Credit: Helge Øverås
Many localities throughout the world have recognized February 7th as International Clash Day. This is appropriate because, in today’s tumultuous political climate, The Clash’s music is as vital as ever. Right now we’ll consider just a small sample of their important contribution to the canon of protest songs. Also “Straight To Hell” was previously featured as a Daily Dose of Protest.
White Riot (1977)
“White Riot” was the band’s first single and it appeared on their self titled debut. The song tackles issues of race and class. The song was also influenced by the 1976 riots at Notting Hill Carnival which band members Joe Strummer and Paul Simonon were both involved in. The riot was motivated by the police oppression that London’s Caribbean residents were experiencing. The tune is a rallying cry against white passiveness.
Complete Control (1977)
“Complete Control” was originally released as a single in 1977 and was included on the 1979 US release of their debut album. The song was partly in response to their record company releasing “Remote Control” as a single without consulting the band. The tune addresses the band’s battles with maintaining their independence and punk ideals within a system based on capitalism.
English Civil War (1978)
“English Civil War” from the band’s 1978 sophomore album, Give Em’ Enough Rope, is a reworking of the traditional American Civil War tune, “When Johnny Comes Marching Home”. The modern update addresses the potential for civil war in the UK with the rise of far rights group such as the British National Front. The song also resonates with the current rise of the alt-right in the USA.
(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais (1978)
Recorded during the sessions for Give Em’ Enough Rope“, (White Man) In Hammersmith Palais” was originally released as a non-album single. It ended up being included on the US release of their debut album. The song addresses various issues such as institutionalized racism and systemic poverty. The song also addresses concerns over the radicalization of the UK (“If Adolf Hitler flew in today, they’d send a limousine anyway.”)
London Calling (1979)
The title track of the band’s iconic 1979 album is an ominous tune which tackles a variety of issues including the Three Mile Island incident (“a nuclear error”) and concerns of the potential flooding of the River Thames (“London is drowning”). Joe Strummer made the following statement concerning the motivation of the song: “We felt that we were struggling about to slip down a slope or something, grasping with our fingernails. And there was no one there to help us.”
Armagideon Time (1979)
Reggae had a huge influence on the development of The Clash’s music and they’ve covered a number of reggae tunes. “Armagideon Time” is an example of this. The song was originally released as a single in 1978 by Willi Williams. The Clash’s ominous rendering was included as an appropriate b-side to “London Calling”.
Spanish Bombs (1979)
“Spanish Bombs” is one of the many gems from London Calling. Strummer wrote the tune in response to the ETA terrorist bombings that have taken place in Costa Brava, Spain. The song also compared current events with the Spanish Civil War. Strummer was an expert at extrapolating lessons from history with the hope that listeners would learn from the mistakes of the past. Sadly history has a way of continuing to repeat itself.
Washington Bullets (1980)
“Washington Bullets” is from The Clash’s ambitious triple album, Sandinista! The song is a pointed critique of the USA foreign policy and how it has contributed to great bloodshed.
Know Your Rights (1982)
“Know Your Rights” is from the bands 1982 album, Combat Rock. The song addresses corrupt governments efforts to suppress the rights of its citizen. It addresses issues such as freedom of speech, police corruption (“murder is a crime, unless it is done by a policeman”) and systemic poverty. The fight for basic human rights continues to rage all over the globe.
This Is England (1985)
“This Is England” is from The Clash 6th and final studio album, Cut The Crap. The album was much maligned (and for good reason), but the song is truly an underrated gem. In some ways, it can be compared to Bruce Springsteen’s “Born In The USA”. If you’re only listening to the chorus you might erroneously conclude it is a patriotic tune, but a close listen to the lyrics you realize it is an indictment of Margaret Thatcher’s England (just like Springsteen was indicting the US treatment of Vietnam veterans). Just like with Springsteen, Strummer was able to articulate the human plight. That is why The Clash continues to be relevant.