Album Information:

About The Clash:

The Clash were a British punk rock band formed in 1976 in London. The band was originally comprised of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Joe Strummer, lead guitarist Mick Jones, bassist Paul Simonon, and drummer Nicky 'Topper' Headon. The band's early music was heavily influenced by punk, ska, and reggae, and their political lyrics often dealt with social and economic inequality.

The Clash released their self-titled debut album in 1977, which featured hits like 'White Riot' and 'London's Burning'. Over the next decade, the band released several more successful albums, including 'Give 'Em Enough Rope' (1978), 'London Calling' (1979), 'Sandinista!' (1980), and 'Combat Rock' (1982). Their music evolved over time to incorporate elements of funk, rap, and rockabilly.

One of the defining features of The Clash was their political activism and commitment to social justice. The band's music often addressed issues like police brutality, racism, and global politics. They were also vocal advocates for striking workers and anti-fascist causes.

In addition to their music, The Clash were known for their legendary live performances, which were often marked by confrontations with the police and clashes with audience members. The band disbanded in 1986 following internal conflicts and simmering tensions between band members.

Today, The Clash are considered one of the most important and influential bands in the history of punk rock and popular music. Their politically charged lyrics and eclectic musical style have inspired countless artists and musicians over the years. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.

About the album Combat Rock:

Combat Rock is a highly influential and politically charged album that was released in 1982 by British punk rock band, The Clash. The album was an immediate commercial success, and to this day, it remains a quintessential punk rock album that is revered by many music enthusiasts.

The album features a total of 12 tracks, with a runtime of approximately 46 minutes. It opens with the upbeat and catchy 'Know Your Rights,' which sets the tone for the rest of the album. The track's lyrics express the idea that people should be aware of their human rights and not be afraid to exercise them.

Other notable tracks on the album include 'Rock the Casbah', 'Should I Stay or Should I Go', 'Ghetto Defendant', and 'Straight to Hell.' 'Rock the Casbah' was one of the most commercially successful songs on the album, and its infectious hook and catchy chorus still resonate with audiences today. 'Should I Stay or Should I Go' is another hugely popular song that has been covered by countless artists, and it features a memorable guitar riff and raw vocals that epitomize the punk rock aesthetic.

Musically, the album is a blend of punk rock, reggae, and funk, showcasing The Clash's versatility and willingness to experiment with different sounds. Lyrically, the album is highly political and socially conscious, addressing issues such as war, poverty, and government corruption.

Overall, Combat Rock is a brilliant album that showcases The Clash's incredible songwriting skills, musical prowess, and fearless approach to tackling political issues. It remains a timeless classic that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire new generations of musicians and music enthusiasts.

Members:

The key members of The Clash were:

1. Joe Strummer - lead vocals, guitar
2. Mick Jones - guitar, vocals
3. Paul Simonon - bass guitar, vocals
4. Topper Headon - drums

Complete biographies:

1. Joe Strummer
Joe Strummer, born John Graham Mellor, was the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for The Clash. He was born in Turkey in 1952 but raised in London. Before joining The Clash, he played in a number of different bands. Strummer was also involved in political activism and was known for his left-wing views. He passed away in 2002 from a heart attack.

2. Mick Jones
Mick Jones played lead guitar and provided backing vocals for The Clash. He was born in London in 1955 and began playing music at a young age. Before co-founding The Clash, he played in a number of lesser-known bands. Jones left The Clash in 1983, but continued to work in the music industry as a producer and songwriter.

3. Paul Simonon
Paul Simonon was the bassist for The Clash and also provided backing vocals. He was born in London in 1955 and was initially interested in becoming an artist before becoming a musician. Simonon remained with The Clash until its disbandment in 1985. He continued to work in the music industry after The Clash, playing with a number of different bands and pursuing a solo career.

4. Topper Headon
Topper Headon played drums for The Clash. He was born in London in 1955 and began playing music as a child. Headon was a relatively new addition to The Clash when the band achieved widespread success and played on some of their most popular albums. Like Jones, he also continued to work in the music industry following The Clash's breakup.

Track List for Combat Rock:

Sure, here's the list of tracks in the album Combat Rock by The Clash, in order with their play time:

1. Know Your Rights (3:39) - An upbeat song that taunts the government and reminds citizens of their rights. The lyrics are a mix of spoken word and singing.

2. Car Jamming (3:58) - A reggae-influenced track that talks about the frustrations of traffic in the city, a theme that is explored in other tracks in the album.

3. Should I Stay or Should I Go (3:09) - One of the band's most iconic songs, this is a fast-paced rock track with catchy hooks and fun lyrics about love and indecision.

4. Rock the Casbah (3:42) - Another hit single from the album, this song is driven by a catchy guitar riff and memorable chorus. The lyrics are a commentary on the banning of Western music in Iran.

5. Red Angel Dragnet (3:48) - A darker track that incorporates spoken word and eerie background sounds to tell a story of urban violence.

6. Straight to Hell (5:30) - One of the longest tracks in the album, this is a haunting song that combines punk, reggae, and folk influences to convey a powerful message about war and social injustice.

7. Overpowered by Funk (4:55) - This track has a funky beat and catchy guitar riffs that speak to the band's experimentation with different genres. The lyrics criticize the commercialization of music.

8. Atom Tan (2:27) - A quick, energetic track that pokes fun at the culture of consumerism and materialism.

9. Sean Flynn (4:32) - A slower, melancholic song that pays tribute to Sean Flynn, a photojournalist who went missing while covering the Vietnam War.

10. Ghetto Defendant (4:45) - A collaboration with beat poet Allen Ginsberg, this track combines spoken word, punk, and jazz elements to create a powerful commentary on poverty and addiction.

11. Inoculated City (2:43) - A fast-paced punk anthem that criticizes the rampant commercialization and destruction of cities.

12. Death Is a Star (3:08) - A slow, brooding track that explores the themes of mortality and fame through its lyrics and haunting guitar melody.

Overall, Combat Rock is an eclectic album that showcases The Clash's versatility and willingness to experiment with different genres and themes. Each track has its own distinct sound and message, while also fitting into the album's overarching themes of social commentary, political satire, and anti-establishment ideals.

Discography for The Clash:

Here is the complete discography for The Clash in chronological order including all albums, all singles, and all other releases with their respective release dates:

Albums:

1. The Clash - April 8, 1977
2. Give 'Em Enough Rope - November 10, 1978
3. London Calling - December 14, 1979
4. Sandinista! - December 12, 1980
5. Combat Rock - May 14, 1982
6. Cut the Crap - November 4, 1985

Singles:

1. 'White Riot'/'1977' - March 18, 1977
2. 'Remote Control'/'London's Burning' - June 16, 1977
3. 'Complete Control'/'City of the Dead' - September 23, 1977
4. 'Clash City Rockers'/'Jail Guitar Doors' - February 17, 1978
5. '(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais'/'The Prisoner' - June 16, 1978
6. 'Tommy Gun'/'1-2 Crush on You' - November 24, 1978
7. 'English Civil War'/'Pressure Drop' - February 23, 1979
8. 'The Cost of Living EP' - May 11, 1979
9. 'London Calling'/'Armagideon Time' - December 7, 1979
10. 'Bankrobber'/'Rockers Galore...UK Tour' - August 8, 1980
11. 'The Call Up'/'Stop the World' - August 29, 1980
12. 'Hitsville UK'/'Radio One' - December 5, 1980
13. 'The Magnificent Seven'/'The Magnificent Dance' - March 6, 1981
14. 'This Is Radio Clash'/'Radio Clash' - November 20, 1981
15. 'Know Your Rights'/'First Night Back in London' - February 26, 1982
16. 'Rock the Casbah'/'Long Time Jerk' - September 10, 1982
17. 'Should I Stay or Should I Go'/'Straight to Hell' - November 23, 1982
18. 'This Is England'/'Do It Now' - September 28, 1985

Other Releases:

1. Capital Radio EP - July 1977
2. Black Market Clash - May 1980
3. The Clash on Broadway - October 19, 1991
4. Super Black Market Clash - May 1, 1994
5. From Here to Eternity: Live - October 12, 1999
6. The Essential Clash - March 11, 2003
7. Live at Shea Stadium - October 6, 2008
8. 5 Album Studio Set - September 9, 2013
9. The Clash Sound System - September 10, 2013.