In episode #23 of Classic Rock Album Olympics music historians Gary Wenstrup and Robert Rodriguez discuss London Calling by The Clash and award their gold, silver and bronze medals accordingly.
Medal Winners
Lost
In The Supermarket
Spanish
Bombs
The
Right Profile
Rudie
Can’t Fail
Clampdown
Train
In Vain
London Calling by The Clash was released in the U.S. in January 1980, marking a turning point not just for the band but for late-1970s rock. Expanding far beyond their early punk sound, the double album blends reggae, ska, rockabilly, R&B, and pop into a politically charged yet musically adventurous statement that captured the turbulence of the era—economic decline, nuclear anxiety, and social unrest—while still delivering sharp songwriting and energy.
The album is considered the most “musical” punk album and its most ambitious.
The core lineup featured Joe Strummer (lead vocals, rhythm guitar + lyrics), Mick Jones (lead guitar, vocals + music), Paul Simonon (bass), and Topper Headon (drums). The album was produced by Guy Stevens with mostly just 1 or 2 takes for each song.
While the album only reached #27 on the U.S. Billboard 200, its reputation grew steadily, and it is now widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time. The lone single released from the album in the U.S. was “Train in Vain.” The song was added at the last minute and unlisted on early pressings, reaching #23 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Critically, London Calling has been celebrated for its ambition and range, often cited alongside landmark albums in rock history for its fusion of genres and its ability to translate political urgency into compelling music.
Its iconic cover—featuring Simonon smashing his bass, photographed
by Pennie Smith—echoes the design of Elvis Presley’s debut album, visually linking past and present while signaling a reinvention of rock tradition.
Original album title: The Last Testament
For more information: Route 19 Revisited: The Clash and
London Calling by Marcus Gray
Bonus Tracks
Vanilla
Tapes – The Clash
London
Calling - The Clash
Guns
Of Brixton – The Clash
Clampdown
– Bruce Springsteen
The
Clash - Live on Fridays 1980
Track Listing
Side One
London Calling
Brand New Cadillac
Jimmy Jazz
Hateful
Rudie Can’t Fail
Side Two
Spanish Bombs
The Right Profile
Clampdown
The Guns of Brixton
Side Three
Wrong ‘Em Boyo
Death Or Glory
Koka Kola
The Card Cheat
Side Four
Lover’s Rock
Four Horsemen
I’m Not Down
Revolution Rock
Train In Vain
Hashtags
#TheClash #LondonCalling #PunkRock #ClassicAlbums
#MusicHistory #JoeStrummer #MickJones #PaulSimonon #TopperHeadon
Contact Info
Website: Gary Wenstrup
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