As with earlier 100best selections, The Clash need no introduction. I’d wager for many music fans – or just about anyone that relates to music for that matter – Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon and one of the rollcall of drummers introduced them to punk whether they knew it or not, whether they then ventured into punk’s rougher areas or not and whether they listened to The Clash when they were new or encountered them years later. While numerous bands may grab the punk limelight by virtue of outrageous behavior, musical antics and a general ability to attract media attention, The Clash are arguably be the most respected punk band ever and the single largest inspiration for many later punk and alternative acts.

Here’s why.

Editor Note: It seems aDawgg and Tamboosh wrote their contributions while looks over each other’s shoulders. Truly, both contributions were written without the knowledge of what the other was selecting or writing about.

aDawgg:

Risking serious cliche, London Calling was a turning point in the history of rock and is representative of the soul of punk. Considered by many to stand among the greatest albums, London Calling really launched The Clash in the U.S. and solidified their reputation back home. “The Magnificent Seven”, “This Is Radio Clash”, “Rock The Casbah” and ”Should I Stay Or Should I Go” are some of my favorite tracks by any musical entity at any time. When push comes to shove, though, they are forced rest in the shadow of the title track from their most pivotal album.

   The Clash – London Calling

Bean:

I almost feel guilty picking “Train In Vain”. It’s not exactly representative of The Clash. For one thing, there’s no inspiring political message, which is about 72% of what makes The Clash great. They make you feel like part of a gang, like you have something to fight for, like The Man has got you down for the last time. “Train In Vain” doesn’t do any of that. But it does make me get up and dance. It fills me with an irrepressible joy. I’d like to pick something more rebellious, but “Train In Vain” is the one for me.

   The Clash – Train In Vain

Tamboosh:

It feels cliché to choose the title song of their most celebrated album, but I couldn’t ignore the amazing impact it still makes. “Rock The Casbah” is among the best danceable rock songs, “Rudie Can’t Fail” is pure joy, “Clash City Rockers” defines punk sentiments at the time, “In Hammersmith Palace” first revealed their exciting political side, “White Riot” and “I Fought The Law” are deliciously riotous, and “Guns Of Brixton”, the first runner-up, is dangerously brooding. All these songs spell out their legendary status, but “London Calling” still makes my spine tingle like only true greatness can. Oo-oo-oo-oooooooo!!

   The Clash – London Calling