This book follows the format of the other Martin Books. The author chronologically presents the albums and the stories behind the songs. Some background information on the band members is also included. I really enjoy all the illustrations. As others have pointed out the singles are not included. I think that information could have been included at the end. But do enjoy what is here. The stories are fun and the illustrations are wonderful. Enjoy with the soundtrack of the only band that matters.

Must have overview of The Clash in all their glory peppered with some fantastic photographs and ephemera; some of the "rock writing" style used here gets under my damn skin in that hyperbolic, overly-serious yet painfully hip way, so watch out if you have a low tolerance for comparing guitar riffs to mortar fire, for example. A strong recommend, if parsed out in bits and pieces.

The book is an interesting take and although it lacks the history of the group, we do get centred information around their albums and songs in full details. The interesting thing is that Popoff is able to delve deep into his understanding and background history of the songs and recordings as a whole. It is very seldom that the average punter gets an in-depth look at the output more than what you will find in this publications.

Beautifully presented with album cover art, photographs and single art work, this is a masterclass on how to put a book together. If you are not a fan of this classic group, this book may leave you a little cold or it may open your mind to check it out and dive into the phenomena which is The Clash.

The only downfall would be the lack of some more background on the group itself, dynamics and overall group but again, this information is pretty easy to source through internet and other books about this group as a whole. The back catalogue of information is really where this book is focussed and it does shine in this respect.

This is a definite for any fan of The Clash and those with a mild interest in performance, song writing and musical architecture of song and recording building. It may not be for everyone but those who decide to bask in the glory of the music, album and songs will not be disappointed.

I didn't know much about this band, but appreciated the way they incorporated various musical styles and current films. I liked the format of this book more than the Pink Floyd book, even if I generally prefer Floyd's music.

I love the format of this book and others like it such as Pink Floyd by the same author. It's easy to turn to the pages about your favourite album and find out lots of details about the reasons behind each song and lots of other information besides. Plenty of great photos and lovely for just browsing. Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC.

The Clash is my favourite band.
It’s had some strong competition over the years most recently in the form of the Artic Monkeys. But the Clash still reigns supreme. They proved to be so much more than just a punk band, developing and growing to produce some real classics.

I was 14 years old when punk started and I loved it. Even now, so many years later it still occupies a large portion of my playlist.

This book is for Clash fans. It’s about the albums and the songs and it makes for fascinating reading. We’re given information on each album and every song.
For example the song Garageland was written in response to a negative review by Charles Shaar Murray. He referred to them as a garage band that should essentially go back to the garage, close the door and leave the engine running.

After reading this I think it’s time to mix up my playlist again (something I aim to do every couple of months).
At the moment it contains:
White Man in Hammersmith Palais. (Actually it always contains this since it’s my favourite).
Career Opportunities
Car Jamming
London’s Burning
Safe European Home
Lost in the Supermarket
Overpowered by Funk

It’s so difficult to pick just a few each time.
I remember my parents saying punk wouldn’t last, it was just people who couldn’t play or sing and in five years time they’d all be forgotten.

Well for me they live on and books like this bring all the memories and feelings back.
Along with The Clash I always have several Sex Pistols tracks and usually some Siouxsie and the Banshees, Buzzcocks, Stiff Little Fingers and The Stranglers on my playlist.

My one regret is that I never saw them live.

I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley.

Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Voyageur Press for hookin' me up with a copy!

Let me start off by saying Martin Popoff is a research genius.
The guy can find out anything about everything.
This book was no exception.
If you haven't read any of his work, get on it!
He gave me the history and inspiration of every album and every song by The Clash.
It was amazing learning weird little facts behind some of my favourite Clash lyrics and how the ideas for them came to fruition. The details behind Janie Jones were particularly scandalous!
If you like The Clash...or even if you don't...pick this one up and give a read.
There's a bunch of cool press shots and facts for anyone who likes music!

🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

THE CLASH gives you an insider’s look at this iconic punk band by veteran music journalist Martin Popoff. Includes elegant descriptions of the group’s 100+ tracks, with photos, posters, album art, and more of interest to the rabid fan, of which there are legion. Terrific bio! 5/5

Grateful to the Quarto Publishing Group - Voyageur Press and NetGalley for the early copy, in exchange for my true review.

#TheClash #NetGalley

Through short but descriptive essays on - you guessed it - each album and each song, the evolution of The Clash unfolds, as does the state of music and the world during the time (both in England and all over the globe, thanks to Joe and The Clash's willingness to "be political"). These are accompanied by tons of great photos, record artwork, posters, fliers and ticket stubs. A really great look at "the only band that matters."

This is basically Clash 101, a light and fast introduction for people who don't know much about one of the most important bands in the history of punk rock -- and a pretty important one in the history of rock, period.

Popoff's book, heavily illustrated, looks at each of the songs on the Clash's six studio albums, giving a brief intro to each album followed by a few paragraphs on each song. There's a mix of technical commentary, musical context, and personal opinion in each song review. While the book claims to cover all the albums, all the songs, it would be more accurate to say it covers all the songs on the studio albums. Non-album songs from EPs and singles are generally mentioned in passing. There are also a few interviews here and there with people who were part of the Clash story.

It's a pretty brisk read, thanks to the large number of images (band photos, record covers) and the colourful layout (short blocks of text on pages with a lot of empty, not necessarily white, space). Serious Clash fans have other options. Newcomers may find this a helpful guide while listening to the Clash's albums.

Popoff is one of the most knowledgeable rock critics out there. Here, he gives us song by song and album by album the Clash, one of the most amazing rock-punk bands ever. Filled with bright popping photos, this book is your one-stop sourcebook on the Clash. Read it through once and then return to it as you listen to the different tracks. Somehow I always thought their catalog was bigger. And at any rate, all these songs are required to be played at maximum volume.