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Classic Album Art

Cover Front

The Clash - London Calling

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Classic Album Art

release - 1979
album art - Ray Lowry
Rob Lowry & Pennie Smith


cover front

The album's front cover features a photograph of bassist Paul Simonon smashing his Fender Precision Bass against the stage at The Palladium in New York City on 20 September 1979 during the Clash Take the Fifth US tour.

Pennie Smith, who photographed the band for the album, originally did not want the photograph to be used. She thought that it was too out of focus, but Strummer and graphic designer Ray Lowry thought it would make a good album cover.

In 2002, Smith's photograph was named the best rock and roll photograph of all time by Q magazine, commenting that "it captures the ultimate rock'n'roll moment – total loss of control".


cover back

Cover Back

inspirations

The cover design (photo & lettering) was inspired on the Elvis Presley '56 album. Other artists followed through the years.

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artist

Artist

The Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk. Along with punk, their music incorporated elements of reggae, dub, funk, ska and rockabilly. The Clash's politicised lyrics, musical experimentation, and rebellious attitude had a far-reaching influence on rock, alternative rock in particular. For most of their recording career the Clash consisted of Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon and Nicky Headon. After some line-up changes the group finally disbanded in early 1986.

Their third album, London Calling, released in the UK in December 1979, earned them popularity in the United States . It was declared the best album of the 1980s a decade later by Rolling Stone magazine.


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