Clash, The | Essential | CD 326

The Clash, comprised of Joe Strummer, Mick Jones (vocals, guitar), Paul Simonon (vocals, bass), and drummers Nicky "Topper" Headon, Tory Crimes, and Pete Howard, collaborated with producers like Mickey Foote, Sandy Pearlman, Guy Stevens, and Jose Unidos. Bruce Dickinson served as the compilation producer for "The Essential Clash," released posthumously after Strummer's passing in December 2002. Spanning recordings from 1977 to 1985, this collection is hailed as a definitive anthology, capturing the band's evolution. Disc one features early UK punk hits like "White Riot" and "I'm So Bored with the U.S.A." as well as their exploration of reggae and American music with tracks like "White Man in Hammersmith Palais" and "I Fought the Law." Disc two showcases their peak with songs from albums like "London Calling" and "Sandinista," displaying a rich lyrical and stylistic range. Notably, the compilation includes tracks from the experimental "Sandinista" and rarities like "Bankrobber" and "Capital Radio One" from "Black Market Clash," elevating it beyond a mere greatest-hits collection.

TRACKLIST

DISC 1

1. White Riot (Single Version)
2. 1977
3. London's Burning
   
4. Complete Control
5. Clash City Rockers
   
6. I'm So Bored With the U.S.A
7. Career Opportunities
8. Hate & War
   
9. Cheat
10. Police and Thieves
    
11. Janie Jones
12. Garageland
13. Capital One Radio
    
14. (White Man) in Hammersmith Palais
15. English Civil War
    
16. Tommy Gun
    
17. Safe European Home
    
18. Julie's Been Working for the Drug Squad
    
19. Stay Free
20. Groovy Times
21. I Fought the Law

DISC 2

1. London Calling
2. The Guns of Brixton
   
3. Clampdown
4. Rudie Can't Fall
   
5. Lost in the Supermarket
   
6. Jimmy Jazz
7. Train in Vain
   
8. Bankrobber
9. The Magnificent Seven
   
10. Ivan Meets G.I. Joe
    
11. Stop the World
    
12. Somebody Got Murdered
    
13. The Street Parade
    
14. Broadway
15. This Is Radio Clash
    
16. Ghetto Defendant
17. Rock the Casbah
    
18. Straight to Hell
    
19. Should I Stay Or Should I Go
    
20. This Is England