Worldwide many places recognize February 7th as International Clash Day. This is fitting because with the current state of political turmoil their music has never mattered more.
Previously we looked back at ten of their notable protest songs. The band has also been inducted into the Protest Music Hall of Fame.
Right now we will look back on ten notable covers of The Clash tunes. I was intentionally trying to avoid covers which were too stylistically similar. The eclectic nature of the artists demonstrates the depth of the band’s influence.
Know Your Rights – Primal Scream (1997)
The original appeared on The Clash’s 1982 album Combat Rock. The Scottish alt-rock band’s heavy psychedelic rendition appeared as a B-side to their single “Kowalski.”
Straight To Hell – Moby and Heather Nova (1999)
Another tune originally from Combat Rock, and arguably the most poignant tune that the band ever recorded. Moby and Heather Nova sombre reworking appeared on the 1999 compilation album, Burning London: The Clash Tribute.
Clampdown – Indigo Girls (1999)
Another cover which appeared on Burning London. The tune originally appeared on The Clash’s 1979 landmark album, London Calling. The slower folky reworking doesn’t water down the potent lyrics.
I’m Not Down – Thea Gilmore (2002)
Another tune which originally appeared on London Calling. The UK singer-songwriter’s spirited take appears on the bonus disc for her album Songs from the Gutter.
Lost In The Supermarket – Emir Kusturica & No Smoking Orchestra (2005)
Another track from London Calling. This pointed critique on consumerism got a raucous retooling by the Serbian rock band. It appeared on a 2005 anti-capitalism compilation album Another World is Possible.
Career Opportunities – Sex Clark Five (2007)
This tune originally appeared on the band’s 1977 debut and they also re-recorded for their eclectic and ambitious 1980s triple album, Sandinista!. This quirky reworking by the underground indie band appears on the tribute album, The Sandinista Project, which features covers of each of 36 tracks that appeared on Sandinista!.
Ivan Meets GI Joe – Jason Ringenberg (2007)
Another tune from The Sandinista Project. Jason Ringenberg is best known as the lead vocalist of the pioneering alt-country band Jason & the Scorchers. Ringenberg transforms the tune into a country ballad with the vocal help of Kristi Rose.
Guns of Brixton – Jimmy Cliff (2011)
This track that originally appeared on London Calling features the lyrics “You see, he feels like Ivan. Born under the Brixton sun. His game is called survivin’. At the end of “The Harder They Come”.”
Since the Reggae legend played Ivan in the classic 1972 film The Harder They Come, it is only fitting that he would eventually cover it. It first appeared on the 2011 Sacred Fire EP and then it appeared on his excellent 2012 comeback album Rebirth.
Ghetto Defendant – Dr. Israel (2012)
Originally appeared on Combat Rock. As one of the more experimental tracks on that album, the tune is well suited to Dr. Israel’s adventurous dub arrangement.
Complete Control – The New Piccadillys (2014)
Originally released as a single in 1977 and featured on the 1979 US release of their debut album, this song was a scathing indictment of their record company. The New Picadillys are a Scottish band who transforms the tune into a 60s style Merseybeat song. It appears on their album, Introducing the New Piccadillys.
Bonus Tracks
Punky Reggae Party – Bob Marley and the Wailers (1977)
Not a cover tune, but could be viewed as a tribute to The Clash (and punk rock in general). Bob Marley named dropped the band and he also wrote the song partly as a positive response to The Clash’s version of Junior Murvin’s “Police and Thieves,” which appeared on their debut album. It was first released as a single in Jamaica and received wide release when a live version appeared on the 1978 live album Babylon On Bus.
Paper Planes – M.I.A. (2007)
Not a direct cover, but does feature a sample of “Straight To Hell.” Even though some stylistic differences, just like The Clash, the British-Tamil artist isn’t afraid to get political. Both tunes address issues connected with racism and immigration.