Although the Sex Pistols were the first major punk rock band the clash was surely the greatest. This band has shown me that punk can be good not just annoying noise. The clash has produced many magnificent albums in the past such as their self titled, London Calling and Combat Rock. There is no doubt that they have made some truly memorable songs. The clash is not only a great punk band but they are possibly the greatest.
As far as the album goes it is obvious that they have made too much great music to release anything less than 2 disks for an essential album. There is no doubt some of these songs you have heard such as Should I Stay or Should I Go or Police on my Back. There is no doubt that those songs are good but for the most part the greater songs of the clash are the ones not as many not Clash fans have heard such as Complete Control or The Guns of Brixton.
There are some songs that do not belong on this collection in my opinion. Some of these songs like The Street Parade or the Magnificent Seven are just kind of fillers in this already 41 track album. For the most part the Clash has released great albums with great songs on them but like all bands not every song they have ever released has been good. The Clash is such a good band though that it does not matter that not all of their songs are great.
Some songs that aren't on here that I believe should like Brand New Cadillac. I guess that goes the same for any collection of greatest hits though and everyone’s opinions differ on what should and shouldn’t be on a greatest hits or essential album. None the Less the Clash delivers an easier but not wimpy version of punk music. The Clash basically took a style of music that wasn't enjoyed by everyone and turned it into something great.
Bands like the Sex Pistols who had singers like Johnny Rotten with that annoying voice are all outdone by Joe Strummer who delivered a great punk voice that wouldn’t drive you nuts. As far as this collection goes it has its share of great classics, some songs such as London Calling just give out a great sound all together and make you want to hear them over and over again.
Another great song on this album I Fought the Law was not written by the clash but they made it their own song. I cannot see why other bands such as Green Day have tried to do this song themselves; they basically took the clashes version and made it their annoying pop punk version. Once a band has made a song they did not write their own I do not think another band should try and cover their version of it.
Instrumentally the Clash is very good too all of the band members contribute to the great sound. For a Punk Band the clash has a lot of musical talent as well where as some bands just are playing 4 power chords a song. I would have to say instrumentally The Drumming is best in this band. As far as bass goes there are some songs with great bass like London Calling.
In a nutshell the clash is a great band who delivers a punk rock sound that is good to listen too and not annoying. There is no denying thought that buying this collection will not give you the entire Clash experience. If you want to buy music by the Clash buy their studio albums to get it all and not miss some of their Great songs. This Collection still undoubtedly has some great classics on it and does cover allot of the clashes career.
Pros.
Has many great classics on it
Shows allot of the Clashes sound
A decent punk band all together
Joe Strummer and the rest of the band
Cons.
Have some filler songs on it
Some songs need to be on here
Kind of long can be boring at times
Recommended Tracks
White Riot
London’s burning
Complete Control
Clash City Rockers
I'm so bored with the USA
I fought the Law
London Calling
Clampdown
Police on my Back
Ivan meets JI Joe
Train in Vain
Rock the Kasbah
Straight to Hell
Should I stay or should I Go
