The Clash
This British quartet is enjoying the biggest roar among the next wave of New Wave bands. But this third Clash LP, a double, is about three and a half sides too long, and full of cuts that are strident, '60s-derived rock. Most of the vocals by Joe Strummer are rough and irritating. The Guns of Brixton, on the other hand, is good reggae-rock (but not as good as the Police). There are a few strong, mean rock tracks, and The Right Profile has a hot sax solo. Train in Vain, the most substantial cut (a last-minute addition not listed on the jacket), has a well-textured pop-rock sound and is the most inventive groove of all 18. Otherwise, it's just Clash clichés; London Calling is a wrong number.
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