It speaks volumes about the mid-1970s music scene that the Clash's explosive debut was viewed as too provincial and raw for U.S. consumption upon its original English release in 1977. (Wimps.) No matter--between Joe Strummer's marble-mouthed howls of righteous rage on songs like "Career Opportunities" ("The ones that never knock"), "I'm So Bored With the USA" ("Yankee dollars talk to the dictators of the world") and "White Riot" ("I wanna riot / A riot of my own"), and the furious instrumental assault led by guitarist Mick Jones, the Clash became a hot import in the States strictly on word of mouth (some of them must have taste)--and helped establish the band as one of leaders of rock's punk revolt. --Billy Altman
