THE CLASH - HITS BACK / SOUND SYSTEM

 

This week the Clash have two separate and quite different pieces of merchandise out.  I haven't got either of them (yet) but here are a few observations.

Firstly there is the Clash - Hits Back, a two CD compilation featuring studio versions of the 23 song set list from the 1982 Brixton Fairdeal show, plus 8 additional 'iconic' tracks (and a reproduction of the original setlist, handwritten by Joe Strummer). 

The second release is The Clash Sound System, featuring the first five albums (it excludes The Clash Mark II's Cut The Crap) all remastered and various other odds and sods all packaged in a replica boom box designed by Paul Simonon. 

The question is do we really need either of these reissued products?

There have been plenty of Clash reissues and compilations over the years.  All the albums were remastered several years ago and the various compilations have all been fairly comprehensive, Singles, The Story of, The Essential, On Broadway, Hits, there's five right off the top of my head, not to mention the singles boxed set a few years back.

The Clash Hits Back intrigues me, it's not your typical greatest hits, so will it appeal to the casual fan? It's a nice concept (I do like the look of the packaging and the repro Joe set-list) but anybody who is more than a casual fan will already have all the tracks,  So maybe a live album of the gig may have been more appealing but we've already got Live at Shea Stadium and From Here To Eternity not to mention the 100s of live bootlegs readily available.

The Sound System is a bit meatier.  It's got the first five albums, remastered by the remaining members (London Calling is now spread over two disks, Sandinista three).  A further three discs featuring , non-album singles, B-sides, rarities, demos, and live tracks most of which has been previously available.  There is also a DVD with previously unseen footage by both Don Letts and Julien Temple, original promo videos and live footage.  It also includes a "Service Manual" (a hardback guide to the contents of the box set), Dog Tags, 5 Badges, 3 DIY Stickers, The Clash Paperback Book (blank!), The Clash Folder, Armagideon Times Special Edition (36 pages), Armagideon Times 1 (Reprint - 24 pages), Armagideon Times 2 (Reprint - 24 pages), 2 Bumper Stickers, The Clash Vintage Sticker Set and a 15" x 15" Poster. Most fans will have most of the CD content already.  Most non fans will be discouraged from topping up their collections by the hefty price tag - not much change from a hundred quid (but price wise it is still cheaper than box set reissues by The Pistols and other rock stars) .

So just who is this aimed at?  Well I guess it's aimed at people like me.  We all know there is very little unreleased material worth getting hold of (The Vanilla Tapes released with the 25th anniversary version of London Calling were intriguing but there was no long term appeal for me - I tend to skip over most of those tracks these days) I still play the Clash every week.  The remastered versions are supposed to offer something new which does sound appealing.  If I thought the revenue from these releases were going purely into the pockets of the remaining members then that would soften the blow somewhat but we all know that won't be the case. 

But there is still something alluring about all of this.  They were the greatest rock n roll band of all time and to this day they continue to have a massive impact on my life. The cynical part of me (maybe the more realistic part of me) knows I don't need either of these products.  I can't afford them and if I could I'd be wiser to blow the cash on new bands.  But I am a sucker for a box set and those badges and stuff make me feel about 15 again.

So do we need these reissues?  Probably no.

Do I want one?  Fuck yes!

And you've got to admit, it looks fucking great?

Dear Santa...