London Calling

Cassette Kids Uprising Reviews

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jason-cobb

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.

5

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boombox-generation

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.

5