| The Essential Clash demonstrates once again why the Clash were so much better than any of their punk peers. It is the lasting irony of punk that while the effects of the movement continue to resonate decades later, most of the actual music has dated badly--there is no reason, other than the most desperate nostalgia, why any sane person should wish to subject themselves to the tuneless inanities of, say, Sham 69 or the Lurkers. Even the great singles of the Sex Pistols, perhaps because they encapsulated the time so perfectly, can do little more than remind the listener of 1977. It is a sorry reflection on the period into which this fine double-CD collection has been released that the Clash sound more and more vital from the apocalyptic foreboding of "London Calling" to the resentful sulk of "I'm So Bored with the USA". There is simply nothing wrong with any of this. When Clash frontman Joe Strummer died, aged only 50, in late 2002, much was made of the political conscience he had brandished throughout his career. While he deserved some kudos on this front, it should be remembered that appearing a great thinker in comparison to other rock singers is no great accomplishment. Appearing a great rock singer in comparison to other rock singers is rather more impressive, and this collection is an irrefutable case for the genius of Strummer and the band he led. --Andrew Mueller |
