London’s Golden Boys: Review of The Clash (1977)
In the late 1970s, the UK was faced with massive unemployment, failed policies, and a bubbling population of angst-filled youth. Right before the rise of Margaret Thatcher, a scene of anti-establishment teens were filling small rooms, playing a new form of music called punk rock. The punk movement was seen a counterculture of the hippie movement of the 1960s. Instead of peace and love, it was peace and war; going against the government instead of trusting the government to fix problems. One of these punk bands that emerged out of London at this time were The Clash, formed in 1976, consisted of members Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, and Nicky “Topper” Headon. The Clash released their self-titled debut album in 1977, featuring catching riffs, politically charged lyrics, and ironic humor.
The Clash is a classic punk record. Most of the songs are punchy, short, fast, and have some sort of message. Whether it’s serious like “Career Opportunities”, which Strummer sings about how society boxes people into mainstream jobs. Or more comedic like “Protex Blue”, a man longing to spank his monkey with a condom on. Each song has its own charm but ultimately, they mix in with each other. The songs become repetitive. There are exceptions, like “Police and Thieves”, a half-cover of a Reggae song by Junior Marvin. This is one of the longer songs on the record and hints at what’s to come as the band delves more into other genres, like Reggae, in their later albums. “Hate and War” and “Cheat” shines a bit of The Clash’s new wave sound from the use of flanger and punchy chops. My personal favorite is the intro “Janie Jones”. A fun and fast song that focuses on a guy that hates his job and just wants to do drugs, listen to rock, and get laid by a prostitute. The Clash is the band’s most stripped album I’ve heard so far. It’s raw but has structure of pop music that makes it more accessible than bands like Sex Pistols. While The Clash has much better records to offer, this debut is a fun and easy way to get a feel of what the band is all about while introducing the world of punk rock in late 70s England.
I’m excited to discover more of what the band has to offer and wonder if a punk movement like in the late 70s will emerge as a counterculture to big government and COVID restrictions in the USA and other countries. One can dream I suppose. Maybe you or a loved one can be that movement! Just watch out for those pesky politicians and rule enforcers (I believe they’re called “Karen” nowadays”).
Album Rating: 3.1/5