The Clash’s debut self titled is easily the band at their most punk. What sets the clash apart from every other punk group at the time was how clever they were with their song arrangement. You can clearly see the bones of the pop-centric masterpiece of a follow up album being ‘London Calling’ with the use of vocal harmonies, catchy choruses and zany creative lyrics. Also it’s impossible to listen to this album without being taken aback by how British the band is. Like a band like ‘the Kinks’ and not a band like ‘the Beatles’ their Englishness proceeds every word they say and I always appreciate a band wearing their nationality on their sleeve, even if they have a thing or two to say about their own country or government. The balance between an all out punk thrashing and a sing along pop album makes it infinitely entertaining. Top tracks: Janie Jones, I’m So Bored With the USA, White Riot, Hate and War, Cheat, Protex Blue