The Clash – The Collection March 28, 2008

Continuing my journey exploring Joe Strummer’s music, I went looking for The Clash albums. I was actually looking for some kind of best of, collection of singles. There’s quite a few out there, but reading reviews from fans, every single one seemed to be missing some major piece of their work. I therefore reverted to looking into original studio albums, and found a set of 3 CDs that actually capture most of The Clash’s work and got approval from a number of fans, and for less than $20!

The Clash (U.S. Version)

Rating:

The first album of The Clash is the best one in my opinion. Very few albums capture so much energy: it’s a collection of short, enraged songs ((White Man) In Hammersmith Palais and Police & Thieves being somewhat an exception).

Listen to: I’m So Bored With The U.S.A.

Listen to: White Riot

London Calling

Rating:

London Calling was released two years after The Clash and has a slightly different style, with softer music and more reggae, with slower and longer songs, though the lyrics remain very engaged.

Listen to: London Calling

Listen to: Hateful

Combat Rock

Rating:

Combat Rock has a mix of songs that feel very punk, and others that feel much lighter, such as Inoculated City or Death Is A Star – though again, this really applies to the music than the lyrics. Interestingly, it contains the only song from The Clash that surfaced in France’s popular culture: Should I Stay Or Should I Go.

I like it less than The Clash and London Calling, but it does contain some excellent tracks:

Listen to: Know Your Rights

Listen to: Rock The Casbah

Overall, these albums (especially the first two ones) feel like a necessary addition to any rock collection.

Click here to buy The Collection: The Clash/London Calling/Combat Rock by The Clash.