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THE CLASH

The Clash

Should I Stay Or Should I Go / Straight To Hell - 2026 Reissue

For the first time in decades, The Clash’s iconic track ‘Should I Stay Or Should I Go’ will be released as a 7” single on colour vinyl. With brand new artwork and pressed on sunshine yellow vinyl, this striking product will also feature the full version of ‘Straight to Hell’ on the B-Side for the first time; a nod to the original 1982 7” release which featured an edit of this track.

TRACK LISTING

1. Should I Stay Or Should I Go (Remaster)
2. Straight To Hell (Remaster)

Apartment Vs The Escape

Sound Clash Vol 2

It takes something special to change someone's life and plot a course for it. It was a new age for an 18 year old Alan Griffiths when he experienced the Television and Blondie gig at Bristol's then Colston Hall in 1978. He even gave his first 'serious' band an American style name - Apartment. It would link into the motives behind this and his second group, also based in Bristol. This was to be The Escape. That escape through his music was away from suburban mundanity and that of his day job.

Bristol Archive Records have decided to celebrate his musical life, seven years on from his death in 2017. This is in the form of a 'Sound Clash' between the two bands which shows an artistic journey starting in the era of punk, through new Wave and into the early 80's post-punk period.

In keeping with the punk/New Wave ethos that drove the three-piece Apartment, their featured tracks on the Clash have some rawness and edge. All of the songs show off a lyrical directness and vivacity which is backed up by the playing. 'New Age' blasts out of the blocks in a flurry of angled attack that viscerally thrills. 'Living Like This' has that similar energy, in this case from the adrenalin of a scorching live show. This is a glorious snapshot in time of a band on very much top form.

Alan's absorption of the Nuggets anthologies of late 60's and early 70's American psychedelia and general out there weirdness found their way into a song like 'Distractions'. This fused with a shot by both sides shake of New York explorations of the likes of Television, as the ringing guitar lines zing their way into your ears. Poison is a narcotic dream but without the drug taking - the band was never into that. But there is a lysergic launch that hits when the mid-section soars away taking the listener with it.

'Broken Glass' is a true epic and one of the centre-pieces of an Apartment gig. Alan recorded more than one version of this song, but this take replete with slashing Verlaine and Lloyd flavoured guitar, the Billy Ficca feel drumming and the full range of teenage angst in Alan's voice tells the full melodrama brilliantly. The whole vibe is of CBGB's in New York, a club that Alan had never been to and would only get to visit many years later. But he had been there 'in his head'. 'Broken Glass' was Apartment's very own Marquee Moon.

If a musical genre's or group's period of prominence could be a matter of months or a couple of years, then the chance to make an impact could be less than '24 Hours'. This London recorded attempt by The Escape at laying down their Comsat Angels/Killing Joke driven groove works a treat. Bassist Stuart Morgan and drummer Emil, who had followed Alan from Apartment into this new trio, lock everything down, as they do on the follow-up, 'Truth Drug'.

'Eden' and 'Relapse Collapse' were more London session productions and also songs toured extensively. The band used this recording as the backing for making a video of 'Eden', appropriately filmed at Ashton Court mansion, to the west of Bristol, for the BBC 'yoof' programme The Oxford Show in 1982/3. The later Bath superstars Tears for Fears were on the same edition and would become Phonogram label mates as well as a future working option for Alan. Stuart would later go on to work with U2.

'Relapse' and another meat grinder of a tune 'Flowers in the Dark' were typically set in the darker corners that The Escape loved to explore. The muscular 'Difference Between' is the one home recorded Escape offering, highlighting how much Alan's prowess at nailing a demo had moved on. Difference was one of the quartet of songs that comprised the collection that secured an eventual recording deal with Phonogram.

That pre major label period has however been captured perfectly in the sizzling sextet of goodies on this side. The band's sizeable recorded legacy of demos and sessions is one that stands tall and stands proud, as does that of Apartment.

TRACK LISTING

1. Apartment - New Age
2. Apartment - Distractions
3. Apartment - Poison
4. Apartment - Living Like This (Live)
5. Apartment - Broken Glass
6. The Escape - 24 Hours
7. The Escape - Truth Drug
8. The Escape - Flowers In The Dark
9. The Escape - The Difference Between
10. The Escape - Eden
11. The Escape - Relapse Collapse

The Clash

Hits Back - 2025 Repress

The definitive best of collection from “the only band that matters”, 'Hits Back' was originally released in September 2013 and sequenced to replicate the set played by the band at the Brixton Fair Deal (now the Academy) on 10 July 1982, with the addition of some essential numbers that were not included in the set that night. 

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: It's a career-spanning collection of (arguably) the best tracks one of the greatest punk bands ever recorded, all in one place. I don't see what else you need to know. Buy it.

TRACK LISTING

1. London Calling
2. Safe European Home
3. Know Your Rights
4. (White Man) In Hammersmith Palais
5. Janie Jones
6. The Guns Of Brixton
7. Train In Vain
8. Bank Robber
9. Wrong ‘Em Boyo
10. The Magnificent Seven
11. Police On My Back
12. Rock The Casbah
13. Career Opportunities
14. Police & Thieves
15. Somebody Got Murdered
16. Brand New Cadillac
17. Clampdown
18. Ghetto Defendant
19. Armagideon Time
20. Stay Free
21. I Fought The Law
22. Straight To Hell
23. Should I Stay Or Should I Go
24. Garageland
25. White Riot
26. Complete Control
27. Clash City Rockers
28. Tommy Gun
29. English Civil War
30. The Call Up
31. Hitsville UK
32. Radio Clash

Micajah Henley

The Clash's Sandinista! - 33 1/3

Following the success of their instantly iconic double LP, London Calling, The Clash set out to do something “triply outrageous.” Named after the Nicaraguan rebels who successfully overthrew an authoritarian dictator, Sandinista! consists of 36 songs across six sides of vinyl. Produced by the band, it showcases their politics as well as their ability to adopt a multitude of genres ranging from punk, reggae, jazz, gospel, calypso, and hip hop. Free from the influence of their Machiavellian manager, Bernie Rhodes, The Clash still battled their record label to release the triple LP on their terms: three for the price of one.

Despite its polarizing reception from critics at the time of its release, Sandinista! is often considered one of the greatest albums of all time. Nevertheless, critics and fans have spent over 40 years debating whether the album would be better as a 12-track LP. This book entertains that idea and considers what is lost or gained in the process.

To do so, the book delves into the politics of The Clash, the spliff bunkers constructed for the production of the album, and the sacrifices made upon its release. It examines the album's 36 tracks and considers the significance of the record's dissection on behalf of fans who curate their own versions of the album in the mixtape, CD, and playlist eras.


The Clash

The Clash - National Album Day 2022 Edition

The Clash is the eponymous debut studio album one of Britain’s most iconic bands, The Clash. Originally released on 8 April 1977, this album is regularly cited as one of the greatest Rock and Roll albums of all time, including tracks like White Riot, Janie Jones & Police & Thieves.

Issued for National Album Day 2022 on 180g PINK vinyl.

TRACK LISTING

SIDE A 
1 Janie Jones 
2 Remote Control 
3 I'm So Bored With The U.S.A. 
4 White Riot 
5 Hate & War 
6 What's My Name 
7 Deny
8 London's Burning
SIDE B
1 Career Opportunities
2 Cheat
3 Protex Blue
4 Police & Thieves
5 48 Hours
6 Garageland

The Clash

Combat Rock / The People's Hall

Originally released in May 1982, ‘Combat Rock’ is the final album from The Clash of Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon and Topper Headon. Featuring two of the band’s most well-known songs, ‘Should I Stay Or Should I Go’ and ‘Rock The Casbah’. Now re-released as a 180g 3LP special edition and a 2CD special edition, with an additional 12-tracks compiled by The Clash.

Having returned to London following their pivotal 17-show residency at New York’s Bond’s Casino in 1981, the band rehearsed and recorded at The People’s Hall in the squatted Republic of Frestonia near Latimer Road in London and from there they embarked on a tour of the East and South East Asia, during which the album sleeve image was captured by Pennie Smith in Thailand.

The tracks on ‘The People’s Hall’ chart the period from what was their last single Radio Clash right up to the release of Combat Rock, including unheard, rare and early versions of tracks.


TRACK LISTING

Combat Rock - SIDE A
Know Your Rights
Car Jamming
Should I Stay Or Should I Go
Rock The Casbah
Red Angel Dragnet
Straight To Hell
Combat Rock - SIDE B
Overpowered By Funk
Atom Tan
Sean Flynn
Ghetto Defendant
Inoculated City
Death Is A Star
The People’s Hall - SIDE A
Outside Bonds
Radio Clash
Futura 2000
The People’s Hall - SIDE B
First Night Back In London
Radio One - Mikey Dread
He Who Dares Or Is Tired*
Long Time Jerk
The Fulham Connection [aka The Beautiful People Are Ugly Too]
The People’s Hall - SIDE C
Midnight To Stevens
Sean Flynn
Idle In Kangaroo Court
Know Your Rights*
NB: SIDE D IS BLANK

*Previously Unreleased

The Clash

London Calling: The Scrapbook

When The Clash’s third studio album London Calling was released in the winter of 1979, it was clear that the band had made an instant classic, an era-defining masterpiece that stands as one of rock's all-time greatest albums.

The album is a hugely compelling melting pot of musical styles, driven by a passion for action and a fierce desire for social justice, with lyrics which remain completely relevant today.

The London Calling Scrapbook is a 120-page hardback companion to the album, of previously unseen archive material, lyric notes, and other exclusive memorabilia, packaged alongside the iconic album itself.

TRACK LISTING

1. London Calling
2. Train In Vain
3. Brand New Cadillac
4. Jimmy Jazz
5. Hateful Rudie Can't Fail
6. Spanish Bombs
7. Lost In The Supermarket
8. The Right Profile
9. Clampdown
10. The Guns Of Brixton
11. Death Or Glory
12. Wrong 'Em Boyo
13. Koka Kola
14. The Card Cheat
15. Lover's Rock
16. Four Horsemen
17. I'm Not Down
18. Revolution Rock

The Clash

The Clash - Vinyl Edition

Classic debut LP from '77. Every track is a punk anthem – sub 3 minute, 3-chord blasts of adrenalin fuelled fury. The foot is down hard on the accelerator from the opening "She's in love with rock'n'roll woah...." But where the Sex Pistols “Never Mind The Bollocks” was all about the punk rock ethos of snarling attitude and not being able to play their instruments, The Clash had songs and melody, to go with the attitude. The songs are anthemic, but not in a ‘lighter’s in the air’ way, they’re charged with a nervy, vital energy that’s helped them stand the test of time. They sound as relevant today as they did (almost) 40 years ago!

TRACK LISTING

Side 1
1. Janie Jones
2. Remote Control
3. I'm So Bored With The U.S.A.
4. White Riot
5. Hate & War
6. What's My Name
7. Deny
8. London's Burning

Side 2
1. Career Opportunities
2. Cheat
3. Protex Blue
4. Police & Thieves
5. 48 Hours
6. Garageland

The Clash

Give 'Em Enough Rope - Vinyl Edition

"For their second album, the Clash worked with the American hard rock producer Sandy Pearlman, best-known for his work with Blue Öyster Cult and the Dictators. The teaming was quite controversial within the punk community, and the sound of Give 'Em Enough Rope is considerably cleaner, yet the more direct sound hardly tamed the Clash. While the record doesn't burn with the same intense, amateurish energy of The Clash, it does have a big, forceful sound that is nearly as powerful. What keeps Give 'Em Enough Rope from being a classic is its slightly inconsistent material. Many of the songs are outright classics, particularly the first half of the record ("Safe European Home," "English Civil War," "Tommy Gun," "Julie's Been Working for the Drug Squad") and "Stay Free," but the group loses some momentum toward the end of the record. Even with such flaws, Give 'Em Enough Rope ranks as one of the strongest albums of the punk era. " - Allmusic.

STAFF COMMENTS

Andy says: Initially perceived as a disappointment, simply because The Clash's debut was so inspiring. With hindsight, this is a really good Rock record, and therein lies people's disgruntlement: less Punk, more Rock, but this is a band that always pushed forwards.

The Clash

London Calling - 2013 Remastered Edition

"Give 'Em Enough Rope, for all of its many attributes, was essentially a holding pattern for the Clash, but the double-album London Calling is a remarkable leap forward, incorporating the punk aesthetic into rock & roll mythology and roots music. Before, the Clash had experimented with reggae, but that was no preparation for the dizzying array of styles on London Calling. There's punk and reggae, but there's also rockabilly, ska, New Orleans R&B, pop, lounge jazz, and hard rock; and while the record isn't tied together by a specific theme, its eclecticism and anthemic punk function as a rallying call. While many of the songs -- particularly "London Calling," "Spanish Bombs," and "The Guns of Brixton" - are explicitly political, by acknowledging no boundaries the music itself is political and revolutionary. But it is also invigorating, rocking harder and with more purpose than most albums, let alone double albums. Over the course of the record, Joe Strummer and Mick Jones (and Paul Simonon, who wrote "The Guns of Brixton") explore their familiar themes of working-class rebellion and antiestablishment rants, but they also tie them in to old rock & roll traditions and myths, whether it's rockabilly greasers or "Stagger Lee," as well as mavericks like doomed actor Montgomery Clift. The result is a stunning statement of purpose and one of the greatest rock & roll albums ever recorded." - Allmusic.

TRACK LISTING

Disc 1:
1. London Calling
2. Brand New Cadillac
3. Jimmy Jazz
4. Hateful
5. Rudie Can't Fail
6. Spanish Bombs
7. The Right Profile
8. Lost In The Supermarket
9. Clampdown
10. The Guns Of Brixton

Disc 2:

1. Wrong 'Em Boyo
2. Death Or Glory
3. Koka Kola
4. The Card Cheat
5. Lover's Rock
6. Four Horsemen
7. I'm Not Down
8. Revolution Rock
9. Train In Vain

The Clash

The Essential

This "Essential" collection was being put together before Joe Strummer's death, so it shouldn't be seen as cash-in on the great man's passing away. Instead look at this as being one of the most essential statements by not only one of the leading lights of the punk movement but also one of the greatest bands ever!!!


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