The Clash - Self Titled question

[DavidMahler]

I'm no expert of the Clash. Which is the more definitive listen The UK version of the Debut or the later American Version. Could you explain why.

Thanks

 

[tru blu]

Well, I tend to think these things depend on which one you heard first. The U.K. version is more straight-on, full-throttle…it upshifts thru the red lights. The U.S. version offers a wider survey of what they'd been up to since the original dropped in the U.K., and I think that gives the album more of an arc, creatively speaking. Both are brilliant records, though…it's not like you'll hear either of them and think something's missing—at least I haven't. What a band…

 

[PhaedrusX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tru blu /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well, I tend to think these things depend on which one you heard first...

i agree with this.

both versions are definitive, in the sense that they are both cohesive albums that capture the raw energy of the early Clash. and while purists would probably argue in favor of the U.K. release, i personally favor the later version because that was the one that was imprinted on me, and "(White Man) in Hammersmith Palais" is a standout track which would bother me by its absence.

 

[DarkAngel]

I would have to give the edge to later release US version CD...........

There are 3-4 tracks changed from UK version plus US gets one extra track, I think the changes overall favor US version.......especially opening track "clash city rockers"

Surpised there has not been a deluxe version of debut album that restores all tracks from both versions plus a few other rarities

 

[VicAjax]

i think one song gives the US release the slightest edge: "White Man in Hammersmith Palais," which i think is one of the greatest songs by one of the greatest rock bands ever (if not THE greatest).

i also think "Complete Control" on the US release is great.

the other two US-only tracks, "Jail Guitar Doors" and "Clash City Rockers" are good tunes, but i could give those up for the UK-only tracks like "Protex Blues" and "48 Hours."

 

[DarkAngel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkAngel /img/forum/go_quote.gif Surpised there has not been a deluxe version of debut album that restores all tracks from both versions plus a few other rarities

I was just checking the track list for the 3CD Clash on Broadway collection and basically the 25 track CD1 has all tracks from both UK/US versions of debut CD:

Disc: 1
1. Janie Jones
2. Career Opportunities
3. White Riot
4. 1977
5. I'm So Bored With the U.S.A.
6. Hate & War
7. What's My Name
8. Deny
9. London's Burning
10. Protex Blue
11. Police & Thieves - The Clash, Perry, Lee [1] "Scr
12. 48 Hours
13. Cheat
14. Garageland
15. Capital Radio One
16. Complete Control
17. Clash City Rockers
18. City of the Dead
19. Jail Guitar Doors
20. The Prisoner
21. (White Man) In Hammersmith Palais
22. Pressure Drop - The Clash, Hibbert, Toots
23. 1-2 Crush on You
24. English Civil War
25. I Fought the Law - The Clash, Curtis, Sonny

So for $10-12 used at Amazon this is also something to seriously consider!