The Essential Clash

iTunes Review

Between two discs and 40 tracks, The Essential Clash has more than enough room to show the extraordinary development of this quartet over its five short years together. In terms of their consistent progress, their experimentation with various styles and genres, and the equalized chemistry among four bandmates, the Clash are rivaled only by the Beatles. One could go so far as to argue that the Clash accomplished in five years what the Beatles did in ten. They grew from one of London’s most passionate and gritty punk bands (“White Riot,” “Clash City Rockers,” “Garageland”) to avatars of rock style (“White Man In Hammersmith Palais,” “London Calling,” “Train In Vain”). They chartered unknown courses (“Bankrobber,” “The Magnificent Seven,” “This Is Radio Clash”) and finally became chart toppers and elder statesmen (“Rock the Casbah,” “Straight To Hell,” “Should I Stay Or Should I Go”). The Essential Clash provides an impressive balance between the band’s five original releases, but just as important as the individual songs is the overall scope, and success, of their mission.