The Clash To Reissue London Calling

A classic in every punk-rock sense of the word, The Clash’s London Calling is turning 30 this month. What better time to re-release one of the greatest, most influential albums of all-time!

London Calling: 30th Anniversary Legacy Edition will hit shelves Dec 14th; the package features a remastered version of the 1979 album, a DVD that includes Don Letts’ documentary The Last Testament: The Making of London Calling, three music videos and home movies of the band recording the album in London’s Wessex Studios.

In other Clash news, artwork from London Calling will go to auction in London later this month, according to Digital Spy. The lot consists of sketches, drawings and designs for the cover of the 1979 LP and is expected to fetch up to £70,000. Also up for sale are two rare signed photos from the band.

Also, beginning January 7, 2010, U.K. Royal Mail will be issuing a new series of stamps featuring classic album covers from various British artists. The cover of The Clash’s London Calling made the cut, so if you’re a U.K. resident or in correspondence with somebody who is, get ready to start mailing some very kick-ass letters and cards.

It should be noted that there was, in fact, a 25th anniversary edition of London Calling, but that’s so five years ago. And the 30th Anniversary Legacy Edition does feature a different track listing to the 25th anniversary version of the 1979 record, plus a 20-page booklet and sleeves that replicate the original vinyl.

But basically it’s the same album package with a few bonus goodies tossed in. Actually, the 25th edition had rehearsal tapes (21 demos), The Vanilla Tapes, included, which are not part of the 30th collection. Needless to say some are calling the 30th anniversary re-re-release of London Calling absolutely unessential.

A good, old fashioned money grab? Sure, why not. It’s the music ‘biz. Still, they could re-release London Calling every year for all I care; it’s one of the best albums of all-time. And one of the best album covers ever – top 5 for sure.

London Calling: 30th Anniversary Legacy Edition:

Disc 1:

• 1. “London Calling”
• 2. “Brand New Cadillac”
• 3. “Jimmy Jazz”
• 4. “Hateful”
• 5. “Rudie Can’t Fail”?6. “Spanish Bombs”
• 7. “The Right Profile”
• 8. “Lost in the Supermarket”
• 9. “Clampdown”
• 10. “The Guns of Brixton”
• 11. “Wrong ‘Em Boyo”
• 12. “Death or Glory”
• 13. “Koka Kola”
• 14. “The Card Cheat”
• 15. “Lover’s Rock”
• 16. “Four Horsemen”
• 17. “I’m Not Down”
• 18. “Revolution Rock”
• 19. “Train in Vain”

Disc 2 (DVD):

• The Last Testament: The Making of London Calling
• “London Calling” music video
• “Train in Vain” music video
• “Clampdown” music video
• Home video footage of The Clash recording in Wessex Studios

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