The Clash London Calling

This is a celebration of one of the most sophisticated punk albums, still potent after almost thirty years. "London Calling" remains a strikingly mature declaration of allegiance to a bohemian ethos in which punk becomes one part of a continuum, rather than the literal end of everything. This is an album that, as much as anything else, shows off singer Joe Strummer's infatuation with American and Jamaican roots music and his attempt to embrace and honor a radical global vision in art and politics. "London Calling" was a grown-up record. "The Clash" explored their place in the world challenging punk dogma and ruling circles at the same time. Thirty years down the road, the band's music continues to fuel politically charged debate. "London Calling", was the band's masterwork and demands a place in Western culture. Its grim, sometimes apocalyptic vision is no less relevant today than it was in 1980. 33 1/3 is a series of short books about a wide variety of albums, by artists ranging from James Brown to the Beastie Boys. Launched in September 2003, the series now contains over 50 titles and is acclaimed and loved by fans, musicians and scholars alike.