From the raw, urgent energy of their eponymous debut album to the hugely successful 'Combat Rock', The Clash were one of the most exciting bands of the late '70s and '80s. Formed in London in 1976, The Clash outran all of their punk peers in terms of length and depth of career, rejecting nihilism for a socio-political agenda and infusing their music with reggae and funk. They managed to promote Anti-Thatcherism, racial unity and Sandinistas while breaking through to a mass American audience.They are synonymous with the punk movement, and simply one of the most influential groups of a generation.
Compiled by Mick Jones, Paul Simonon and Joe Strummer, this double CD is a musical testament to the band's passion, energy and creativity. Spanning their entire career, 'The Essential Clash' documents the band moving from the full on hardcore blast of 'White Riot' to the dub reggae of 'Bankrobber', through the dirty rock of 'Should I Stay Or Should I Go' andon to the pumped up funked-up 'The Magnificent 7'. Musically innovative, lyrically incisive and politicised, the band totally changed the face of music for their generation and continue to excite and inspire to this day. This album stands as a tribute to all of the band, but none so much as to Joe, who sadly died before completing this project with bandmates Paul and Mick.
" While we were compiling this album we suffered the tragic and untimely loss of our friend and collaborator Joe Strummer. We would like to dedicate this album to his memory" - Mick Jones / Paul Simonon