Disco de The Clash: “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.

I loved this CD. I bought it for songs like Rock the Casbah, Should I Stay or Should I Go, Train in Vain, and London Calling; but I have enjoyed the other songs on this CD like This Is Radio Clash. For anyone who likes the Clash, this is a must have CD.

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.

This is an excellent CD of Clash Classics at their best. This is probably one of the "Greatest" compilation CD's ever. You get all their best songs, all on one CD. The Clash has been called the best "Punk Rock" band ever. They are inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, in Cleveland, Ohio. Plus, the last time I was at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, there was an excellent exhibit of the Clash, there.

You get the various line-ups of:

Joe Strummer (the late/great leadman of the Clash) - Lead Vocals & Guitar

Mick Jones - Guitar & Vocals

Paul Simonon - Bass

Tory Crimes (Terry Chimes) - Original Drummer

Topper Headon - Drummer

There were some personnel changes through the years, but their music style, & songs retained the same sounds, and themes. They were a very, very entergetic, & very "aggressive" band, and were known for "Power-Punk" Songs, and "Songs With an Attitude". The "classic" songs on this CD, represent these descriptions. These songs represent the Clash at their best!!!!

The songs are as follows:

1.London Calling

2.Rock the Casbah

3.Should I stay or Should I go

4.I Fought the Law

5.(White Man) in Hammersmith Palais

6.The Magnificent Seven

7.Bankrobber

8.The Call up

9.Complete Control

10.White Roit

11.Remote Control

12.Tommy Gun

13.Clash City Rockers

14.English Civil War (Johnny Comes Marching Home)

15.Hitsville, UK

16.Know Your Rights

17.This is England

18.This is Radio Clash

Bonus Tracks:

19.Train in Vain (Stand by Me)

20.Groovy Times

Overall, this is an excellent cd, and a "must-have" for any "punk-rock", or any "Clash" fan, or any "rock" fan. This is truly an excellent compilation CD at its best. Thanks!!!!