By The Clash, 2008

The Clash were the only first-generation punk band capable of (or perhaps interested in) tailoring their up-from-the-gutter firepower to suit arena-size audiences. Here, at last--a decade and a half after their demise--is proof of their substantial stage skills. --Steven StolderTouted for many years as the greatest live band in the world, the only surprise about this live album is that it's taken so long to appear.

Recorded between '78 and '82, it captures the London punk torchbearers in all their fury--Strummer spitting out vocals like every breath is his last, the guitars of Jones and Simenon taut and abrasive. Even after all this time, songs like their debut album's scathing "Complete Control" and the dub-fired "Armagideon Time" blister out of the speakers, sending streams of scouring guitars and tight, chunky reggae rhythms into the atmosphere. Two complaints: no "White Riot," and no songs from Give 'Em Enough Rope, the underrated second album.

Instead we have material from the sprawling Sandinista and disappointing Combat Rock. These are minor flaws though. Buy Live: From Here to Eternity for the first 12 tracks alone.

From the angry, articulate dub of "London Calling" to the full-on force of "I Fought the Law," this is punk at its pinnacle. --Everett True

Similar to 0 things you like: