Drummer reacts to "London Calling" by The Clash

[@konradv7]

Rolling Stone named London Calling the most influential album of the 80s.

[@L33Reacts]

From one track, I can already see what they are saying. That's crazy though! What an influential piece.

[@karagi101]

Rolling Stone was wrong.

[@randywhite3947]

@@L33Reactsfalse they said it was the best not the most influential

[@randywhite3947]

They never said that they said it was the best not the most influential

[@scottyhotty1003]

London Calling was the "greeting" to every radio broadcast notifying England during the World War all the life and death situation news such as bombings troops advancements Etc

[@AP-gb3eh]

Joe Strummer . Broke my heart when he passed. The whole band just blew us out the water.

[@lauraallen55]

Same. Joe was a legend. RIP.

[@lawrencesmith6536]

Yeah. Love Joe

[@karlschneider9479]

I cried like a baby when Joe passed. He was a huge influence on my songwriting lyrically!

[@masterofparsnips5327]

This whole album is a masterpiece !!

[@L33Reacts]

I can't wait to hear more! This was a great intro to them. It definitely worked as a first listen to hook me lol

[@DrStrangelove3891]

Topper Headon is a very interesting drummer. He composed their hit song Rock the Casbah, and played all the instruments on that track himself. He also sold his gold records to pay for his heroin addiction. He was the best punk drummer ever, no competition.

[@L33Reacts]

Damn so me and him have a lot in common then. No wonder I connected with his work the most on this lol

[@bendancar]

Perhaps the best summation of The Clash ever: "This is fuc**ing awsome!" Yes. Yes it is. Angst is right -- the Thatcher and Reagan years. This whole album was huge when it came out. The Clash are a band of musicians' musicians, but dressed up as punk.

[@mattleppard1964]

Good commentary. 😊

[@L33Reacts]

Haha you know it's really great when I say that before it's even half way done. This is that good shit, as they say. I want more! Thank you for the context. I figured I was missing some sort of social or government issue that they were rallying against. Now it makes sense because I know plenty about Regan.

[@mattleppard1964]

⁠@@L33ReactsIt was a rally cry to dissaffected British/English youth at a difficult economic and political time. See also The Jam, The Stranglers, etc. ❤

[@paulpuerling9504]

@@L33Reacts Actually this record came out in 79 ,Reagan was elected in 80

[@L33Reacts]

@@paulpuerling9504 I was just comparing thatcher to Regan since their policy was similar

[@SPAMDAGGER22]

The Clash are a genre unto themselves.

[@heartoftherose]

The beeps at the fade are Morse Code spelling S - O - S - universal signal for "emergency help needed"

[@johnmavroudis2054]

"LONDON CALLING" is such a great album! This Title Track and "CLAMPDOWN" are both BARN BURNERS!!!! They also could really hit you in the feels with really melodic, lyrically astute songs like "LOST IN THE SUPERMARKET," "TRAIN IN VAIN," "SPANISH BOMBS," "SOMEBODY GOT MURDERED," and "CHARLIE DON'T SURF."

[@karlschneider9479]

Somebody Got Murdered and Charlie Don't Surf were on Sandinista not London Calling.

[@johnmavroudis2054]

@@karlschneider9479 I know that. I was talking about Clash songs that hit you in the feels.

[@trainman5323]

This LP is amazing. The Clash started as strictly punk but their talent could not be held back by punk. They blew out of their genre with this LP. Many-many different styles on London Calling. Their older stuff is more like you’d expect. I LOVE Joe Strummers scratchy strained voice!!!!! Some of the best lyrics in music as well

[@fritzwalter1540]

Punk doesn t mean setting boundaries. It s about doing your own thing. Of course, many Punk Fans are rather one dimensional in their point of view. And of course I love the pureness of the Ramones and early Damned as well. But this Clash Album, though including that many influences, is so Punk to its core. The Clash just didn t give a shit what someone else told them. Especially so called pure Punkrockers who weren t different from Inquisition or conservative Establishment they were trying to fight against. Whole London Calling is wonderful harmonies. Most just understand its brutal topics. Having some Radio turnes that smack your teeth out! What is more Punk than that!?!

[@scottyhotty1003]

My pick my pick my pick why do I feel like a kid in a candy store LOL😂❤🎶💯🔥

[@Cynthia_W765]

Fantastic pick! 🎉🎉🎉

[@user-gu1zb6cw6t]

Welcome to The Clash Lee! They brought punk to the rock mainstream. I'd suggest Should I Stay or Should I Go next.

[@douglasbarrera951]

London Calling was Released in England the last week of the 70’s and released in the US the first week of the 80’s. British Punk Rock at its best. Joe Strummer and Mic Jones are the Lennon/McCartney duo of their generation. The bass player sings too btw. London Calling is considered the best album of the 80’s.

[@Russ-gy7tx]

"Phony Beatlemania" was a tribute band named "Beatlemania" going around playing at Theatres in the late '70s which I saw at The Pantages in Los Angeles 1978. Check out Arthur Lee and Love "7 and 7 Is" released in 1966 and is considered "Proto-Punk" Their other songs are "My Little Red Book" and "Alone Again Or"

[@L33Reacts]

Thank you for the suggestions! I will definitely check them out

[@heartoftherose]

I saw Beatlemania with Marshall Crenshaw doing John Lennon. I enjoyed it.

[@JB-Deadskins]

Easily the Clash's best album. This one deserves the full treatment.

[@L33Reacts]

I might just do it.... 👍

[@chitownlee]

This song was the one to combine punk and new wave and the final nail in disco's coffin..

[@HareDeLune]

😃

[@TheProgCorner]

I LOVE THE CLASH!!!!!!!!!

[@L33Reacts]

I see why, bro! This shit is hot 🔥 🥵

[@TheProgCorner]

@@L33Reacts London Calling is the only non-Prog album in my personal Top Ten of all time…

[@geob3963]

Topper is an amazing drummer. Aaahhhmmaaazzziiinnnggg drummer. Did I mention amazing? Clash - Red Angel Dragnet Clash - Guns of Brixton Clash - Brand New Cadillac Clash - Police & Theives Clash - Clampdown

[@L33Reacts]

He was definitely the highlight to me other then the bass. The whole rhythm section was driving this track so well. Thanks for the suggestions! I definitely am gonna do more from them

[@JB-Deadskins]

Spanish Bombs Lost in the Supermarket Death or Glory

[@HareDeLune]

@@L33Reacts I wish I could remember his name, but I'll never forget what he said. Famous Rockstar on The History of Rock and Roll documentary: "A Rock and Roll band is made up of a drummer, a bass player, and a novelty act up front." 😆

[@mattleppard1964]

Loved hearing this again. The voice of disaffected British youth. I remember those bleak days just about. 1979 saw Margaret Thatcher become prime minister. A lot of discontent after previous governments, loads of public strikes, unemployment soared… It’s no coincidence that The Wall, released the same year, was so angry at the establishment (also Animals). Joe Stummer has a permanent memorial at Glastonbury ❤

[@L33Reacts]

A lot of people were fed up at that point, it seems like. With a great many things. Just like today. We need punk again lol

[@mattleppard1964]

@@L33Reacts The scene over there yielded some greats around this time. I’m sure you’ll get to Talking Heads, Blondie, and more 👍

[@tomross6652]

The album was released in England in December of 79, New Musical Express named it best album of the 70's, it came out in America in January of 1980, ten years later Rolling Stone named it album of the 80's

[@PeterOConnell-pq6io]

"A nuclear era, but I have no fear 'Cause London is drowning I, I live by the river" What a great song.

[@jcartwrt]

"nuclear error"

[@PeterOConnell-pq6io]

@@jcartwrt The cold war associated 24/7 threat of nuclear attack at the time. The USSR didn't collapse until 1991.

[@jcartwrt]

@@PeterOConnell-pq6io I was just referencing the official lyrics. And I was around at the time (I'm 71) so I'm aware of the mood of the times.

[@PeterOConnell-pq6io]

@@jcartwrt I'm 72, I misunderstood your comment as my search found a slightly different version of the lyrics (as if I could remember them). Guess you can't believe everything you read on the internet.

[@jcartwrt]

@@PeterOConnell-pq6io We're old, aren't we? I always heard it as "nuclear error" which is more ominous, but I did look it up just to make sure. Cheers!

[@jimwillride]

Du😊de, thank you for kicking ass. Seriously. and yes, I am predicting that the clash becomes one of there. I say your favorite band. Foundational. Thanks for getting there. You're fucking killing it brother.

[@scottyhotty1003]

Rock the Casbah was a huge radio hit also Should I stay or should i go was phenomemal. Train in Vain (hidden cut on L.P.) was excellent as well. Their music changes and morphs with each song in my opinion yet all great❤

[@arizrich]

This is peak Clash. One of my all time favorite albums. Anything off of this would be a good listen for you but my personal favorite is "Brand New Cadillac." It would definitely be the one you'd wake up the next morning hearing in your head. If you're having a shitty day good music is always the best remedy... oh, wait. Have you heard the song "Remedy" by the Black Crowes? You need to if you haven't. Peace!

[@Annie-hd3jx]

Aren’t they brilliant my son listened to all this music and heavy rock when he was 14 onwards. He’s now 55 👍

[@markallen2984]

“The Real Kids” is a great lesser known Boston band that were kinda the “Boston Ramones”. Their first album called All Kindsa Girls is jammed packed with great punky power pop tunes. Worth of listen to L33 and others who may be curious

[@lauraallen55]

Anything power pop, especially punky power pop has my vote automatically!

[@cletushouse906]

If this don’t stir somethin’ in your soul then you’re already dead.

[@Jude_196]

HAPPY TUESDAY, LEE!!! :) LOVE THE CLASH!! :) THANKS for the REACTION!! :) HUGS!

[@genegarrett3372]

29 huh? Hell, I'm 40 years older. That's old enough to be a "young" grandpappy for a kid like you. But you have my respect for keeping on.

[@DazzleMonroe]

I saw them on the London Calling tour when it came to Ipswich. I had just turned 14. I remember every second

[@FredGarnett]

I've always thought that (working for the) Clampdown, from the same album, was part 2 of London Calling. If you want faster and higher try the first album or the first single White Riot...

[@scottyhotty1003]

Cause London is drowning and I... live by the river!!! 🌬🎉🌊🎯

[@davidwalsh7128]

Eventually you may go with Clash Friday’s to hit off the weekend. So many great songs.

[@scottyhotty1003]

Another great review Lee I love that it's stuck in your head "London Calling" all day LOL❤

[@deechatterton5828]

One of the best albums of the 70's.

[@ChasBeauregarde]

They were a punk band but this album transitioned them into a post punk style (more chord changes and hooks) Another band that made the same transition at this time was The Jam. They dissolved shortly after but like the Clash their songwriting was most interesting when they peaked during their transition. The lyrics for me, forecast the coming age of nihilism which has grown in popularity right up to now.

[@hoppers13]

Makes me glad I’m so old. I saw them at the 101 Club and that’ll make me grin on my deathbed.

[@tomgribbin9531]

The Clash was so musically diverse, politically astute and the ultimate cure for the late disco 70's that they were commonly known everywhere as THE ONLY BAND THAT MATTERS .

[@jimmcdonald4087]

"The only band that matters" was a record company promo slogan -- better ignored. The band was the best of its time, no promotional bullshit needed.

[@scottyhotty1003]

I love when Lee gives the "eyeball & turn head look" when he hears phony beatlemania has bitten the dust LOL I know many die hard beatle fans are on this channel but not to worry... "beatlemania" was a cover band that toured across the country capitalizing and making a buck off the Beatles Fame they were a decent band but it was all a money grab capitalizing on their fame...so no worries Beatle fans it's not about the real Fab Four he's singing about!! 🎉❤🎶🔥

[@tedjung3700]

Lots of great songs by The Clash. I Fought the Law Clampdown Should I Stay or Should I Go Rock the Casbah Train in Vain (Stand by Me)

[@lmkeniston216]

Their best song imo. I was into prog & new wave at that time so I missed most of punk. Thoughtful reaction Lee. Hope the day takes a better turn for you.

[@stevenblock9712]

This song is included in the fantastic 80's soundtrack in the movie, Atomic Blonde. You choose the greatest songs. Enjoy you nightly.

[@TheCornishCockney]

Check out by them: The Magnificent Seven,Bank Robber,Rock the Casbah (probably their most recognisable tune to non clash fans) Guns ofBrixton,but really,there are loads of belters. Legendary London band.

[@mynameispaul0530]

The Clash is one of a very few punk bands I followed growing up.

[@rockinronist]

Many people prefer The Clash's first album over the London Calling album. The debut album is more Punk. London Calling is a great track, but the album itself goes off into different styles of music. Check out New Rose by The Damned. It's the first Punk Rock single in the UK 1976.

[@artharrison9586]

Saw the Who and the Clash in Seattle in the early 80’s. Great show.

[@srj108]

Such a great song. Probably my favourite Clash song.

[@realdocloco]

Saw them in '78 in full punk mode, then saw them in 1980 and it was a totally different band. Both versions were great. Exciting times!

[@jessicaleblanc-nh1yl]

The Clash are pretty fantastic. They have many songs that offer the same feeling. Many are listed below. Know Your Rights, Rock the Casbah, Should I Stay or Should I Go, Lost in the Supermarket, Ghetto Defendant, etc. So many! Keep enjoying.

[@johnnydev9318]

Yes, not a bad little song. Part of the post-punk movement which recognised that straight mid-70s punk was basically c#@p and at least introduced some decent melodic elements to their music.

[@lathedauphinot6820]

It’s a classic album, a double album. Keith Richards had made a comment that maybe the punks should take some time and learn to play their instruments. This is when The Clash really learned to play their instruments. “Clampdown”, “Guns Of Brixton” (When they knock down your front door, how you gonna come? With your hands on your head or on the trigger of your gun?) “Brand New Cadillac” all from this album.

[@goonbelly5841]

Lee sporting his new hipster look.🤣🤣

[@L33Reacts]

This is how I usually am supposed to look I'm just lazy and never put my hair up. Because I never have time to get a hair cut 💇‍♂️ 🤣🤣

[@patriciahunt9818]

Brilliant song

[@janewells5970]

This is excellent! Glad to see your expanding your collection!

[@michaelgray4964]

That bassline propels the whole thing. Just an excellent cut.

[@lawrencesmith6536]

One of the greatest bass lines in the history of rock

[@DrStrangelove3891]

The only band that matters

[@scottyhotty1003]

The CLASH!!!

[@shemanic1]

the "B" side of this when released on vinyl 45 is "Armagideon Time" a reggae powerhouse protest song that finds it's way into nearly every Reggae Mix that I do.

[@michaelcripe395]

The Only Band That Matters

[@peterhoward1048]

Love this band. So much to say.

[@stlmopoet]

Lost in the Supermarket is a lighter sounding song, but the lyrics have angst. I like it. Good review of this song. I find The Clash hit or miss. His voice has a lot to do with that.

[@thescrewfly]

The Clash were one of the core punk bands from 1976 onward, along with the Sex Pistols, The Damned, Siouxsie & The Banshees. Their early stuff was more trebly, intense and breakneck. By the time this album came out they had assimilated a lot from reggae, rockabilly and several other styles.

[@user-yj9rk9oz9p]

There is a coming-of-age movie, from about ten years ago, called "London Town", about a teenage boy who befriends Clash writer-singer Joe Strummer, in the late 1970s. It is a very original type of story and the characters are charming and compelling. In the late '70s, The Clash were called "the only band that matters". The vocals tended to push me away from their music, but Joe Strummer's next band, The Mescaleros, showed us better singing from the man, and multi-ethnic, World Music, influenced by Peter Gabriel's early 80s albums.

[@cojaysea]

This album and Squeezing out sparks by Graham Parker were on my turntable back then non stop .

[@annewoodard6803]

Everyone had the album cover poster on their wall in college. 😁

[@anthonyv6962]

album, song and band all iconic

[@orchidwave2574]

In the early 90's I took a year off university and drove from the prairies to Toronto to live with some ex-bandmates who'd just moved there. Along the way, I played my recently purchased copy of London Calling (I kept hearing it praised by critics as something incredible so I bought it just on its reputation)...and the first couple listens I remember thinking, it's interesting, a bit unusual - I'd known nearly nothing of the Clash at the time - but I couldn't see what the fuss was about. After about 50 listens...liking it more every single damn time - I realized I loved this stupid album. For me it was a bizarrely slow burn but I finally 'got it', and it's indispensable music for me even decades later. Just a warning that if you're anything like me, you might need a while to really absorb it properly. The title track is pretty fun though even on a first listen.

[@jonathanmurphy3141]

Find the video. They play on a pier, in London, in rain, at night. Front cover is. their Bassist Paul Summonon about to smash his instrument. You didn't get Topper's name correct (Hea'don not Head-on)

[@gracedv]

Right on!

[@queengoddessb69]

Definitely check out Rock the Casbah and Should I Stay or Should I Go.

[@ggwalker55]

Saw them in Buffalo in the early 80's. Phenomenal.

[@mightyV444]

I had pronounced Topper's surname as "head-on" myself for decades - until I heard it pronounced correctly like "heeden" only about a year ago 😅 And 'Topper' is of course a nickname 😊 Great band! 😀👍 Admittedly, it had taken me a while to properly get into them, in 1990 or '91. I still like The Damned and The Stranglers better today, too! 😁 And do avoid the Sex Pistols! They're utter rubbish! 😅 And you have my sincere compassion for it having been 'one of those nights', Lee! 😌

[@randomperson-dy6kj]

Great reaction! This would be a great full album reaction for you to do, or track by track. It constantly surprises and I’m just so jealous that I’ll never be able to hear it for the first time again.

[@johnpbh]

Did you catch the way he was talking about Phony Bealtemania... not talking about The Beatles but what was supposed to come oafter them... which he considered phoney... and then in the guitar solo there was a backwards guitar part in homage to the Boys... Keep on Rocking young sir.

[@scottyhotty1003]

Yeah I thought it was funny considering all the Beatles fans on this channel I thought maybe they might misinterpret it but yes I too was subjected to that awful beatlemania fake band growing up we saw and they were good but you know it was all commercial garbage just to make money to off the Beatles fame.

[@alrivers2297]

Lol, your face when they dissed the Beatles. Their best song imo. Train in Vain and Should I Stay or Should I Go are 2 more good ones. The Ramones are my favorite punk band tho

[@joeyboogenz]

The Clash were absolute bombers !!!!! See if you can pull up a photo of Joe Strummer's " Old Faithful" Telecaster . It is the most Gangster guitar in Rock ! It looks like it was salvaged from WW2 !

[@CliffordLake]

Liverpool on line 2...

[@650Max]

The better of the 70's UK punk bands were brought up amongst a large population of afro-caribbean immigrants whose own music had morphed into dub-reggae by the late 70's and they used it in a lot of recordings of their own, the Clash included. Check out Jah War by the Ruts for a perfect example, you'll love it.

[@MarkChappell1]

Try "Train in Vain" and "Rudy don't fail".

[@jurgenmagnus4041]

The Only Band That Matters!

[@andycoates5509]

I have been an ardent Genesis fan since i was 15 (I am now 62) But this song I have always just loved, it just has so much energy flowing through it ... great stuff

[@josephpisano6040]

Punk had some good bands. The Dead Kennedys, the Circle Jerks, Black Flag.

[@stevedahlberg8680]

I'm at your initial comments after the video ended and yeah it's funny I would throw Echo and the Bunnymen in with that group as well. Not quite as famous but definitely extremely important in the New York punk scene, which gave rise to bands like this and they interacted with these British bands who themselves were interacting with Caribbean stuff like Ska. It's such a wonderful tapestry, but anyway, man, check out two or three at least by Richard Hell and the Voidoids out of NYC a bit before this. The one that I thought of based on the way you were talking about this one was, Love Comes in Spurts, which is an absolute banger. But his bigger hit was probably Blank Generation. I know you would identify with that so hard in certain ways. Jesus Walking on the Water is another great one (it's not religious). Blank Generation: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGqpnISCn7SGkJo&pp=ygUdYmxhbmsgZ2VuZXJhdGlvbiByaWNoYXJkIGhlbGw%3D

[@jackwoolyback5394]

Their albums were eclectically good in varying degrees but I'd recommend you next check out one of their singles, of which there were many, mostly 'kin brilliant. Complete Control, White Man in Hammersmith Palais and Tommy Gun (for the drummin') would be my picks.

[@spooley]

Another band with a rough ending, they were aces. At that point in time they were the cat's ass. This song was banned by some radio stations as was kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHuco2uCgrpsmLM It's dry Brit humour with a dash of politics and anarchy

[@scottyhotty1003]

Well Lee some good news today you're only 500 subscribers away from 20K bro woohoo❤

[@ednicholson7839]

I think all the Clash's albums are about equal in their excellence, even the much dismissed Sandinista. Their hardest rocking and most "punk" are their first two albums -- The Clash and Give 'em Enough Rope. I especially love Give 'em Enough Rope with songs like Tommy Gun, English Civil War and Julie's Been Working on the Drug Squad. Though if you want to hear great, early punk listen to songs from the first album like Janie Jones, Remote Control, I'm So Bored with the USA and Career Opportunities.

[@mana3735]

A good direction to follow. Punk/New Wave. Clash, Buzzcocks, Joy division......

[@Lwize]

They had it.

[@lauraallen55]

Magnificent Seven is a must. It's rap! I suppose it's rap/funk/punk. The bass line is insane, and oh, did I mention? It's rap lol! It was early 1980 and Bliondie and The Clash both visited underground music scene in NYC and that's where all the OG rappers were playing at the time. Both Blondie and The Clash were enamored of the sound, and both immediately did a rap song. needless to say, first rap by white people, and probably first mainstream rap songs. No one outside the scene in NYC had any idea what rap was at the time. The long version, preferably the video. Oh yeah, near the end you can hear Joe Strummer say 'fu**in' long innit' lmao! The Clash were legendary and so is Joe Strummer. 'The title alludes to the BBC World Service's station identification: "This is London calling ...", which was used during World War II, often in broadcasts to occupied countries.' Loved the reaction, Lee and Scotty! :) P.S. bitch about the heat all you want. It's one of my pastimes for 6 months of the year where I live lol! It's about 100 degrees every day, or more for three months. We don't even have Fall any more, just more heat. I don't care for heat lol! I hope it cools down there for you soon.

[@lawrencesmith6536]

Totally agree with your comments. Thanks

[@terrycunningham8118]

Do "Janie Jones" next. Much better example of the energy they had in their punk moment.

[@scottjones758]

The crowing makes it!

[@dynodon9182]

You have to do Clampdown. Also try Mick Jones group Big Audio Dynamite. Song E=mc2.

[@stinkfoot9776]

The Sound. Great underrated 80s band. Albums to try From The Lions Mouth and Jeopardy. Do yourself a favour.Peace from uk

[@willswalkingwest7267]

First note to the last, this album is GOLD!!!!

[@victormartinez5580]

Should I stay or should I go and Train in vain are definitely worth hearing

[@lawrencesmith6536]

The only better name for a drummer was for the band X....D.J. Bonebreak. I fuckin love the Clash. I grew up on Tull the Who Beatles Airplane...etc. Got to see them when they opened for the Who. I think their triple album Sandinista is a highly underated record. They really showed their diverse chops on it. Joe Strummer is one of my all time favorite music people. His band The Mescaleros (after the Clash) is also a great band

[@basildavidson4597]

👍🏻

[@TombstoneBlues]

I saw the Clash in Tampa about 40 years ago and it was amazing, even though I was drunk and coked out of my mind. It was awesome.

[@dturasky19]

"Train in vane", next song...you'll thank me

[@MartinLindnerDigital]

do try the clash's reggae-infused singles. "armagiddeon time" in the first place.