The Clash - "London Calling" (1979)

A double album is all too often synonymous with self-indulgence or a lack of creative discipline. In the final few weeks of the ’70s The Clash released their third album London Calling, a 19-track double album which is neither of the above. And, at only the cost of a standard single LP release, it was a bargain. The record’s lyrics tackle a multitude of social and political issues, such as social displacement, racial conflict, unemployment and drug. Owing to each band member’s individual influences, London Calling also expertly blends a range of musical styles, including reggae, ska, jazz, rockabilly and pop to name a few. Frontman Joe Strummer once mused that one of the things that makes The Clash so great was that all four of them contributed something different - that’s certainly true here and it shows, displaying the confidence and craft of a band in their prime.

Pennie Smith took the cover photograph of bassist Paul Simonon smashing his Fender Precision bass (the remains which are now on display at the Cleveland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) on stage at The Palladium in New York. Smith wasn’t keen on the photo but the band, along with their graphic designer Rob Lowry, decided to use it anyway. In a nod to Elvis Presley’s self-titled debut album, Lowry added the distinctive pink and green lettering.

Whilst the band always planned for London Calling to be produced as a double LP, their record label, CBS, were resistant to the idea and insisted instead on a bonus 12-inch single. This ultimately became a full second LP. Original copies also included a printed inner sleeve, featuring lyrics and photos of the band.

The album’s final track, ‘Train in Vain’, was excluded from the LP’s track listing on first pressings, planned instead to be given away through a promotion with NME. This deal fell through and the track was added to the album at the last minute.