In the second half of the '70s, many newly blossomed punk bands deluded themselves into thinking they could change the world.
But few of them can proudly say they succeeded!
The Ramones first of all, then the Pistols, the Damned, and then also and especially the Clash.
December 1979 – London is burning! Four young rebels, Joe Strummer (vocals and guitar), Mick Jones (guitar and vocals), Paul Simonon (bass), and Topper Headon (drums) set the world ablaze with an album that is not easily forgotten.
In "London Calling," the crucial spirit of punk (anger, chaos, and revolution) is embodied, but also a lot of experimentation (the influence of other sounds like reggae, ska is already evident).
Where many bands, although they tried, have fallen, the Clash managed to "jump," gifting us a double album, that despite its 19 songs and 66 minutes, never presents any "filler" songs and takes us on this fundamental journey, decidedly a pleasurable discovery and listen.
Every single song on this album is a little gem in its own right, worthy of being on the album and different from the others in style and rhythm.
It starts with London Calling, a powerful track that continues what the Clash began with their first self-titled album, to the last song, "Train In Vain," a delightful hidden track, with a '60s vibe, traversing "political" ballads like "Guns Of Brixton," reggae fusions, Elvis influences "Brand New Cadillac" and even a very swing song "Jimmy Jazz."
It doesn't matter who was the pioneer of a movement, there's always someone within it who stands out more than the others and becomes the symbol, the icon of not just one generation, but also of future ones. The Clash certainly are one of those.
At the time, it was a cutting-edge album; and it remains a very current album today.
Rock n’ Roll passes through London Calling. And comes out transformed.
"Few albums in the history of rock can be defined as 'masterpieces' without fear of being considered exaggerations: 'London Calling' fully belongs in this category."
‘‘London Calling' is a formidable work from the first to the last note, characterized by a variety of styles and musical genres that form a perfect alchemy.’’
"If you ever get the chance to listen to 'London Calling,' remember that you are about to listen to a work that will hardly have a successor."
"Those who found this album will be very fortunate, not bad for an album that when released made fans call the Clash 'traitors' for abandoning classic Punk."
"London Calling is no longer a punk album, the Clash want to prove they can play EVERY TYPE of music."
"Yeah, it’s really punk, this record!"
Since my wife left me, I don’t sleep. At first, I didn’t sleep because of my constant grins in the night, deep night. Now, I don’t sleep because I see... Red.
Sorry but I can’t listen to this record just because of the cover!!!!!!!!!!!!!!