The Clash - The Clash

The Clash is the debut studio album by British punk rock band The Clash, originally released in April 1977 via CBS Records.

The Clash formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk. Along with punk, their music incorporated elements of reggae, ska and rockabilly. For most of their recording career The Clash consisted of Joe Strummer (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Mick Jones (lead guitar, lead vocals), Paul Simonon (bass, vocals) and Nicky "Topper" Headon (drums, percussion). Headon left the group in 1982, and internal friction led to Jones's departure the following year. The group continued with new members, but finally disbanded in early 1986.

The Clash achieved commercial success in the United Kingdom with the release of their self-titled debut album in 1977. Their third album, London Calling, earned them popularity in the United States. It was declared the best album of the 1980s a decade later by Rolling Stone Magazine. In 1982 they reached new heights of success with the release of Combat Rock. Their final album, Cut The Crap, was released in 1985.

The Clash's politicised lyrics, musical experimentation, and rebellious attitude had a far-reaching influence on rock, and alternative rock in particular. They became widely referred to as "The Only Band That Matters", originally a promotional slogan introduced by the group's record label. In January 2003, shortly after the death of Joe Strummer, the band - including original drummer Terry Chimes - were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked The Clash number 28 on their list of the 100 greatest artists of all time.

The Clash was written and recorded over three weeks in February 1977 for a paltry £4,000, it would go on to reach #12 on the UK albums charts, and has been included on many retrospective rankings as one of the greatest punk albums of all time.

This album is a 2016 reissue on 180 gram heavyweight black vinyl with remastered audio by Tim Young and The Clash, reproduced album artwork and the original UK tracklisting, pressed in Europe via Columbia Records.