4. The Clash :: London Calling

The Clash were styled as "the only band that matter" during their heyday, and who could argue with such after a listen to the 1979 double album London Calling. The iconic album art harks back to Elvis Presley first album, which some refer to as the first “rock” record. In imitation, The Clash say, “well, here is the last!”, with a bass guitar being smashed into the stage at one of thier shows (and that is a really good story too!). The album plays as a cohesive and has highlight after highlight. Opening with the amazing “London Calling”, Strummer let’s us know what he would sound like if he was a bird, and sets the tone for the entire album with stuttering guitars and earnest vocals…until the next song! There we are brought back to the 50s with some roots rock goodness in the form of “Brand New Cadillac”. And it continues from there. Other styles covered include blues, funk, ska, jazz, Latin, lounge, R&B, etc. Basically, the Clash incorporate all their influences and still end up sounding better than anyone else. My favorite Clash song, "The Guns Of Brixton", is a fine example of how diverse the band was while still being, for lack of a better term, punk. Paul Simenon's memorable bass line and spoken-word vocals inspire visions of a dangerous state controlled future by way of a reggae beat. And in a final hidden track, The Clash give the 80s one of their most important rock radio hits with “Train in Vain”. Could an album ever come out that combines so much sound but hold together so well, even 25 years after it’s release? I can’t think of another.