#10: The Clash

Career opportunities, the ones that never knock

"And then I heard it like a shot through my skull to my brain. I felt my finger tips tingle and it started to rain"-The Gaslight Anthem

Starting off the top ten are The Clash. The top ten will have 20 favorite songs

Wiki Says: The Clash were an English punk band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk rock. Along with punk, their music incorporated elements of reggae, ska, dub, funk, rap, dance and rockabilly. For most of their recording career, The Clash consisted of Joe Strummer (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Mick Jones (lead guitar, vocals), Paul Simonon (bass guitar, backing vocals, occasional lead vocals) and Nicky "Topper" Headon (drums, percussion). Headon left the group in 1982, and internal friction led to Jones's departure the following year. The group continued with new members, but finally disbanded in early 1986.

The Clash achieved commercial success in the United Kingdom with the release of their debut album, The Clash, in 1977. Their third album, London Calling, released in the UK in December 1979, brought them popularity in the United States when it came out there the following month. Critically acclaimed, it was declared the best album of the 1980s a decade later by Rolling Stone magazine.

The Clash's politicized lyrics, musical experimentation and rebellious attitude had a far-reaching influence on rock, alternative rock in particular. They became widely referred to as "The Only Band That Matters", originally a promotional slogan introduced by the group's record label, CBS. In January 2003, the band—including original drummer Terry Chimes—were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked The Clash number 30 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

Discovery: The Clash (1977)

Give 'Em Enough Rope (1978)

London Calling (1979)

Sandinista! (1980)

Combat Rock (1982)

Cut the Crap (1985)

Bands on "Burning London: A Tribute to The Clash": No Doubt, The Urge, Ice Cube, Rancid, Third Eye Blind, Indigo Girls, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, 311, The Afghan Wings, Cracker, Silverchair, Moby, Heather Nova

Favorite Songs: 20. White Riot

19. Should I Stay or Should I Go?

18. Wrong 'Em Boyo

17. Career Opportunities

16. Train in Vain (Stand by Me)

15. I'm So Bored With the U.S.A.

14. Clash City Rockers

13. Somebody Got Murdered

12. Washington Bullets

11. Midnight Log

10. Brand New Cadillac

9. The Guns of Brixton

8. Hateful

7. Straight to Hell

6. Police On My Back

5. The Magnificent Seven

4. Spanish Bombs

3. Safe European Home (Favorite song all time #83)

2. (White Man) In Hammersmith Palais (Favorite song all time #31)

1. Rudie Can't Fail (#22)

Years Active: 1976-1986

The Clash are easily the most influential band on this list. They're punk was different from The Ramones. They played many other genres, and weren't afraid of what people thought of them. There isn't really anything I can say here that give justice to exactly how good The Clash were, so I'm just going to go straight to the videos.

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