Once billed as “The Only Band That Matters,” The Clash charged onto the London punk scene in the footsteps of The Sex Pistols in 1976. Fusing music and politics, the band was as adventurous with their music as they were with their message.
This album, “Live at Shea Stadium,” was recorded in 1982 in New York, while The Clash was opening for The Who. Reportedly mixed from tapes the late singer/guitarist Joe Strummer found while moving, this recording hit shelves earlier this month.
The Clash opens its set with “London Calling,” with Strummer cackling like a rooster for the pending apocalypse. The band is full of energy, drive and vision with its staccato hammer attack on the problems of 1979.
“We’d like to take you to New York, to Jamaica and back,” calls out Strummer before the band launches into a medley of “The Magnificent Seven” and “Armagideon Time.”
“The Magnificent Seven” is The Clash’s attempt at hip-hop, which was in its infancy at the time. “Armagideon Time” is The Clash’s stab at Jamaican dub music.
Certain songs pack an even greater punch live than the studio versions. The live version of “Guns of Brixton” is absolutely incredible, though the studio version wasn’t exactly lacking. “Clampdown,” “Spanish Bombs,” and “Tommy Gun” all pack a wallop live.
“Train In Vain,” The Clash’s breakthrough dance hit in America, is just as infectious live as it was in the studio, while the cover of Sonny Curtis’ “I Fought The Law” lacks energy and isn’t as sharply played.
“Should I Stay or Should I Go” sounds excellent, and exhibits the arena-rock direction that The Clash was heading toward at the time. “Rock The Casbah” sounds weak, possibly since drummer Topper Headon, who created the song, had recently been kicked out of the band for his heroin addiction.
Headon had been replaced by original Clash drummer Terry Chimes (a.k.a. Tory Crimes). While Chimes fills the bill, he lacks the drive and sophistication of Headon, who is recognized as one of the best punk drummers of all time.
The production quality of this album is excellent, especially when compared with other live punk recordings of the day. The set has only one song from the band’s punk-heavy, self-titled first album, and could have used more. This album is not for the casual listener, but for a college-aged Clash fan, this is the closest we will ever get to see them live.
GRADE: (3.5/5)