Top 885 Artists-Number 6-The Clash

The Clash were one of the biggest bands to come out of the U.K. in the late 1970s. Angrier and more political than the Buzzcocks, and a bit more together than the Sex Pistols, they symbolized everything that was great (and bad) about punk rock.


The Clash were at their height of creativity and popularity with their third record, London Calling. It is a masterpiece, combining punk with elements of rockabilly and ska. There are some stellar tracks spread out on the double-record, like "Train In Vain", "Clampdown," and the title song. But, like punk itself, the Clash's fall was about as quick as its rise. The band broke up after Mick Jones was kicked out, and any thought of a reunion was put to rest with the death of Joe Strummer. But they will always be remembered for the furious, political energy they brought to the stage.