Clash

The UK ‘punk’ movement started in the second half of the 70s in an explosion of noise, anger and diversity of sound. London-based band The Clash were at the forefront of the new movement. They formed in 1976 around the twin guitar attack of Joe Strummer and Mick Jones and played their first gig in the northern city Sheffield in July that year, supporting the Sex Pistols. Although punk flag-bearers, The Clash’s albums are far from predictable, covering reggae, ska, straight-ahead rock and dub. But always with a social conscience and political bite. Recommended: The self-titled 1977 debut, The Clash, and the classic London Calling.