19. Julie’s Been Working for the Drug Squad (Give ‘Em Enough Rope, 1978)
I love the relentless sunshine in this song, and the bored guy in the background (Mick Jones?) who says, “Hi, man” after Strummer sings: “Everybody’s high high high…” I’m sure compared to many Clash tunes, this feels like tossaway fluff, but it’s one of my personal faves.
Further listening: Rudie Can’t Fail (London Calling, 1979)
Covers: Not many. Here’s one.
18. English Civil War (Give ‘Em Enough Rope, 1978)
Turning the old kids rhyme, “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” into an anti-war anthem. Brilliant.
Further listening: The Call Up (Sandinista!, 1980)
17. Washington Bullets (Sandinista!, 1980)
A song that simultaneously shames the U.S. for its use of the military and Communism for its treatment of the Buddhist monks, and then tosses in the press for failing to cover it. One thing that made The Clash special was their ability to use the punk ethos in complex messaging—how many bands can make compelling songs about foreign policy?
Here’s a cool article about this song.
Further listening: Kingston Advice (Sandinista!, 1980)
Covers:
