The Clash - Combat Rock

In addition to bands, I'm going to write posts about specific albums when I feel like there's enough awesome-ness to warrant it. The Clash's Combat Rock is certainly in that category.

I like The Clash. I'm familiar with their iconic London Calling and Give 'Em Enough Rope albums but to me nothing can compare to Combat Rock. I suppose it's a little odd because arguably it's their least "punk rock" album. It's arty, experimental and a whole lotta fun everytime to listen to. Let's examine some of the stand-out tracks in detail:

• Straight to Hell - A fantastic song with a strange, winding quality to it somewhat reminiscent of oriental music. Some great atmospheric qualities in this one
• Overpowered by Funk - No, it's not a song about what happens when you don't bathe for a week (although that would be rather punk). Instead it's what the title implies - a funk song. And it's a good one! Not really disco-influenced, more a jangly, trebly form of blue-eyed dance music not unlike the music of !!!.
  
• Sean Flynn - This one might be my favorite song on this album. Talk about atmosphereic - I always feel like I'm lying in a tent somewhere in the jungle just before an afternoon rainstorm. It's transporting to listen to.
• Inoculated City - In simple, English-nursery-rhyme style these guys break down exactly how the military-industrial-complex works. It's a short, barely 2 minute track but a powerful one nonetheless.

So you might be wondering why I haven't mentioned the two tracks that this album is better known for: Rock the Casbah and Should I Stay or Should I Go. Partially, I didn't want to devote space here to every track but partly I don't think either one is where the album really shines. Don't get me wrong, they are both great tracks and deserve the acclaim (and radio play) they've gotten. I get off a little more listening to the four tracks I list above. Either way - run, don't walk and go get this album!