The Clash

The Clash were to Sex Pistols what the Dead Kennedy's were to the Ramones. What starts out a comic book parody of music (Ramones), along with legitimate pissed off working class attitude (thank you Reaganomics and Thatcher for the Pistols, DK's, GOF & Minor Threat) the mid-seventies was the birth of Punk. Some bands could play, some write but most were one-off's that never grew out of their original three chord musical abilities.
The Clash were different. The first album (two if you count the American version of 'the Clash') was pure punk in attitude, minimalism, chutzpah. Over-produced 'Give Em Enough Rope' was basically part two. Then...up against the wall financially...in a last gasp to make a living doing this music thing they love, the Clash come up with 'London Calling' and basically change the way the world looked at punk. Their love of Jamaican music and the ska movement in England set them free to make one of the greatest musical statements of the 20th century. They could have stopped there (and many wish they would have) and assured themselves of pure genius immortality but continued on for five more platters before finally disbanding.
Make no doubt it. At the turn of the 80's the Clash were truly the only band that mattered. Long live Joe Strummer!

From DeusExMackia TOP 100 COMMENTER 07/04/2017 12:48 | #193650

Punk rock and other genres blended into something with enough attitude to make you want to shout along to it and enough class to be one of the most respectable, tasteful and significant bands the UK has ever produced. The ultimate mix of politics, social problems and superb musicianship.

An undeniable sound, fueled by the unstoppable capability of Mick Jones and Joe Strummer to produce tight, furious rhythms and glorious, noisy guitar riffs, that proves that simple music can be way more powerful than even the most complex of compositions. The Clash, like many other punk bands, were loud and raucous, but they did it with style and dexterity.

My Dad introduced me to The Clash, and indeed they're probably his favourite band of all time. He's always repeated to me that famous quote that The Clash are "The only band that matters". I don't quite agree, but to suggest that they are anything less than absolutely outstanding is frankly criminal. (Edited)

Simply one of the greatest bands ever. The true kings of punk rock for one simple reason, they could adapt. And they did hwat all bands should do preach about what you do.

From junodog4 TOP 100 COMMENTER 07/17/2012 02:56 | #46677

The best punk band of all time. Not the Sex Pistols, not the Ramones, and for god sakes, not Green Day. The Clash are punk. Plain and simple.

London Calling is so good that it could be a "best of" compilation in itself. Aside from that there are a handful of amazing tunes of their other albums, such as their extremely underrated "Charlie Don't Surf." (Edited)