Follow the musical journey of The Clash, one of the most famous punk rock bands in history, from edgy punk rockers to outright music legends.
At first deemed too punk for mainstream America's radio listeners, The Clash broke the mold, and became one of music's most influential bands in history. Here's a look at the band's original albums, compilations and live concert recordings.
Discography of The Clash
- The Clash - This raw, edgy self-titled debut album released in 1977 by Sony Music (UK) Ltd. is really what punk rock is all about. The Clash's first album was purely revolutionary, and hit the music scene like a ton of bricks. Featuring the songs I Fought the Law and London's Burning, this album seized immediate reverence from it's listeners and enlivened the music scene, leading to a movement that swept punk rock right into the eighties.
- Give 'Em Enough Rope - The Clash's second album, released in 1978 by Sony Music (UK) Ltd. was the most rock oriented of all their albums. Produced with the help of Sandy Perlman, best known for his work with Blue Oyster Cult, Give 'Em Enough Rope echoed Perlman's rock influence, while still remaining very punk. Both Tommy Gun and Safe European Home are featured songs on this album.
- London Calling - In 1979, The Clash released their third album through SME Subsidiary BV. This album is an exemplary classic, and is one of The Clash's most significant works. It includes some of the most influential recordings ever made. London Calling, Rudie Can't Fail, Train in Vain, and Lost in the Supermarket are all on this album.
- Sandinista - The Clash's fourth album was released in 1980 by Sony BMG (UK) Ltd., and is quite a mixed bag, featuring a little bit of everything from punk to reggae, rap, and even gospel. Songs include The Magnificent Seven, Police on My Back and Charlie Don't Surf.
- Combat Rock - On this fifth album, The Clash stepped away from the experimentations of melding and mixing genres, to give fans a bit more straight rock and roll. This is the most commercial of all The Clash's albums, with both Rock the Casbah and Should I Stay or Should I Go being major hits. With this album, released by Sony (UK) Ltd. in 1982, the band acquired the recognition of a much wider audience.
- Cut The Crap - This sixth and final album released in 1985 by Sony (UK) Ltd., is mediocre at best. Three of the original members, Mick Jones, Topper Headon and Terry Chimes were not a part of this last album. It was more like a Joe Strummer solo album. Strummer actually disowned this album later on.
Compilations
- The Story of the Clash, Vol. 1 - Released in 1988 by Sony, The Story of the Clash, Vol. 1 contains all The Clash's hits and major songs, and is undoubtedly a great comprehensive album.
- The Singles - This compilation released in 1991 by Sony BMG, is comprised of the band's hit singles, and contains some of their very best work.
- Clash on Broadway - This 3-disc box set released in 1991 by Buzzy Enterprises Lmt., includes B-sides and some of their most influential songs.
- The Collection - This collection released by Sony in 1999 by is a combination of the albums London Calling and Combat Rock.
- The Essential Clash - This compilation released in 2003 by Sony, consists of 40 tracks, and is the most extensive compilation available by The Clash.
There are only two released live albums of The Clash, From Here to Eternity released in 1999 by Sony was the first, and featured The Clash in concert from 1978-1982. The other live album is The Clash: Live at Shea Stadium which was released in 2008 by Sony and features the full set from one of The Clash's final appearances.
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