The Clash - Clash City Rockers

Just like the 'Sex Pistols' I was going to skip the Clash as everyone knows all of their songs. But then looking at some of
the classic b-sides they released I am sure only 'die hard' Clash
fans (Like me) would have purchased all of their singles and albums. The Clash released so many brilliant a and b-sides everyone should know them.

Choosing a Clash song is nearly impossible, but in the end I went for one of my all time faves 'Clash City Rockers' I can still remember the day I bought this and rushing home, the brilliant distinctive Clash guitar riff, and then 'Strummer's' even more distinctive vocals literally shouting out the lyrics, I still love it even today.

The b-side 'Jail Guitar Doors' is equally (well nearly) brilliant, and if you haven't heard it yet, you are in for a real treat.

Band: The Clash
Label: CBS
Year: 1978
Tracks:
1. Clash City Rockers
2. Jail Guitar Doors


One of the many good things about the Clash was that they released singles that were not on their albums, good for the fans, so if you want both of these tracks you will have to buy a greatest hits and a collection album:

The Essential Clash

Super Black Market Clash

or buy the, not too cheap, excellent singles box set:

The Clash - Singles [Box Set]

The Clash - Return To Brixton

I'm not sure how many people know this one. In the late 80's there was a real upsurge in the dance and house scene. Remixes became the new thing and a number of dance versions of classic songs were produced.

The 'Clash were not to be left out and and in this instance their classic track ' Guns Of Brixton' was remixed. I would not usually be a fan of this genre, but somehow they have managed to maintain the essential core sound of the original track.

'Guns of Brixton' was the only track that Paul Simonon (Bass Guitarist) sang (well talked I guess) on. He also wrote the song (not sure if he wrote any others). As a point of interest Paul Simonon did much of the artwork on the early 'Clash' records and often did the back drops at some of their gigs, he later went on to become a professional artist and in my opinion (for what its worth) produced some really good paintings. I have posted one of London's Millbank below and follow this link if you want to see some more.

Band: The Clash
Label: CBS
Year: 1990
Tracks:
1. Return to Brixton (3.17)
2. Return to Brixton (6.32)
3. Return to Brixton (SW2 Dub) (5.22)
4. The Guns Of Brixton - Original (3.19)