The Singles (19CD) [Box Set]

The Clash: Joe Strummer, Mick Jones (vocals, guitar); Nick Sheppard, Vince White (guitar); Bernie Rhodes (synthesizer); Paul Simonon (bass guitar); Topper Headon, Peter Howard, Tory Crimes (drums).

Recording information: 1977 - 1985.

This SINGLES BOX SET is not the only singles set that matters by the only band that mattered (that honor belongs to 2003's THE ESSENTIAL CLASH, a set that has all the great singles in one collection), but SINGLES BOX SET is one gloriously detail-obsessed oddity that will have rabid Clash fans salivating. A wonderful package if nothing else, the set presents all the singles the Clash ever released, each on its own disc that replicates the original sleeve and label artwork. The result is a 19-disc monster, with each disc yielding a handful of tracks as befitting a vinyl 7" or 12".

The collection proves that while the band was revered mostly for their full-length masterpieces--and all newcomers to the Clash must purchase their debut THE CLASH and 1980's LONDON CALLING to really get an understanding of their genius--they could be seen as a great singles band as well. "Clash City Rockers," "Tommy Gun," "London Calling," "Rock the Casbah," and "Should I Stay Or Should I Go" all encapsulate the radio-friendly political fury that was their stock in trade. And any band should be so lucky as to have A-sides as killer as "London's Burning," "Clampdown," "Armagideon Time," "Somebody Got Murdered," and "Lost in the Supermarket"--songs that were all originally released as B-sides to the Clash's "bigger" hits.