The Clash always had something to say, and live they really had the aggression – but to me their recordings always fell flat. But I love this record, particularly because they sound pissed without the overly British vocal scowling of the first record (where Joe Strummer seemed to be doing his best impression of John Lydon). It’s always weird to me that this was the record the band hated the most, particularly because of the production. Their label forced them to work with producer Sandy Perlman on this one, who was best known for producing “hard rock” bands of the 70’s like Blue Oyster Cult. They hated it, but to me, the results are the best they laid to tape. While the songwriting progressed on later records, the production to me went south and didn’t capture the live raw sound of the Clash. If I had to recommend one Clash record to anyone, this is it.
dude, even though its cliche london calling is still their best but give em enough rope is up there, at least they didn't try any white guy funk on this one
Posted by: weinerhat | Friday, March 17, 2006 at 05:00 PM
this recording has always been underestimated and stick out to me. It actually my favorite Clash album to buy because i had already heard most of their other stuff and this brought out a whole different sound then the others. Thanks for the great post.
Posted by: Germ | Friday, March 17, 2006 at 06:34 PM
It was just after this record was released that the Clash played their first North American show in Vanfuckingcouver. Aggression? They may as well have been swinging hockey sticks at the crowd. I thought the record sounded great but I loved the BOC and Dictators records too.
The Last Gang song is a motherfucking keeper for the ages.
Posted by: Mr. Beer N. Hockey | Friday, March 17, 2006 at 09:05 PM
great call izzman. i never understood why all the crusty punks would talk shit on this album. yeah the dude might have produced BOC but he always did the fucking dicators too. they're fucking punk. good record.
Posted by: exileonmainst | Monday, March 20, 2006 at 02:26 PM
great record, but def not their best. self titled and london calling are far better albums.
the album thats really difficult to listen to is sandinista, there so-called masterpiece, i really love them, but i could never get through the whole double album without skipping a track, someone really outta do a best of sandinista, as uncool as that may sound.
Posted by: dave | Wednesday, March 29, 2006 at 10:05 PM
most people i talk to say either the lcash or london calling was thier best, but i really do like about half of sandinista alot, so i ripped the cd on my comp and made my own best of mix, but i dont think the clash released a bad album till cut the crap.
Posted by: The Germ | Wednesday, April 05, 2006 at 04:56 AM
This record is the blueprint for Green Day's entire career. I knew it as soon as I heard Safe European Home.
London Calling and self-titled are still their best records, though.
Cut The Crap isn't a Clash album.
Posted by: Gregg Mather | Thursday, May 18, 2006 at 04:57 AM