London Calling

by The Clash

Overview

Give 'Em Enough Rope, for all of its many attributes, was essentially a holding pattern for the Clash, but the double-album London Calling is a remarkable leap forward, incorporating the punk aesthetic into rock & roll mythology and roots music. Before, the Clash had experimented with reggae, but that was no preparation for the dizzying array of styles on London Calling. There's punk and reggae, but there's also rockabilly, ska, New Orleans R&B, pop, lounge jazz, and hard rock; and while the record isn't tied together by a specific theme, its eclecticism and anthemic punk function as a rallying call. While many of the songs -- particularly "London Calling," "Spanish Bombs," and "The Guns of Brixton" -- are explicitly political, by acknowledging no boundaries the music itself is political and revolutionary. But it is also invigorating, rocking harder and with more purpose than most albums, let alone double albums. Over the course of the record, Joe Strummer and Mick Jones (and Paul Simonon, who wrote "The Guns of Brixton") explore their familiar themes of working-class rebellion and antiestablishment rants, but they also tie them in to old rock & roll traditions and myths, whether it's rockabilly greasers or "Stagger Lee," as well as mavericks like doomed actor Montgomery Clift. The result is a stunning statement of purpose and one of the greatest rock & roll albums ever recorded. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	01/25/2000
Label:	Legacy / Epic
UPC:	0074646388525
Rank:	1435

Tracks

1. London Calling
2. Brand New Cadillac
3. Jimmy Jazz
4. Hateful
5. Rudie Can't Fail
6. Spanish Bombs
7. The Right Profile
8. Lost in the Supermarket
9. Clampdown
10. The Guns of Brixton
11. Wrong 'Em Boyo
12. Death or Glory
13. Koka Kola
14. The Card Cheat
15. Lover's Rock
16. Four Horsemen
17. I'm Not Down
18. Revolution Rock
19. Train in Vain

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Clash   Primary Artist
Paul Simonon   Vocals,Lead Vocals,Vocals (Background),Bass
Topper Headon   Drums,Percussion,Drums (Snare)
Joe Strummer   Guitar,Vocals,Lead Vocals,Guitar (Rhythm)
Irish Horns   Brass
Mick Gallagher   Organ
Varren Steadman   Voices
Mick Jones   Piano,Guitar,Vocals,Lead Guitar,Lead Vocals

Technical Credits

Paul Simonon   Composer,Group Member
Sonny Okosun   Composer
Bob Dylan   Composer
The Clash   Composer
Bill Price   Engineer,Remastering Supervisor
Topper Headon   Composer,Group Member
Clive Alphonso   Composer
Joe Strummer   Composer,Group Member
Vince Taylor   Composer
Guy Stevens   Producer
Ray Staff   Remastering
Jackie Edwards   Composer
Danny Ray   Composer
J. Edwards   Composer
Pennie Smith   Photography
Rob Lowry   Cover Design
Varren Steadman   Lighting
Mick Jones   Composer,Producer
Ray Lowry   Design
Baker Glare   Pre-Production
Robert Whitney   Remastering
Jerry Green   Engineer,Second Engineer