AMG Review of Collection: The Clash/London Calling/Combat Rock [2004 Long Box]

Thom Jurek
All Music Guide

In 2004, the folks at Sony repackaged the Clash's self-titled debut, London Calling, and Combat Rock in a three-disc longbox. In 2005, they decided to save on packaging and reissued the very same set in a slipcase as part of its Collection series. The merits of the records are well known to anyone who has spent any time listening to the band. In characteristic Sony fashion, they released these three together perhaps because they were the most commercially successful titles the band ever recorded. The Clash was first and was released in two versions between the U.S. and U.K., London Calling was the band's third album, while Combat Rock was their fifth. London Calling is a great place to start, though most hardcore fans still swear by their first. Combat Rock has its moment and netted a slew of hits, but it remains far inferior to London Calling.