The Clash Album: “The Singles”

I hadn't planned on reviewing this CD until I saw all of the negative reviews here. I agree with many of the points, but wanted to add my humble opinion. If you're a big fan of the Clash (as I am), then you have all of these songs already. Likewise, fans of the Clash probably don't even like the concept of a 'greatest hits' CD...why bother when they released such great albums??!!!

However, even though the Clash are 'the only band that matter' to their fans, there are many music fans (some with good taste!) who likely are not hard-core Clash collectors. For people who want a taste of The Clash and their punk, this CD is pretty good. It covers their biggest US hits (Train in Vain, Rock the Casbah, Should I Stay?) and their biggest UK hits (London Calling, Bankrobber, & Tommy Gun - all hit the UK Top 20). Part of the appeal of the Clash is that they kept trying to expand themselves, which can clearly be seen in this CD.

With the sad and recent passing of Joe Strummer, fans of the Clash should do all they can to make sure that their music can reach as many people as possible...that's the purpose of a 'greatest hits' CD. In those terms, I think that this CD suceeds, and it will appeal to casual fans.

Of course, with their upcoming induction into the R&R Hall of Fame, many people will like be paying attention to the Clash's back catalogue. If you're curious, start with their 1977 debut or "London Calling," both are pretty brilliant.

Well I just love The Clash to death, but I have to be honest: there is absolutely no reason for The Singles to exist. It's a compilation, and an honest one (in that it is exactly what it purports to be: a collection of the A-sides of Clash singles and nothing more, nothing less), but a meaningless one.

Because, quite simply, the WORST way to get acquainted with The Clash is through their singles. This is not to say that their singles were bad (though some, like "Remote Control" and "Hitsville U.K." are pretty darn weak); in fact, some of their most memorable songs, like "White Riot," "(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais," "London Calling," and "Train In Vain" were singles. But SO much of their best work is NOT here, simply because it didn't make it out on the topside of a 45. To the extent that a large preponderance of their finest music didn't come out on singles The Clash were an ALBUM act, unlike say the early Who. So what this CD gives you is a wholly unsatisfying and incomplete view of the greatness of this band.

As an alternative I'd recommend one of two options: if you (like me) dislike compilations as a rule, go buy their debut and London Calling, both of which are considered absolute classics, and if you like what you see, explore further. If you're a casual fan, go get The Story Of The Clash, which in its remastered form shouldn't be that much more expensive than this disc; it's also a bit incomplete (and sequenced oddly) but it provides a much more well-rounded view of The Clash.

Some have ripped this c.d. Not all people are Clash maniacs like some of the reviewers. Don't get me wrong, the Clash was one of the most important, vital bands ever. I am a big fan of their music. For those of you who are not big fans and are curious, this disc will improve your music collection greatly. This is an excellent greatest hits c.d. Avoid the "Essential Clash". It was released to capitalize on The Clash's induction into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. If you are the casual Clasher, this is the c.d. for you.

'Singles' obviously couldn't be the definitive collection. It disregards album tracks and b-sides from the mix. However, because it limits itself to just collecting a-sides, it works much better than their other compilations. There is no judgment of The Clash's "best" songs, meaning song choice can't really be faulted. Of course, the songs on here represent many of The Clash's best. This collection also documents the band's musical changes well: from righteous punk anger to eclecticism to pop. You say so what? Well, it includes the 7" version of "Bankrobber", without the dub, as well as "This Is Radio Clash", both unavailable elsewhere. In truth, if you want a good introduction to the band, this is it. For once, this is a Clash compilation that works.

As far as The Clash is concerned this no-way a Definitive Collection and is quite disjointed in terms of continuity. Sure, it has the wellknown Punky tracks that brought fame to the Rock Foursome of Strummer/Jones/Simonon/Headon. Tracks such as White Riot, Tommy Gun, I Fought the Law, London Calling and Rock the Casbah are all on this album, however so are some forgetable B-side tracks with their 80 pop-esque feel that I am sure the band would rather not remember.

It is a rather pointless album - and should certainly not be thought of as a "Best of Album". If you are new to the music of the Clash, and wish to buy a compilation album: "From Here to Eternity" is a great "live" album and "The Story of the Clash (Vol 1)" is however probably your best bet. However if you concider yourself a diehard Clash "Punk" then you probably have most of their albums - which have these tracks, anyway - so this compilation isn't for you either.

Conclusion: A pointless collection, despite a few good tracks.