Classic Albums: The Clash - London Calling

Author: Shola Aleje

I believe that for every artist, there is one album that truly defines their sound. For U2 it was "The Joshua Tree", for the Red Hot Chili Peppers it was "BloodSugarSexMagik" and for The Clash it was "London Calling". For those of you who aren't familiar with The Clash, they are truly the soundtracks of the 70s and early 80s.

"London Calling" is undoubtedly the key element in my collection with the ability to fuse Rock, Punk and Reggae this is truly a brilliant album. Gun's of Brixton is a rare edgy rock fused song and is a direct response of the Notting Hill riots, which happened, in the late 70s.

Songs such as "Train in Vain" (a funk-rocking track which was originally not supposed to be on the album) and "Lovers Rock" (a beautiful soulful track with a real reggae vibe) clearly states why The Clash have earned themselves in musics Hall of Fame.

Joe Strummers voice goes right through me when I heard the song "Jimmy Jazz", a unusual non manufactured voice proves that this song truly comes from the heart. Luckily The Clash have released a 25th Anniversary London Calling edition which features a rare DVD of the clash recording the album at Wessex studios.

Further Listening: "Combat Rock" not as good as "London Calling" but great songs such as "Rock The Casbah" (a track which Mick Jones quoted as the only Clash song you can really dance to) and pop classic "Should I Stay Or Should I Go".