DESCRIPTION The Essential Clash demonstrates once again how superior the Clash were to any of their punk peers. It's striking that, while the effects of the movement continue to resonate decades later, most '70s punk has dated badly. Even the great singles of the Sex Pistols, perhaps because they encapsulated the time so perfectly, do little more than remind one of 1977. But this fine 40-track double-disc collection demonstrates that the Clash's sound maintains its vitality, whether in the apocalyptic foreboding of "London Calling" or the sulking "I'm So Bored with the USA." When frontman Joe Strummer died in December 2002 at age 50, much was made of the political conscience he'd brandished throughout his career; it must be noted that appearing to be a great thinker in comparison to other rock singers is no great accomplishment. Appearing a great rock singer in comparison to other vocalists is a much more impressive achievement, and this retrospective provides irrefutable evidence of the genius of Strummer and the band he led. - Andrew Mueller Disc 1
White Riot (single Version)
London's Burning
Complete Control
Clash City Rockers
I'm So Bored With The U.s.a.
Career Opportunities
Hate & War
Cheat
Police & Thieves
Janie Jones
Garageland
Capital Radio One
White Man In Hammersmith Palais
English Civil War
Tommy Gun
Safe European Home
Julie's Been Working For The Drug Squad
Stay Free
Groovy Times
I Fought The Law
Disc 2
London Calling
The Guns Of Brixton
Clampdown
Rudie Can't Fail
Lost In The Supermarket
Jimmy Jazz
Train In Vain
Bank Robber
The Magnificent Seven
Ivan Meets G.i. Joe
Police On My Back
Stop The World
Somebody Got Murdered
The Street Parade
This Is Radio Clash
Ghetto Defendant
Rock The Casbah
Straight To Hell
Should I Stay Or Should I Go
This Is England

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