Second album by
the Clash released in 1978 in the UK where it got to number 2 in the charts, it was not released in the USA until 1979. It is a progression from the punk sound of their eponymous
debut, with producer
Sandy Pearlman the songs are slower and the sound less raw. This was the album that saw
Topper Headon replace
Terry Chimes on drums. The title is an obvious play on the bands desire to broaden their musical horizon, however the songs remain around the
three minute mark.
I wouldn't say that this is the Clash's finest album; check out London Calling for that, and their debut possesses a greater zest and makes a bigger impact than this. However Tommy Gun and Safe European Home are up their with the best Clash songs. Track listing follows:
- Safe European Home
- English Civil War
- Tommy Gun
- Julie's been working for the Drug Squad
- Last Gang in Town
- Guns on the Roof
- Drug-Stabbing Time
- Stay Free
- Cheapskates
- All the Young Punks (New Boots and Contracts)