to playlists I wasn't familiar with: Hateful, Rudie Can't Fail, Guns of Brixton. But just as often, it seemed like I wanted to skip the song: Lovers Rock, Lost in the Supermarket. So ultimately I think this needed trimming - and could have been 5 stars if they'd kept it as tight as their self-titled album.
Controversial opinion: LOVE the first half, damn-near flawless, giving it 5 stars on account of how incredible the first half of this album is. As far as the second half, the only song I ever listen to is Train In Vain (one of the best songs everrr); every other song is unremarkable and passable. Like I don't like listening to the second half. So to me, London Calling is only the first half. With that said, it's one of the greatest albums in history.
I know it’s a classic album, but it’s really just not for me. I recognize its impact in punk music, and the first songs I could enjoy, but just not my type pf music.
London calling is a huge song to start the album off with, but it doesn’t really hold up until you get to “Death or Glory”- which is easily the best song on the album. Why that was buried 12 songs deep? It’s one of the few that feels like an actual punk song. And this album being called punk really makes my brain hurt about why the MISFITS aren’t in here. They have music out from 1978, a full year before this, and are way, way more influential in punk music. Inexplicable.
A legendary punk album! Didn't like it first time I listened to it, found the voices kinda irritating. A few months later, I got around to it and I was vibing with the production. Now I have London Calling on vinyl! I love how both punk and pop it is. I love how it pays homage to different kinds of music from reggae to 50s rock and roll. It's also quite cheerful despite the lyrics meaning otherwise. London Calling is a nice transition for pop listeners looking to learn more about punk and want something accessible and catchy. It definitely hooked me in for sure!
Don't pick up. For such an iconic punk album alongside its equally iconic cover art, the punk sound is surprisingly diluted and pop-y.
Punk that isn’t really punk, but it is still amazing. Very diverse, cohesive, and good.
Always a good way to start the day. No faults. Love it.
If they only played punk rock, this would still be a great album. But their style goes beyond just one genre, which takes this to another level.
Brilliant album full of the best punk traits: energy, angst, and clever silliness.
A deservedly classic album with a great opening eponymous track. Maybe surprisingly not that punky.
I could not tell you the difference between any of the songs.
Not for me
Someone pick up the phone, damn. It’s really good, but a little overrated imo
An all time great.
A fucking masterpiece
CLASSIC there is a bit of fluff between the bangers tho
Not a big fan of the Clash, but I cannot deny their importance and this album
Some good old punk here.
I know every song but don't know when I last listened to the album in entirety. It holds up.
7.4/10 I really like a few of the songs, and the number London calling is really good. it’s not really the albums fault but the amount of double albums we’ve had recently is making me crazy and making me genuinely fearful of each new album :). I liked lost in the supermarket and rudie can’t fail, can’t say I’d add them to my playlist atm though
7/10 = actually enjoyed quite a lot, obviously knew a couple but didn't feel too much effort to listen too, a little repetitive but again i didn't mind what they were repeating
Bit surprised at how varied this was.
There is a nice range of influences and styles employed in a genre which can be very limited. I do find that it lacks a visceral quality, where it is a bit too clean, and this doesn’t match with the message of some of the songs. I think I know it is a great album but it just leaves me a little bit cold. Special mention for the bass, which is excellent and showcases brilliantly how it can be used to provide both rhythm and additional melodic lines.
There’s a risk that this album has somehow ended up parody of itself with the cover on the front of kids t-shirts but I still think this rocks. At its heart there is just good songwriting, consistently good for the entirety of it. I like the melting pot of influences that this takes its inspiration from, including the best of the windrush immigrants to East London (‘revolution rock’) and comments on the politics of the time (‘Spanish bombs’) even if aome songs are overplayed but still hold up well (‘London Calling’, ‘guns of Brixton’). Strummers voice is pretty awful at times but the rest of the band is so solid behind him (Simonon in particular) that it is forgivable and adds to the dynamic rather than detracts from it.
Partly good album from The Clash
I waited a while to review this one. It's "iconic" but it just seems poppy versus punk.
London Calling by The Clash was a really enjoyable listen. It blends punk rock with reggae, ska, rockabilly, and even touches of jazz, making the album feel fresh and varied from start to finish. I liked how no two songs felt exactly the same, yet the album still comes together as a cohesive whole. The songwriting is one of its biggest strengths. The lyrics often deal with social and political issues, but they're delivered in a way that's engaging rather than overwhelming. Songs like "London Calling" and "Train in Vain" stand out for their memorable melodies and energy, while quieter moments provide a nice balance. Overall, I found London Calling to be a pleasant and rewarding listen. Its mix of catchy hooks, strong musicianship, and ambitious style makes it easy to see why it's considered one of the greatest rock albums ever recorded. Even decades after its release, it still sounds energetic, creative, and influential.
4.5
I imagined that I'd give this a 3/5 or a 4/5 before listening, but now that I'm listening to it, I cannot think of a single reason why I wouldn't give this a 5/5. It's just so extremely solid even though I'm not generally a punk listener.
4/5
You have The Clash, one of the Rushmore-level punk bands, and they infuse their masterpiece with reggae, rockabilly, jazz, and the beginnings of new wave. Then turn it into a double album with a couple of covers, one rockabilly, one Jamaican, focus on the life of the working class of London, add a couple of story songs. And put a pic of Paul Simonson smashing the crap out of his bass on the cover. You get the landmark album of punk.
I like the trumpet I like the album I like the messages
5ка, "лост ин супермаркет"- так ваще хидден жем, да и остальной альбом крутой, ганс оф брикстон-тоже круто
Classic. Forgot how long this thing was tho
The Clah can’t fail
A glorious explosion of energy and creativity barely hinted at by what went before. Life-affirming stuff.
Listened to it on broken headphones, so I dont think I can rate it correctly
I mean it was okay It got quite boring cause it all kind of sounded similar
A punk icon. A whole lot of ideas (musical, political, etc), packed into a sprawling double album. In fact, it seems to be belittling to just label it 'punk', when there is so much stuff mixed in here. The only thing is that it probably is a bit overly long, so I'm taking a point off for that. But close to a 5 for me.
Worth a relisten- really enjoyed some of these. Jimmy jazz and Hateful are so fun
Lost in the supermarket might be my new favorite song. It seems so modern to me. I wasn’t expecting to hear something like that on a clash album. Shows how much i know about the clash! The clash is COOL
9 - EXCELLENT
You can’t help but feel your insides smiling when you listen to this.
so fkn good, loved it
Classic. It overstays its welcome by a little bit, but overall a great album
Some good songs but just as many bad ones
London Calling toller Song, der Rest war eher so meh. Punk is dead
Glaub einzige Punkband, die ich mag. Guns of Brixton bester Bass. London Calling natürlich auch top, und auch so gut anzuhören.
Historisch, aber nicht meins
gsrg
This is peak
10/10, probably my favorite classic rock album. Top songs: London Calling, Jimmy Jazz, Lost in the Supermarket, The Guns of Brixton, Train in Vain (Stand By Me)
I own this album, but it felt fairly unfamiliar to me on this latest relisten. It’s a passage through many styles - rock n roll, dub, reggae, and a bit of punk. The 2 lead singer thing works well and was probably innovative “back in the day”. I enjoyed my listen, but it didn’t reawaken a passion.
Can we get any more of a great album than this. Fucking classic.
it's fun and enjoyable, though joe strummer's singing can sometimes be a bit too strange for my taste, under the more sparse instrumentation.
can’t believe i slept on the clash for so long. i’ve had the pleasure of seeing paul simonon live twice with gorillaz and this album ticked every box for me. loved it
Crazy how arguably the greatest punk album ever made isn't even really that punk. The way The Clash incorporate so many disparate influences is gleefully inspired. The splashes of ska, rockabilly, reggae, and R&B interact with the band's punk roots in a style that simultaneously manages to be irresistibly catchy and satisfyingly raw. Every song here is worthy for consideration as someone's favorite, and while I do tend to get just the littlest bit weary around the last fourth, I still couldn't imagine giving this masterpiece anything less than 5 Stars. Fav Songs: London Calling, Brand New Cadillac, Hateful, Rudie Can't Fail, Spanish Bombs, Lost in the Supermarket, Clampdown, Wrong 'Em Boyo, The Card Cheat, Train In Vain (Stand By Me) Least Fav: The Right Profile Score: 9.5
easyfive
This is one of my all time favorites.
London Calling is what happens when a garrulous band is finally given enough room to finish a sentence. The Clash had already made a wonderfully rough and urgent debut, but they were never going to remain confined by punk’s approved vocabulary. Here, the band becomes a bucket for everything its members are hearing, reading, watching and arguing about. Reggae, rockabilly, soul, ska, funk, pop, cinema, advertising, policing, war, consumerism and romantic disappointment are all thrown in together. This should sound like an identity crisis. Instead, it sounds unmistakably like The Clash. The record’s unity comes from personality rather than style. Joe Strummer’s moral urgency, Mick Jones’s pop instincts, Paul Simonon’s absorption of Jamaican music and Topper Headon’s understanding of groove remain constant while the scenery changes. They do not imitate genres so much as pull them into their orbit. It is an immensely Ladbroke Grove album, from before Ladbroke Grove became posh: culturally mixed, politically restless and uninterested in musicological boundaries of race or ethnicity. Reggae is not treated as an exotic diversion from proper rock music. Rockabilly is not approached as a museum exhibit. The Clash behave as though all these traditions naturally belong in the same neighbourhood because, in their London, they did. That openness is as important to the album’s politics as any lyric. The Clash are not simply describing a different society; they are demonstrating one through the music they choose to play. Politics is not enough. Culture follows. Free your mind and your arse will follow. The deeper thread running through the record is integrity. Again and again, it examines the bargains people make with the world. Consumer culture offers a personality. Employment offers security. Institutions offer purpose. Authority offers certainty. Promiscuity offers freedom. Rebellion offers glory. The question is always what must be surrendered in return—and who pays when the bargain fails. This is where the album becomes more than a collection of political positions. It is suspicious not only of governments, employers, police and advertisers, but of the ways people internalise power and reproduce it themselves. The rebel can become a domestic tyrant. The radical can grow comfortable. The person who once resisted authority can begin enforcing its assumptions upon everyone else. You grow up and you get Foucault. Or, less academically, you grow up and you get fuck all. The Clash do not exempt themselves from this scrutiny. They are already aware of becoming a successful rock institution, complete with mythology, appetites and expectations. Their self-mockery matters because it prevents the album becoming a sermon. They are willing to ask whether they are being absorbed by the same machinery they criticise. For all the talk of apocalypse and the nation state, however, The Clash never forget their actual job: entertainment. London Calling is funny, melodic, physical and frequently joyous. Its politics work because the band understands that pleasure is not a distraction from culture. It is one of the ways culture operates. That is why the album’s sprawl feels generous rather than self-indulgent. The old claim that every double album ought to have been a single one is largely a circular argument imposed by the capacity of slabs of black plastic. Why should forty minutes represent the natural length of an artistic statement? Because that was approximately what fitted on an LP. This record lasts around sixty-five minutes. In the streaming era, nobody would consider that remarkable. The Clash also fought to prevent their audience being charged the usual double-album price. They had more music to offer and did not believe listeners should be financially penalised for hearing it. So let them speak. London Calling is not a perfectly ordered manifesto and would be diminished if forced into becoming one. It is a transmission from a band with too much curiosity to stay in its lane and too much personality to disappear inside its influences. Tune in. They have plenty to say.
Amazing album,so many great songs and basslines
Good punk
Awesome
London calling - 5/5 Brand new Cadillac - 2/5 Jimmy jazz - 3/5 Hateful - 4/5 Rudie cant fail - 3/5 Spanish bombs - 3/5 The right profile - 2/5 Lost in the supermarket - 4/5 Clampdown - 3/5 The guns of Brixton - 4/5 Wrong 'em Boyo - 2/5 Death or glory - 3/5 Koka kola - 1/5 The card cheat - 5/5 Lover's rock - 2/5 Four horsemen - 3/5 I'm not down - 3/5 Revolution rock - 2/5 Train in vain - 5/5
Good listen. Feels more like classic rock than punk to me, but it's OG punk
Imagine how good this album needs to be to get a 5 when it initially disappointed me that it didn’t have Should I Stay or Should I Go
It’s ok. Maybe I’m considering this in the light of modern music, but it’s not insane. Probably considered great for its role in rock history.
I’ve actually never listened to this before, and it wasn’t quite what I was expecting. It’s punk, but feels somehow more polished and tamer than the sort of punk I like best. Where it does shine is its variety - even being relatively long, especially for a punk album, each track sounds distinct from the rest. It’s pretty fun overall; even with my initial disappointment, I had a good time. 4
If they had cut "Brand New Cadillac" this would be a ten out of five.
The Clash leave their punk origins in the dust and create a sixty minute spectacular, encompassing roots rock, reggae, pop and rock. More bangers than a demolition derby
Actually pretty cool 3.5-4/5
Een beetje te lang.
Literally one of my favorite albums of all time. Absolutely phenomenal. Favorites: Hateful, death or glory, Spanish bombs, lost in the supermarket
Definitely did not expect so much ska
This is a great album, full of fun and energy from start to finish. While listening I felt a nice mix of serious and playful moments — some tracks have strong, thoughtful lyrics, while others are just pure fun. The instrumentals and rhythms are excellent throughout, with that tight, energetic Clash sound. A lot of people call it a punk classic, but to me it goes way beyond punk. It pulls in reggae, rockabilly, ska, and more, making it much more diverse and interesting. That said, I do think it’s a bit overrated — it’s very good, but not quite the flawless masterpiece some claim. Still, London Calling is a strong, enjoyable record with real personality. Definitely worth listening to, especially if you like bands that mix styles and have something to say.
Hell yeah
Es mucho lo que yo escucho, realmente me voló la cabeza varias de sus canciones, la filosofía que transmite y el sentimiento que lleva es de otro planeta, un café, lluvia y una tarde noche con este álbum, si es lo mejor que puedes hacer.
This album is having me dance at my desk. It takes me quite a few listens before I can understand songs beyond melody, and reading about the themes in what feels like a fun loving album makes me want to dig into this album more. Overall really enjoyed this!
Not as good as I hoped.
I stopped the tremendously bad Sulk to listen to London Calling. Fucking so much better, like another universe of better. Such a tremendous release. I remember the 1st time I listened to London Calling. Indelible. Fuck me, thank the heavens for the Clash. 5 "I am in heaven again" stars.
Punk, pop, rock, ska, reggae, jazz?, all expertly done as If they’d been playing these songs in clubs for years, which of course they did. I love the Clash because they sound like they love to play, just for the joy and need of it. Strummer could tear the roof off vocally and then soften like a ballad (well, as close to ‘ballad’ as the Clash will ever get), with sincerity and sarcasm doled out as needed. Not every song hits, but there are 19 to choose from so quit botherin’ me.
cada vez que escucho este álbum reafirmo que the clash es una de las mejores bandas de la historia. con letras crudas que relatan distintos conflictos globales de la época, este disco explora más de un género, ampliando el sonido del punk de una forma hasta ese entonces desconocida.
This is how I imagine the sound of London in the 70s, take me there. Personal favorite: london calling, lover’s rock, wrong em boyo, the guns of brixton
#391 An absolute must hear album, it’s quite simply a masterful representation of the cultural melting pot that is London. Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Listen before you die? ✅ Fave track(s): Lost in the Supermarket; Guns of Brixton; Train in Vain (Stand By Me) Rating: 9/10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
All time great album
For all the double denim wearing knobbly knees brigade grandads saying it's not punk or it's an industry plant - you used to clap for jimmy Saville For everyone listening for the album - generational. Can feel the life of the city and times it was made in. No skips
This was much more stylistically varied than I expected. It’s not really a punk album, it’s more an album by a punk band with some punk songs on it. It very much feels like they’re trying to stretch out and try new things, and they’re pretty successful at doing so. The variation and exploration keep the record from dragging, which is pretty hard to do on a double album. Definitely worth the listen.
Released in the last days of the 70s, this sprawling double album shows The Clash expanding far beyond their punk label and embracing the entire history of rock ‘n’ roll, from the cover art paying tribute to Elvis, to the cover of Vince Taylor’s 1959 b-side “Brand New Cadillac.” It’s one of the few double albums that I wouldn’t skip a single track, with no real filler, and so many highlights, including “Rudie Can’t Fail,” “The Guns of Brixton,” “Clampdown,” the title track. I’d even have added to it, with “Bankrobber,” “Pressure Drop” and “Justice Tonight/Kick it Over.” Over the years their poppy “Lost in the Supermarket” and “Train in Vain” got plenty of radio play. The rest of their catalog is imperfect, yet it all sounds meant to be, anchored by this masterpiece.
originally i found this album to be pretty underwhelming, but on this relisten i came in anticipating The Police instead of Dead Kennedys. and when you look at this as a groovy album with a lot of reverence and understanding of the lineage of rock music instead of a burst of chaotic burnitalldown energy, it's a lot better. still inconsistent and not my favorite style of punk by any means, but deserving of its acclaim. Lost in the Supermarket fucks super hard. deserves to be one of the 1001? even if it didn't grow on me, yeah. super important
Good gritty british punk, not really my thing but was decent
5/5 Standouts: London Calling, Lost in the Supermarket, Clampdown, Train in Vain, Rudy Can't Fail
I like… I JUUUUUUST got this on CD. Like, LAST FUCKING WEEK AGO. For THREE DOLLARS. THREE DOLLARS. This album is fucking fantastic. The title track is the perfect tone setter, giving the entire album a sense of dystopia that gives each and every song a true and pressing level of urgency. It also introduces us to Joe Strummer’s fantastic, rebellious, and charismatic vocals. The use of each genre the album employs is done masterfully, especially the reggae songs, which I was surprised to find were all incredibly good. Though not pristine, this album does an incredible job of focusing a truly incredible energy throughout its entire runtime, and not once does it get boring. It is a comprehensive display of musical mastery, across the board: the sequencing, the vocals, the playing, the production, the incorporations of reggae, the atmosphere… it is a truly admirable album, and an incredible experience. If you have not heard this yet you are doing yourself a massive disservice. 10/10
Did not like.
classsic rock exp
Near perfect. Love so much more as I get older.
3.5
Fire!
“Phony Beatlemania has bitten the dust” is a funny lyric considering how clearly inspired many tracks are from The Beatles. (Eg the transformation of classic blues progression into vivid, sharp rock.) But it’s perfect in the context of the punk rebellious nature of the album. I love how this album feels like it was recorded in one take in a smoky, dirty joint. I feel like they’re right there. I love the sharp guitar licks in ‘Hateful’ and the call and response BVs The Spanish in the chorus of “Spanish Bombs” is really fun- I just wanna sing along Oh my god ‘Lost in the Supermarket” intro is so New Order- (my fave band), hence ‘post punk’. So simple yet so nice. ‘Clampdown’ is so Bruce Springsteen- I love the way so many tracks seem to have paved the way for the best artists of the 80s (though of course Bruce came before this album). Same with “The Guns of Brixton”- the reggae/dub bassline brings yet another genre inspiring element to the album. “Wrong em Boyo” has a brilliant intro that blends seamlessly into another blues banger. I love the unexpected piano in “The Card Cheat.” Sonically different from the rest of the album but so so fitting- also the ‘Penny Lane’ esque trumpet runs. Overall a brilliant and honest slice of life album from 1979. I’d rate it 82% (brilliant vibes, amazing songwriting) some misses but overall hits very hard.
que decir, es un clasico, amé y bailé mucho
Day 339 Bit embarrassed to admit I’d never actually listened to this album in full before, it’s fucking brilliant isn’t it? Highlights Spanish Bombs I’m not down Train in vain
I was not in the mood
Fun punk rock. Really enjoyed it and saved some songs.
One of my top 10 favorite albums of all time
Never really liked the clash
Right'Em BOYO (4.5)
It's alright
No había adentrado en the clash, que bueno son…si durará la mitad este disco sería perfecto.
Deserves a 5 for the influence alone.
I can't understand a damn word out of that dude's mouth.
I feel like this is a great pick for albums to have on a deserted island. Not only is it jam packed with solid tracks, but I feel like the songs are surprisingly complex and layered with lots going on. Love the use of horns throughout, funky bass, wild vocals and ska influence. I am also I fan of the overall vibe, at face value it feels mostly fun, loose and light hearted but I think a lot of these tracks have a lot more going on and play out some pretty valuable social commentary from the time and place.
My math teacher in high school was obsessed with the Clash. On every test there would be a bonus question about the Clash, usually something as simple as “name 3 songs by the Clash” or “name the guitar player in the Clash”. It was always nice to get some easy marks. Anyways, I’ve got nothing in particular to add about London Calling. It’s a fantastic album that I still listen to from time to time. Sure, it doesn’t sound how most people expect punk to sound because they incorporate many other genres like ska, dub, and funk in their sound, but everyone is way too uptight with labels in music. The “real punks” are just as bad as the “real metalheads”.
Most definitely can hear the Raegae influence on the album. It’s softer in tone than I thought it would be. The music is certainly critical of the times and sort of proto-punk in nature, but the piano and other instruments that I wasn’t expecting, even the pop-feel of some songs really threw me for a bit of a loop considering this is supposed to be the quintessential punk album.
Pretty good, but play wrong em boyo arround me, imma have to kms
Well, here is an album I’ve listened to all the way through hundreds of times because it truly was an innovative and remarkable album that in its original mix was a defining moment in taking punk rock to the masses. And it’s not the radio hits that make this record because there really were none in Canada when this was released. Seeing them live during this period was truly life altering. They were not this unpolished gang but a true rock n roll machine. Joe Strummer was mesmerizing as a lead vocalist and live these songs jumped to life. Not that the album versions were slouches but the live shows with a set list comprised of the best moments from the Clash’s catalog at that point in time was electric. And London Calling was completely mind blowing because the melodies made you wanna sing. Try not singing along with Hateful, Spanish Bombs, Rudie Can’t Fail, List in the Supermarket and that’s not even counting London Calling and Train In Vain - perfect opener and closer. The cover versions take on new life in the hands of the Clash now becoming more well known than the originals by a long shot. Even the reggae influenced tracks, particularly Lover’s Rock and Revolution Rock, fit seamlessly in the mix as if this was born into the band taking the sounds of the neighborhood into the Clash’s working class mix of left wing politics and advocacy. This is one of the few perfect records that encapsulates a particular moment in music history at a particular turbulent period in history. More significantly the Clash on this one record created music that was greater than the sum of its parts and greater than the sounds that influenced this record. 5/5
This just sounds fantastic, every track is worth a listen and The Clash cross so many genres that you really can't consider this "just another punk album". This one got everything, the vocals and the vibes are amazing and the folks play their instruments perfectly.
I used to never be sure about The Clash because I couldn't pigeonhole them but as I get older I love that about them. Really good album, feels a touch long but so solid.
Classic.
Is it crazy that I didn't really like this all that much? Maybe on repeated listens, but like, at this point I'm not really aching to do that. Appreciate the scope and sprawl, but sometimes that felt like lack of focus and like I wanted it to wrap up sooner. Sorry clashers.
I FELT SO YOUNG AGAIN
Very good album. Fantastic political pieces, lots of different influences, didn't realise how diverse this album was. Not quite a perfect album, but still an absolute belter.
Lighter and more varied than I was expecting, but not really for me.
Litt kjedelig, kunne passa litt til bilspill
Pretty solid but not really my thing
An absolute desert island album.
An all time great album. Love this album. Took me a while to get into some of the songs on sides 3 and 4. But more and more, I find that every song is a winner. Always a pleasure to revisit this album. I'm fascinated by Revolution Rock, which I have seen people complain about online as a blemish marring the record, but which is one of my favorites. There are many paths to feeling old. One of the more fun ones is owning an LP copy of this album that does not list Train In Vain, making it seem like a mysterious secret track (the song was included at a late stage, and the packaging was not altered, not clear why. This was fixed in later pressings.). I was confused for a period of time in the late 1980s. About a lot of things, but that was one of them.
Not much to say here except it was gratifying to realize this album is as great as I remembered it being.
"London Calling" feels, and ultimately is, a generational album.
Heard Before: More than enough. Notes: - with apologies to Zen Arcade, this is probably the only punk double album worth your time. - "Lost in the Supermarket" is my favorite Clash song. - few double albums finish with a real banger. i love this one, despite the stupid brackets in the song title. - there's a reason his name isn't Joe Singer. Verdict: Time and popularity have dimmed what seemed, at the time, to be a innovative, wildly varied and politically charged set of songs. It still holds up as an exciting time-capsule. Hands down the best Clash album. Listen Again? On my list to revisit in a few years.
idk i really hate his voice
Classic
Great album. Classic. Good vocals. Love the guitar bass and drums. Very cohesive album.
Fun music but his voice just doesn’t do it for me!!
Why were they movin like Von in Brixton 1979
Always makes me think of dad! Spanish bombs is my favorite Clash Song
Good vibes
I’ve never been able to get into The Clash. I think it’s largely because of Joe Strummer’s voice. Some of these tunes are really catchy, but something about the whole vibe ends up being a bit off putting to me.
Got a little bored
This was a really good album. I enjoyed the sound that the band had and it felt very unique. The British accent always just turns me away unfortunately. There were some very good tracks though the best easily being the card cheat. I enjoyed the guitar in the background and the piano just elevated the song even more. I feel like there was some inconsistency and if that wasn’t there this could be a 4 star album easily.
The Clash have grown up a lot with this album. It's a more intelligent and expansive sound, but retains some.of their youthful exuberance and angst. They never matched this album in their all too short career.
An essential punk album that defined a whole genre while not even fully being the genre itself. A masterclass of an album.
This is a classic politically charged rock album. It is like heartland rock without the americana. Haters will hate, detractors will detract by pointing out things that have no connection to the music. Who cares? It's a great rock album from start to finish.
Solid album. What stood out to me the most was the bass performance. Wow. And great distinction in all areas. 4.0/5.0
Me gustó más de lo que esperaba Nota: 3.2
incredible album. just learnt that joe strummer was born in ankara.
Superb album - not listened to the whole album before - can see its influence on two tone, libertines to name but two
Love the album, fusion between rock and raggae is soooo good
Not for me
For their third album, the Clash released an incredibly breezy double album that goes by quicker than a lot of single disc albums. Granted that may be because it is still shorter than a lot of bloated single CD albums, but that doesn't change the fact that there is very little in the way of filler on this and the band tackles a wide variety of genres. There is reggae, rockabilly and ska found on here. They may not be the most technically impressive players of those styles, but I'm won over by the band's sheer ambition and the love they show for the genres that they're playing. I wouldn't say that every song on here is as equally as strong as each other, but there isn't a single miss. The title track shunning Beatleamania opens the album and sets the stage, while the anthemic "Death Or Glory" is my all time favourite Clash track. Unlike most punk bands, they bring out a piano for "The Card Cheat" and it is yet another high point. I'm struggling to name a double record that I like more than this.
I thoroughly enjoy this album. It was exactly what I think of as what punk music should be, particularly as someone who doesn’t consider themselves a punk fan. 4.5⭐️ (not sure if I will give it a 5 when I rate)
5/5
Love this album. Listened for first time back in my 20s after visiting Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum
I've never really gotten into London Calling. After listening again. I'm still not that into it.
It had 3 good and memorable songs. The rest of it is kind of blur of same sounding songs. Not really my cup of tea.
- I love the ska influence and the horns. - Got a bit muddled there, and the song started sounding a bit samey. - Overall, a good record.
Banger🔥
London Calling, eh? This album is widely considered one of the greatest punk records of all time. Surely, it opens with one of the greatest punk songs of all time in the title track. Afterward, it experiments with rockabilly and ska while maintaining a recognizably Clash sound. Lyrics are appropriate for the genre but nothing terribly special. The Clash are excellent songwriters, managing to write catchy songs while experimenting with genre in an incredibly fluid way. This is definitely one of the classic albums of punk and of rock in general. This album is ranked #2 of 28 for 1979. Other 1979 albums rated by me: The Wall(1/28)-5 Highway to Hell(4/28)-5 Rust Never Sleeps(5/28)-4 We Are Family(7/28)-4 Reggatta de Blanc(10/28)-3 Pretenders(11/28)-4 Risque(14/28)-4 The Undertones(16/28)-3
Second album proposé après 'The Clash' que je n'avais pas trop apprécié (noté 2/5, trop de morceaux peu dynamiques donc ennuyeux). Même constat pour cet album : quelques morceaux punks dynamiques intéressants noyés parmi une majorité de morceaux ennuyeux (ska, voire reggae). Il ne mérite pas une meilleure note. =>2/5
Honestly it’s just a great album that despite all the songs and its length doesn’t feel like it takes forever to get through because of the quality.
Ok album, knew first and last song but will not listen again (thanks)
I always have loved the call out to Elvis Presley's debut with RCA album.
Venía esperando el momento en el que por fin me saldría este álbum, ya que tenía muchas ganas de escucharlo sin querer hacerlo antes de que me toque en la lista, y ahora que sucedió, puedo decir que no quedé decepcionada. Es una genialidad de inicio a fin. Tiene un sonido más alegre del que esperaba para un álbum punk, pero diría que es esa mezcla con tantos géneros divertidos que uno no necesariamente relacionaría con letras políticamente cargadas lo que lo hace aún más punk. ↑: London Calling, Brand New Cadillac, Jimmy Jazz, Rudie Can’t Fail, Spanish Bombs, The Right Profile, Clampdown, The Guns of Brixton, Death or Glory, The Card Cheat, Train in Vain (Stand By Me) ↓: –
Essential. Monumental.
A track list of 19 songs usually makes me grown because usually that means there are a bunch of tracks to cut through that just don’t need to be on the album. Astonishingly, this is not the case here. The Clash deliver 19 songs full of life and energy. They never slow down and they never fall into a monotonous slop. Here we have 19 songs that are clearly punk, but more polished - i.e. they definitely know their ways around their instruments and probably established early on that they would love for their songs to have some structure. And the production on this is immaculate. You can hear every single instrument cleary, everything is done purposefully and the production really brings out the best of every single performance. It’s full of energy and life without overdoing it. They display their influences clearly on here, the reggae elements for example are very prominent on some songs but never over the top. It just shows how much of an influence reggae had on (british) punk. I even enjoy the ska-songs. Which says a lot about how good these songs are. Overall this is just a lovely album and a rush to listen to from top to bottom. And the title track hits you like a brick every single time.
Incredible album - having just moved to London, it was great to hear a real tribute to London for all its glitz, gore and glory. When listening to it, I couldn’t help hear others artists throughout - Spanish bomba felt like the predecessor to so many British indie bands or the huns of Brixton seemed an echo to the fontaines. It’s clear what an influence this had. Anywhere keeping short and sweet as took me far too long to get through but fave tracks of the moment Jimmy Jazz Lost in the supermarket Lovers rock Wrong em Boyo Revolution rock Train in vain The right profile Death or glory Need to come back and edit this later
good album. Not what I expected and seems like an album that was floating around back in the day, but I can’t say really listen to it before. Not a bunch of straight hearted punk songs, but a lot of variety and interesting melodies. Enjoyed seeing the clash in concert with the who back in the day, this was a good one.
I first heard this album almost 26 years ago because it was on a list of best albums. I went out and bought it because I wanted to broaden my music listening library. I enjoyed most of it thinking it was going to be punk but it wasn’t. It was punk, pop, rockabilly, country ska reggae and any other genre they chose. It’s a good album but it’s bloated. It’s an important album but I don’t think it has the importance that it once had. You can say that it’s a great album but it’s still an album that’s all over the place when it comes to focus and it would continue with Sandinista. I think punk is an attitude and sure they had it but they grew bored of the genre and chose to make songs they felt like making and it showed on this album. It’s good but not great. Trim some fat and it would be amazing
Meh
Fucking amazing in parts, very long, probably a few songs they could have cut to improve the flow and length of the album.
This seems so mild compared to other music these days. I really enjoyed it.