The Clash

THE CLASH Released Their Punktastic Debut LP 45 Years Ago Today

Posted on by JL

Back in time

8 April 2022

THE CLASH translated their social commitment and political discontent into a razor-sharp and outstanding debut album. A historic LP and probably one of the most important punk albums ever. A new generation raised its voice. Loud, clear, fast, innovative and straight in the face of the narcissistic, right-wing establishment.

After forty-five years (8 April 1977) this ‘no fillers, all killers‘ knockout record still sounds furious and roars mighty and still is highly inspiring for many young, committed bands who try and hope to make a difference. The restless heart and honest soul of the only band that mattered will never vanish

AllMusic wrote: “Never Mind the Bollocks may have appeared revolutionary, but the Clash’s eponymous debut album was pure, unadulterated rage and fury, fueled by passion for both rock & roll and revolution. Though the cliché about punk rock was that the bands couldn’t play, the key to the Clash is that although they gave that illusion, they really could play — hard. The charging, relentless rhythms, primitive three-chord rockers, and the poor sound quality give the album a nervy, vital energy. Joe Strummer’s slurred wails perfectly compliment the edgy rock, while Mick Jones’ clearer singing and charged guitar breaks make his numbers righteously anthemic.” Full review here. Score: 5/5.

Three stormy highlights…

WHITE RIOT

I’M SO BORED WITH THE U.S.A.

JANIE JONES

The classic in full…

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THE CLASH: Biography – Discography

CLASSSH

THE CLASH Released Debut Single ‘WHITE RIOT’ 45 Years Ago Today

Posted on by JL

Top singles from the past

18 March 2022

Today 45 years ago, on 18 March 1977, legendary gang THE CLASH released their
barbed debut single WHITE RIOT. A furious and timeless punk anthem. This dynamite outburst was inspired by riots in August 1976 in London’s Notting Hill Gate area involving Jamaican residents and the police after continuous tensions due to racist policing. Joe Strummer and Paul Simonon were present that day and participated in the fights, sympathizing with the black locals’ cause.

With ‘White Riot‘ the late, great Strummer wanted to encourage also white people who
felt abused and oppressed by the government to come out and protest. ‘White Riot‘ only reached #38 at the time it came out but got his classic status over the following years.
B-side: 1977. Time to, scream out loud, folks…

White riot – I want to riot
White riot – a riot of my own
White riot – I want to riot
White riot – a riot of my own

THE CLASH: Facebook

TOYAH & ROBERT FRIPP – Should They Stay Or Should They Go?

Posted on by JL

TOYAH and spouse ROBERT FRIPP (King Crimson)
had another wacky Sunday Lunch Cover Session.

This time they go for a big The Clash hit.

Toyah announced their cover as follows: “They are back for
another edition of Sunday Lunch. It’s always tease, tease, tease,
you’re happy when I’m on my knees…. I don’t think we need to
say anything else.”

So, people, what do you think,
should Toyah and Robert stay or go?

The original…

TOYAH: Facebook

‘ON RESISTANCE STREET’ – Documentary Featuring THE CLASH About The Cultural Wars In Great-Britain Then And Now

Posted on by JL

19 December 2021

ON RESISTANCE STREET is a 90-minute documentary, in production now.

It is a powerful, no-holds-barred portrait of the contemporary cultural zeitgeist,
featuring contributions from many renowned artists musicians, writers, filmmakers
and activists. The release is planned for Summer 2022.

It examines the socio-political legacy and impact of The Clash and other artists, upon
a whole generation of young people in the late 1970s and how all that manifested into
a collective stance against racism and prejudice.

In reflecting on the societal stances of such artists, it then establishes how right-wing politicians and commentators have now attempted to blatantly appropriate The Clash
and other radical artists, for their own political ends.

The film features vintage footage, original photography shot on location in Britain,
Ireland and America and innovative dramatised scenes, portraying key moments in
the storyline. An original soundtrack of contemporary protest songs by affiliated
bands and artists will also be released as a CD-DVD album.

Here’s the high-voltage trailer…

THE CLASH: Website

HAPPY 66 To PAUL SIMONON

Posted on by JL

15 December 2021

Paul Gustave Simonon was born 66 years ago,
on 15 December 1955. Happy B. to the cool-as-hell
bass casanova of the last band in town The Clash.

To celebrate here’s the first song Simonon, who grew
up in Brixton, wrote for the band. His pumping reggae
bass money-maker Guns Of Brixton, from the classic
double Clash LP ‘London Calling‘.

When they kick at your front door
How you gonna come?
With your hands on your head
Or on the trigger of your gun

When the law break in
How you gonna go?
Shot down on the pavement
Or waiting on death row

You can crush us
You can bruise us
But you’ll have to answer to
Oh, the guns of Brixton

Paul Simonon when asked why he wanted to write songs for The Clash too…