@@sethrogaine Five of the six sides match the quality of London Calling. I’ll give you that the sixth one is weak, but if it was a double album it’d go toe to toe with LC
This is one of those exceptionally rare multi-disc albums that has all great songs with no filler. Usually the artist will record as they always do for a single-disc album, but instead of sorting and chucking out the worst of the lot they simply mingle the garbage with the stronger songs. But this one is all fantastic songs.
If you’re gonna do Quadrophenia during double album December then you have to dress up as Steph from the movie as you are the double of Leslie Ash who played her. Also the fact that you hate Thatcher makes me love you even more! 🥰
I totally get the perception that Sandinista! is a hot mess, but I love it! It's audacious and rambling, which I appreciate, but on those three disks are at least two albums of songs nearly as good as those on London Calling.
Wow, Abigail, thank you for making me part of your very first double album December Friday. I was not sure after which song the guitar smash up took place, but White riot, because of its speed and angst seemed like the logical choice, and you confirmed it by checking the setlist, so thank you. That's what I love about your show, the attention to detail, and all in all you did this classic justice. Keep kicking out the jams girl!!
hey everybody thank doc for telling his story! thank you SO much for your perspective - i tried to send a follow-up email saying as much but it wouldn’t go through!
@@abigaildevoe it was my honor & a gas gas gas to offer my perspective. Don't worry about the email not going through. It could've been a glitch on my phone. Sometimes when I go above a certain amount of allotted gigabytes, I might not receive a text or email or even go offline for a couple of minutes. Anytime you need something extra to make the video better, I'm glad to help. Break almost over. Gotta get back to work...
I was in the UK at the time of release and bought this at Fox's records in Nottingham with the Fox hype sticker on the front 3.99 pounds!!.... (UK first edition) I saw them in Melbourne and they played for over 3 hours. Great band, great times.
Pure punk albums are normally a dud with me (Mainly because they sound too "busy" on most occasions), but when they're mixed in with other elements, that's when they really spring to life, case in point, this album. To me they feel like punk's equivalent to Bowie to an extent. They both frequently shifted around the rock spectrum, but always somehow stayed true to the roots of what they were aiming for. Marquee Moon will forever be my favourite punk album (Even though it's more artsy than normal punk), but this album is excellent in its own way.
It isn't even really a punk album. They encompassed all sortsof musical genres on this. Reggae, ske, rockabilly, soul and even did a Phil Spector type of song with the Card Cheat!
Punk was a Godsend to an angry teenager with a surplus of energy in the corporate soft-rock late 70’s/early 80’s. Loud/fast rules,but yeah,this album showed us that MANY musical forms could exist under the umbrella of “Punk”. Thank you for this Abby,once again you’ve NAILED it. Gotta LOTTA Clash trax that I dig,but @ the moment my faves are prob. Clampdown & title track. Much love & Best of the Holiday Season from our family to yours
thank you, happy holidays to you too! i love how varied punk has been over nearly 55 years of it being around. starts as psych and blues from hell, takes a detour to ska, branches off into new wave at some point, and goes everywhere in between. it's even gone pop a few times! it's the adventure of a lifetime
Your love of this album closely matches mine. This is the album that got me out of my 70's hard rock bubble and opened my eyes (or ears?) to other flavors of rock music which I continued to explore in subsequent years and decades. Its consistently in my top 20 albums of all time. Where I do differ from Ms. Devoe is I've always loved side 4 including Train In Vain even if it doesn't quite fit. For me, a great song is a great song. Doesn't matter where or how it fits.
Hi Abi, knowing you were a post punk girl did you come across Magazines classic first album Real Life. At the time of its release (78) the US was still musically in a desp coma but l notice its starting to get the recognition it deserves.
As someone who, until recently, skipped straight from the Stooges to the Cure and never really got into Punk itself until like a month ago (this album being the main inputus), this video could not have come at a better time.
Geddy Lee, Jaco, and Steve Harris were just a few bassists feeding into the excellent bass of the late 70's. Simon Gallup claims Steve Harris as a primary influence.
Love this album. The Clash could only do what they did with a great drummer and Topper Headon certainly is. The unsung hero who's holding it all down. Disagree about Train in Vain. This is a wide ranging eclectic album and having this almost disco beat song at the end fits as a brilliant unexpected coda to the record. I love Mick's vulnerable vocals and woudn't want London Calling without it at the end.
I'd look at "Train in Vain" again. It may not sound like London Calling-era Clash, but as a piece of pop songwriting, just an earnest, "I would die if you left me" love song, it's borderline genius. As a player, the melody, chords and groove are next-level inspired. There.
What a great surprise review! Played this album so much that I burnt myself out on it for a while because it's so good but thankfully it's back in my regular rotation after letting that cool off a bit. Guns of Brixton is the peak of many great highlights. Excellent Double Album December!
imagine being paul simonon: the first song you ever write is one of the best, if not THE best, on its album. AND you're the star of the cover - the most iconic photo in rock-and-roll history!
I can't think of a better album to slam the door shut on 70's rock. Such a massive album that shot first and answered questions for what was to come...at least in terms of plugging in and rocking out. There are others that did it, but London Calling set up 80's rock in full representation for those of us who know.
For whatever it's worth, not all rock was soft in '77. In that year, Alice Cooper released Lace and Whiskey, Black Sabbath was on tour supporting Technical Ecstasy, Judas Priest was either out promoting Sad Wings of Destiny or recording Sin After Sin, Thin Lizzy released Bad Reputation after releasing and promoting two other albums in '76, AC/DC released Dirty Deeds in '76 and Let There Be Rock in '77, Queen were still regarded as a hard rock band and released new albums in both '76 and '77 and Neil Young released American Stars and Bars - which featured "Like A Hurricane" which was capable of being a pretty rocky song. I guess the point I'm trying to make is that there was definitely lots of shlock available in 1976 and 1977 (and I include Fleetwood Mac in that lot because I've never liked them), but it wasn't all light and wasn't all shlock before punk wiped the slate clean. Trying to contend that would be startlingly revisionist history. Favorite Clash song? "London Calling." I guess.
Oh, Abby! Sandinista is not a hot mess!!! It’s a wonderful album (emphasis on the “wonder” part. ) Seriously. I advise any listener to take the dog(s) for a long walk and listen to it all the way through without stopping. They’ll be rewarded if they just surrender and let the tracks wash over them. It’s a delightful place to simply get lost for a while.
nice to see an album that allows this woman to exploit her capabilities more fully . In a perfect world " Fathers and Sons" a classic double blues album with one platter recorded live at the super cosmic joy scout jamboree , would be featured on double album December.
'London Calling' is a great album for sure. But there was so much great new music/albums that came out in 1979/1980 that we almost had to schedule specific listen sessions to fit them all in.
Great idea for December! This is possibly my favorite video of yours so far . I love how you mentioned London Calling and Unknown Pleasures both from 1979 and how great the bass guitar stands out . I actually have both album cover posters hanging right above my bass guitar and amp. Also wanted to share that I'm a huge fan of the good songs on Sandinista! Had it been a single album ..... well thats what we all say right ? Thank you for your uploads and keep up the great work !
I believe the reason Paul Simonon trashed his bass was just in a fit of rage from seeing someone in the audience being harassed by a bouncer, don't remember where I heard that, but I heard it at some point.
Spanish bombs is my favorite. "Sandindista" is really one of of the first Worldmusic albums by a white band. For example, Reggae on London Calling sounds like the Police play Reggae, not really, but its not that pure and real as it becomes on Sandindista with Mikey Dread Its really a great adventure through all kind of Music sorts you can imagine. Side 6 is too much, its maybe a bit inconsistent, but you can still take it to every place in the World, and people wil understand. Thankx for great episode!
That’s why The Clash deservedly earned the tag “The Only Band That Matters”….because they didn’t just focus on the Punk elements, they knew when to incorporate other influences - which is why the next album, Sandinista!, was a triple set.
Wonderful work! I got the 12" single London calling/Armagideon time when it came out. Both totally brilliant and worth longer versions. PS Topper Headon was (and luckily still is) a genius. He could play anything - the polar opposite of what punk drummers were supposed to be.
I got the album when it came out, and loved it right away. I was about the same age then as you are now, and your insight and analysis of the album is far above what I could have come up with back then. You never cease to amaze me with all your observations on albums that I have listened to for decades. I haven't listened to this album in a long time. . .time to dust it off. Back then in the runoff groove on each side was a message : Tear . . . down. . .the. . .walls. I don't know if that's on your pressing.
When Scorsese was making Raging Bull he got mad that a setup was taking too long, so he went to his trailer and blasted The Clash. When he came out, things still weren’t ready and he yelled, “It’s more than one side of The Clash! What’s taking so long?!”
He was probably blasting London Calling, Bull was shot in 79. Scorsese checked out a bunch of punk bands when it started gaining momentum. He’d put the needle on an album, listen for a few minutes, then move on to the next band. The Clash was the band he didn’t lift the needle and kept listening.
$10.99 was practically, if not actually, list price in 1980. London Calling was typically selling for $7.99 at the time of its release, maybe less, at least at decent record stores that discounted new LPs. As for myself, I passed on buying this when it came out, instead taping it off an FM broadcast, back in the days when radio stations would play an entire album around the time of its release. However, the station totally omitted Death or Glory, as it contained the F word. But I did buy Sandanista when it came out, for $9.99. Or was it $7.99?
I taped a lot of albums at midnight, when the radio station played them. I remember putting the tape in before bed, setting an alarm for 11:55 PM, waking up, hitting the record button, going back to sleep, then waking in the morning to see what I had.
Learning to play guitar as a 16 year old this album was such a big deal, a very very big deal. It got me thinking in different ways from my coveted Stones collection 62 thru 78. Mick Jones is the true artist and Joe's lyrics and front man Forte is perfect, great bass player Paul and Topper is a top 3 drummer for me. Saw them at the San Francisco Civic Center opening acts English Beat
Joe Ely, musician from Lubbock, Texas, (I saw Bobby Keys playing with Joe Ely late ‘80s when he was in exile from the Stones) got to London on his UK tour and to his surprise, The Clash came backstage to meet him, knew the words to his songs, and offered to show him around town. They talked to him about touring Texas, going to the cities they’d heard about in cowboy movies, and they actually ended up touring together, playing Austin, San Antonio, Laredo, Lubbock, where they took a case or two of beer to Buddy Holly’s grave and sang songs all night. The Clash’s Texas debut was at Armadillo World Headquarters, one of the photos on ‘London Calling’.
I was 13 in ‘77 and my life changed upon hearing The Clash, 2 years later The Clash had transcended punk and became nothing we’d seen before maybe the first World Music band.
My dad grew up in brixton. So i spent a lot of time there too before moving. He remembers the music a lot and Guns of Brixton is one of his favourite songs he says its quite accurate. He said it wasnt the most clean area but he had some of the best times of his life there. Now im into all this music too and i gotta say "Guns Of Brixton" is my favourite, too He remembers the Riots that the song forshadowed too
Take it from me, the Punk Professor. If you want to hear this double album in all its glory you must get an original first pressing on CBS label. That's the British pressing (can be found on Discogs) The US pressing on Epic does not sound nearly as good. The CBS pressing has a HUGE sound that sounds tremendous on a good playback system. It will stun you! Kids, if you've only heard the Epic pressing or the album on a CD, do Willie a favor and seek out the first CBS pressing. You will thank me.
Although I already dropped a reply comment to you, a double album this perfect & f***ing amazing deserves another post. You are the 🐐for adding London Calling to your collection of irresistible, intelligent & incredibly charming & stylish lp reviews. You have my heart & my attention, know that all the work you put into writing, filming & editing these priceless videos is not in vain & this is not just another story. 🖤🍻💗🔥🖤🍻💗🔥🖤🍻💗🔥🖤🍻💗🔥🙏😊
I remember in 6th grade in 1986 i had 2 classmates constantly argue who was better ---Iron Maiden or the Clash. As a fan of Iron Maiden at the time i had no idea what the Clash sounded like, there was no Google, UA-cam or streaming at the time, so I had to wait by the radio. And finally one day the DJ said "Here's the Clash with Train In Vain!" I remember thinking, "this doesn't sound too punkish. Wtf?!" But i still liked the song. Little did i know i had already been exposed to the Clash with their other 80s hits, and it wasn't till a little while later that I found out songs like "Rock The Casbah" were by them. In the end, I couldn't settle the debate as i was a fan of both bands, and still love them both, but whenever i hear Train In Vain I recall being 12 and hearing this song for the first time. What a time to be alive!
Certainly one of the more flawless double albums in rock history. I really love it. Arguably the album to end punk-rock. The Clash, already on this one, left the strict limitations of classic punk behind them. Cool story about the cover shot by Dr Insomnia. Thanks again for your great series, Abby.
Yes, Scorsese's love of the Clash is why we got their cameo in The King of Comedy. Actually, I haven't seen it in decades. Was it the whole band or just like Joe and Paul? The 70s Gangs of New York is more fascinating to me than most "great unmade movies" because technically, it was made. I assume De Niro would have played Bill the Butcher. But I wonder who would have filled out the other roles? Daniel Day Lewis would have been great in DiCaprio's role. Though I don't remember if he was doing films that far back.
@@konowd No way! Malcolm McDowall would have been so good! I just assumed De Niro because he was in every New York based film Scorsese did in the 70s. If not Bill the Butcher, I'm sure he would have been in there somewhere. Maybe the Liam Neeson role? Fun fact about De Niro. He's actually more Irish than Italian.
Thanks for the cool, fun video! And don't sleep on "Give 'Em Enough Rope", it's great and way underrated in my opinion. ( "Safe European Home" is one of the all time great opening tracks, if you ask me ). Also, my understanding is that Mick Jones was a HUGE Mott the Hoople fan, and that he especially wanted to work with Guy Stephens on "London Calling". Keep up the good work!
I saw this album doing the rounds on Twitter as today was the album's birthday and everyone was waxing lyrical about it, so I thought I'd give it a listen, and I must say on first impression, it is a fabulous album.
Love the Clash, this album has all the right elements in place. Great songwriting, inventive arrangements and so many different sounds. The Clash have always reminded me of a latter day Mott the Hoople, with their attitude and the way they approached the songwriting. It’s well known that Mick Jones’ favourite band is Mott, and it shows here, and having Guy Stevens ‘produce’ the album, just hammers home that point perfectly.
Sandinista is a mess but it’s a glorious mess! Best not listened to in one sitting. My favorite album from my favorite band. I will concede that London Calling is technically the superior album. Great video!
I sense a review of Aja coming in the future. Maybe next year we can get Dan December!!! Or Steely September. LOL!!! "Abby, when all my dime dancing is through, I run to you for record reviews".
One of my favorite music creations of all time. So many genres that they perfected like it was no big deal. It still holds up to this day. For all the struggle and political turmoil going on during that time, its lined with moments of bliss and sing-a-longs to help people smile in the face of oppression. Great Job @abigaildevoe
@@stereo999 yep, I’ve got a copy of the Sandinista Now radio promo disc and basically pulls all the tracks that were potentially suitable for radio from the rest of the unlistenable experimental fluff that plagues most of the Sandinista triple set. The promo proves theirs a solid single record buried in all that mess.
So many Clash memories. Saw them the first time the played Philly (in '79), with The Undertones opening. Didn't catch The Palladium shows, but went up to NYC with the only other punk in my high school to see them at Bond's, which still ranks as one of the best shows I've ever seen. Favorite song always goes back and forth between Safe European Homes and Jail Guitar Doors.
It's not only Wayne. 'Let me tell you 'bout Pete' is a reference to Peter Green being.. well.. Peter Green. So. Bond's was unreal. It was about two weeks before I graduated high school and it was like some crazy punk rock fever dream. We went to the third show of the run and from the ticketless crowd outside trying to get in to the amazing set that leaned into Sandanista - which, I agree with you, is kind of a mess on vinyl, but whose songs are fantastic live - it was one of the best shows I'd seen them play. The rumor going around at the time was that Sandanista was done as a triple album because the band wanted out of their contract and they knew something stupid like that would most likely tank and make the label drop them. @@abigaildevoe
You had me double checking the day of the week! Sorry for the stream of consciousness. This album came out just as British Ska/2-Tone hit huge with the Specials, Madness etc. So yes, it was something happening at the time. Don Letts (film maker, D.J. and future collaborator with Mick Jones) introduced a lot of punks to Reggae/Ska as he was the fill in DJ at several early punk gigs in London, there were almost no punk records out at the time so he played what he had. Also Rock Against Racism had kicked off about that time in reaction to an on stage drunken drug fuelled racist rant by your favourite problem boy Eric Clapton! Yes, A Clapton Link! Feels like you can't escape him here. Punk and Reggae/Ska artists were on the same bill of just about every fund raiser and awareness gig they had. The scenes were pretty much intertwined. Brixton is a hop, skip and a jump by public transport from me, until about 10-15 years ago it was a huge musical mecca with several bands based in the area and several iconic and cult venues. Mostly British black and/or alternative (Like Carter USM or Alabama 3). The Eddy Grant hit Electric Avenue is about the riots there in 81 where the locals kicked back. That Guns of Brixton baseline is sooo good that it made no#1 without the rest of the song (an early Fat Boy Slim project). London Calling the song, a big project just finishing at the time was the Thames Barrier to prevent high tide flooding of areas of London, London flooding was a genuine threat until that got finished. 3 Mile Island disaster was in the news, the song vocalised a lot of our fears at the time. Train in Vain, OK, you mean does not quite fit on the album theme wise? I mean, it is one of the greatest early Rolling stones songs they never made (come on, close your eyes, you could imagine a just starting Stones playing it). It regularly turns up in top 10 lists from musicians.
Now I wanna hear Mick Jagger and the Stones covering that song lol... I just heard it in my head and it would be awesome... put in some "whoo hoos" in the back..
@@t.c.bramblett617 yeah, I mean the instrumentation is classic early 60's British white boy blues, the harmonica riff seals it, just needs a young Mick on vocals, oh hang on... Which Mick? She's right, there is a LOT of Micks in out music scenes!
This has got to be the only video that matters on UA-cam, well done! Hate to sound like a cop-out but I’ve been fond of all nineteen tracks for so many years now, along with all the improvised flourishes and segways - i.e. “… and bongo beats his specialtyyy” leading to the unplanned addition of ‘Train in Vain’, a little bit of genius. The double disk set are a rock genre collage masterwork.
A fantastic album! :) The Clash insisted that the double album be priced as a single album much to the chagrin of their label. There is a great *single* album in the triple LP, Sandanista!
I have my dads old copy of this LP. The biggest reason for keeping it and not letting him back (he's old and no longer has a functioning turntable, plus my step mum....) is The Guns of Brixton. By far and away my fave Clash song. Noteworthy is that when my son was 5 years old he ruined I Fought the Law for me by constantly requesting it in the car. Happy times😂
Finally, somepunk representation. I know you said something about how punk never really spoke to you, but i feel like theres so many more london callings waiting to be given a shot. I hope you do some more in the future because There is no shortage of great stories documented about these bands. Also side note i bet my life that mellon collie and the infinite sadness will be next years double album december locking in now.
A brilliant dissection of a brilliant album. I think I became tired of it through playing it so often for so long, but your video made me want to put it on LOUD immediately.
Glad you’re finally giving a nod to the later punk/new wave era! Hoping you’ll touch on The Cars, The Go-Go’s, Blondie, Sex Pistols and the Godfather of them all, The Ramones!
Another great album. I like your channel because I almost always learn something new about albums, even when I've known them for years and think I know all there is to know about them. Keep up the good work, Abby! 👍
The first time I heard London Calling, I only enjoyed a handful of tracks but through the years, I’ve grown to love every single one. Train in Vain has always been my favorite but every song has its own personality.
Their debut self titled album is great too! Along with Combat Rock. The song "Straight to Hell" with its iconic sound and beat was sampled by MIA's "Paper Planes"
I seen my first punk rockers when driving thru rapid city south dakota....first time I seen people with hair all colors...big long line of people went all the way down the block.....must have been some punk band in concert.
Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs is my favorite album. London Calling is in my opinion the best album of all time. My favorite songs in London Calling are all of them just like in Layla and Other Assorted love songs. Cheers! 🍻
You had a great week by me. This is my #11 album of all time. My fave songs are Brand New Cadillac and Death or Glory. Bootsy Collins disagrees with you about Train In Vain. So do I. You do realize that the graphics were lifted from Elvis first album, Right? I'm sure someone has mentioned it by now. See your video on The Wall for more on my feelings about this album.
Thanks so much for a great piece. Pleasantly surprised. I didn’t think your scope extended to London punk days. Great research. This was the bands opus, before Topper got addicted, Mick became primadonna and Joes ego got out of control
I love the album and I love the video! Thank you for taking the time to do this. I am enjoying your shows. A thought on the song London Calling. When they talk about "phony Beatlemania", I don't think that they are referring to the Beatles. In the late 70s, there was a Broadway show called Beatlemania. Here is a link about that: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beatlemania_(musical). I think that their comment on phony Beatlemania was that at that time there was no new Beatles project just this odd, unsanctioned replica of Beatlemania and it was a sign of the times. Also, in 1979 Paul McCartney put together a relief concert for the people of Kampuchea (formerly Cambodia) and asked The Clash to participate. They did. It was a hell of a show and the live album is worth a listen. More notes on that here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concerts_for_the_People_of_Kampuchea_(album) . I think if they wanted to dis The Beatles they would not have participated in Paul's show - and it was very much Paul's show. Tell me what you think.
happy double album december!! what’s your favorite clash song? comment below!
"Up In Heaven (Not Only Here)"
Stay Free
Janie Jones and Train In Vain :)
I'm Not Down
Guns of Brixton
Sandinista is a fantastic album and I will die on that hill
Great pitchforks lol
as a single album yes
@@sethrogaine Five of the six sides match the quality of London Calling. I’ll give you that the sixth one is weak, but if it was a double album it’d go toe to toe with LC
If a band can get 2 1/2 sides out of a triple, or 1 1/2 sides out of a double, it's a win.
RIP, mate.
This is one of those exceptionally rare multi-disc albums that has all great songs with no filler. Usually the artist will record as they always do for a single-disc album, but instead of sorting and chucking out the worst of the lot they simply mingle the garbage with the stronger songs. But this one is all fantastic songs.
If you’re gonna do Quadrophenia during double album December then you have to dress up as Steph from the movie as you are the double of Leslie Ash who played her.
Also the fact that you hate Thatcher makes me love you even more! 🥰
Broke the ❤️ of Jimmy in Quadrophenia !
🌹
We Are The Mods, We Are The Mods, We Are, We Are, We Are The Mods!!! 🙌🏽🎉🎉
As a retired Mod I had to visit the alley in Brighton and also the hotel where Sting worked in the film.
I totally get the perception that Sandinista! is a hot mess, but I love it! It's audacious and rambling, which I appreciate, but on those three disks are at least two albums of songs nearly as good as those on London Calling.
Wow, Abigail, thank you for making me part of your very first double album December Friday. I was not sure after which song the guitar smash up took place, but White riot, because of its speed and angst seemed like the logical choice, and you confirmed it by checking the setlist, so thank you. That's what I love about your show, the attention to detail, and all in all you did this classic justice. Keep kicking out the jams girl!!
hey everybody thank doc for telling his story!
thank you SO much for your perspective - i tried to send a follow-up email saying as much but it wouldn’t go through!
@@abigaildevoe it was my honor & a gas gas gas to offer my perspective. Don't worry about the email not going through. It could've been a glitch on my phone. Sometimes when I go above a certain amount of allotted gigabytes, I might not receive a text or email or even go offline for a couple of minutes. Anytime you need something extra to make the video better, I'm glad to help. Break almost over. Gotta get back to work...
@@DoctorInsomnia-qw7us A cool i was there moment!! Thanks for sharing it doc🎅♐️
Thanks @DoctorInsomnia-qw7us!
@@DoctorInsomnia-qw7usThank you, Doc.
Brought this album in my lunch hour at school in '79.. at the age of eleven!.. still got it, still play it..fantastic 🇬🇧😎
wow! you were a way cooler 11 year old than me. the first album i ever bought was dookie by green day, also at 11. dad was thrilled! mom? not so much!
I was in the UK at the time of release and bought this at Fox's records in Nottingham with the Fox hype sticker on the front 3.99 pounds!!.... (UK first edition) I saw them in Melbourne and they played for over 3 hours. Great band, great times.
Pure punk albums are normally a dud with me (Mainly because they sound too "busy" on most occasions), but when they're mixed in with other elements, that's when they really spring to life, case in point, this album. To me they feel like punk's equivalent to Bowie to an extent. They both frequently shifted around the rock spectrum, but always somehow stayed true to the roots of what they were aiming for. Marquee Moon will forever be my favourite punk album (Even though it's more artsy than normal punk), but this album is excellent in its own way.
"London Calling" by The Clash is a very important album of the punk era and consider one of the greatest albums of all time.
It isn't even really a punk album. They encompassed all sortsof musical genres on this. Reggae, ske, rockabilly, soul and even did a Phil Spector type of song with the Card Cheat!
@@karlschneider9479 👍
Punk was a Godsend to an angry teenager with a surplus of energy in the corporate soft-rock late 70’s/early 80’s. Loud/fast rules,but yeah,this album showed us that MANY musical forms could exist under the umbrella of “Punk”. Thank you for this Abby,once again you’ve NAILED it. Gotta LOTTA Clash trax that I dig,but @ the moment my faves are prob. Clampdown & title track. Much love & Best of the Holiday Season from our family to yours
thank you, happy holidays to you too! i love how varied punk has been over nearly 55 years of it being around. starts as psych and blues from hell, takes a detour to ska, branches off into new wave at some point, and goes everywhere in between. it's even gone pop a few times! it's the adventure of a lifetime
Just learned that Should I Stay or Should I Go is supposedly about Ellen Foley (Meatloaf), apparently she had a fling with Mick Jones
Your love of this album closely matches mine. This is the album that got me out of my 70's hard rock bubble and opened my eyes (or ears?) to other flavors of rock music which I continued to explore in subsequent years and decades. Its consistently in my top 20 albums of all time. Where I do differ from Ms. Devoe is I've always loved side 4 including Train In Vain even if it doesn't quite fit. For me, a great song is a great song. Doesn't matter where or how it fits.
"Train In Vain" may not "fit" but it's one of the greatest songs of the '80s. That intro is simply divine.
The band Garbage used the intro as a loop for “Stupid Girl”
gross, abigal said that?
Train in vain is the only clash song i don't like.
it came out in 1979
Train in vain is over hated
Hi Abi, knowing you were a post punk girl did you come across Magazines classic first album Real Life. At the time of its release (78) the US was still musically in a desp coma but l notice its starting to get the recognition it deserves.
A few days ago, believe or not, I picked this album up for free at my local refuse centre and it is in near perfect condition. Great album!!
Abby covering The Clash and it's not even Monday? Merry December to me!
As someone who, until recently, skipped straight from the Stooges to the Cure and never really got into Punk itself until like a month ago (this album being the main inputus), this video could not have come at a better time.
Sounds to me like The Clash be what we commonly call 'Prog'. That would clear up why they ignore the genre boxes, the essence of Prog to my senses.
Geddy Lee, Jaco, and Steve Harris were just a few bassists feeding into the excellent bass of the late 70's. Simon Gallup claims Steve Harris as a primary influence.
Love this album. The Clash could only do what they did with a great drummer and Topper Headon certainly is. The unsung hero who's holding it all down.
Disagree about Train in Vain. This is a wide ranging eclectic album and having this almost disco beat song at the end fits as a brilliant unexpected coda to the record. I love Mick's vulnerable vocals and woudn't want London Calling without it at the end.
I'd look at "Train in Vain" again. It may not sound like London Calling-era Clash, but as a piece of pop songwriting, just an earnest, "I would die if you left me" love song, it's borderline genius. As a player, the melody, chords and groove are next-level inspired. There.
What a great surprise review! Played this album so much that I burnt myself out on it for a while because it's so good but thankfully it's back in my regular rotation after letting that cool off a bit. Guns of Brixton is the peak of many great highlights. Excellent Double Album December!
imagine being paul simonon: the first song you ever write is one of the best, if not THE best, on its album. AND you're the star of the cover - the most iconic photo in rock-and-roll history!
"I'm not supposed to be here today", but you're always more than welcome, as you rock(and yes, pun intended). LOL
I can't think of a better album to slam the door shut on 70's rock. Such a massive album that shot first and answered questions for what was to come...at least in terms of plugging in and rocking out. There are others that did it, but London Calling set up 80's rock in full representation for those of us who know.
For whatever it's worth, not all rock was soft in '77. In that year, Alice Cooper released Lace and Whiskey, Black Sabbath was on tour supporting Technical Ecstasy, Judas Priest was either out promoting Sad Wings of Destiny or recording Sin After Sin, Thin Lizzy released Bad Reputation after releasing and promoting two other albums in '76, AC/DC released Dirty Deeds in '76 and Let There Be Rock in '77, Queen were still regarded as a hard rock band and released new albums in both '76 and '77 and Neil Young released American Stars and Bars - which featured "Like A Hurricane" which was capable of being a pretty rocky song. I guess the point I'm trying to make is that there was definitely lots of shlock available in 1976 and 1977 (and I include Fleetwood Mac in that lot because I've never liked them), but it wasn't all light and wasn't all shlock before punk wiped the slate clean. Trying to contend that would be startlingly revisionist history.
Favorite Clash song? "London Calling." I guess.
It was only the mainstream / radio rock that was pretty shit, the underground, especially in the States was putting out so many great records.
@@xdef1neIronically, the Clash was part of that mainstream radio rock though.
Oh, Abby! Sandinista is not a hot mess!!! It’s a wonderful album (emphasis on the “wonder” part. ) Seriously. I advise any listener to take the dog(s) for a long walk and listen to it all the way through without stopping. They’ll be rewarded if they just surrender and let the tracks wash over them. It’s a delightful place to simply get lost for a while.
It is both a wonderful album and a hot mess.
Take sides 1-4 and add “Charlie Don’t Surf” next to “Washington Bullets” and you have another masterpiece
@@DetroitRockCitizen Exactly. It somehow hangs together in spite of itself.
nice to see an album that allows this woman to exploit her capabilities more fully .
In a perfect world " Fathers and Sons" a classic double blues album with one platter recorded live at the super cosmic joy scout jamboree , would be featured on double album December.
'London Calling' is a great album for sure. But there was so much great new music/albums that came out in 1979/1980 that we almost had to schedule specific listen sessions to fit them all in.
yes 1979 was a HUGE year
Great idea for December!
This is possibly my favorite video of yours so far . I love how you mentioned London Calling and Unknown Pleasures both from 1979 and how great the bass guitar stands out . I actually have both album cover posters hanging right above my bass guitar and amp.
Also wanted to share that I'm a huge fan of the good songs on Sandinista! Had it been a single album ..... well thats what we all say right ?
Thank you for your uploads and keep up the great work !
YES LONDON CALLING!!!!!
I believe the reason Paul Simonon trashed his bass was just in a fit of rage from seeing someone in the audience being harassed by a bouncer, don't remember where I heard that, but I heard it at some point.
Spanish bombs is my favorite.
"Sandindista" is really one of of the first Worldmusic albums by a white band.
For example, Reggae on London Calling sounds like the Police play Reggae, not really, but its not that pure and real as it becomes on Sandindista with Mikey Dread
Its really a great adventure through all kind of Music sorts you can imagine.
Side 6 is too much, its maybe a bit inconsistent, but you can still take it to every place in the World, and people wil understand.
Thankx for great episode!
"I want my disco black and gay" I Fing love you!
just had to clarify what it means when *I* say "disco sucks!"
I hope in the future you do one or more of Chicago’s 4 double albums from their first 5 years ❤
It's a welcome surprise to see you on a Friday. "London Calling" is a masterpiece. Now, sing Michael sing - on the route of the nineteen bus!!
I was at their 83 US Festival show. That might have been the biggest mosh pit of all time.
i believe it!
One of my all time favorite albums. Still have the original copy I bought as soon as it was released in the US.
That’s why The Clash deservedly earned the tag “The Only Band That Matters”….because they didn’t just focus on the Punk elements, they knew when to incorporate other influences - which is why the next album, Sandinista!, was a triple set.
Wonderful work! I got the 12" single London calling/Armagideon time when it came out. Both totally brilliant and worth longer versions. PS Topper Headon was (and luckily still is) a genius. He could play anything - the polar opposite of what punk drummers were supposed to be.
I got the album when it came out, and loved it right away. I was about the same age then as you are now, and your insight and analysis of the album is far above what I could have come up with back then. You never cease to amaze me with all your observations on albums that I have listened to for decades. I haven't listened to this album in a long time. . .time to dust it off. Back then in the runoff groove on each side was a message : Tear . . . down. . .the. . .walls. I don't know if that's on your pressing.
A desert island lp - Flying out on a dc10 tonight
When Scorsese was making Raging Bull he got mad that a setup was taking too long, so he went to his trailer and blasted The Clash. When he came out, things still weren’t ready and he yelled, “It’s more than one side of The Clash! What’s taking so long?!”
haha that’s perfect
He was probably blasting London Calling, Bull was shot in 79. Scorsese checked out a bunch of punk bands when it started gaining momentum. He’d put the needle on an album, listen for a few minutes, then move on to the next band. The Clash was the band he didn’t lift the needle and kept listening.
My fav track off "London Calling" has gotta be 'The Card Cheat'.
$10.99 was practically, if not actually, list price in 1980. London Calling was typically selling for $7.99 at the time of its release, maybe less, at least at decent record stores that discounted new LPs. As for myself, I passed on buying this when it came out, instead taping it off an FM broadcast, back in the days when radio stations would play an entire album around the time of its release. However, the station totally omitted Death or Glory, as it contained the F word. But I did buy Sandanista when it came out, for $9.99. Or was it $7.99?
IIRC I bought Sandinista! for ten bucks.
I remember that!. I bought it for $7.99. What a deal!
14:45
I taped a lot of albums at midnight, when the radio station played them. I remember putting the tape in before bed, setting an alarm for 11:55 PM, waking up, hitting the record button, going back to sleep, then waking in the morning to see what I had.
Learning to play guitar as a 16 year old this album was such a big deal, a very very big deal. It got me thinking in different ways from my coveted Stones collection 62 thru 78. Mick Jones is the true artist and Joe's lyrics and front man Forte is perfect, great bass player Paul and Topper is a top 3 drummer for me. Saw them at the San Francisco Civic Center opening acts English Beat
Joe Ely, musician from Lubbock, Texas, (I saw Bobby Keys playing with Joe Ely late ‘80s when he was in exile from the Stones) got to London on his UK tour and to his surprise, The Clash came backstage to meet him, knew the words to his songs, and offered to show him around town. They talked to him about touring Texas, going to the cities they’d heard about in cowboy movies, and they actually ended up touring together, playing Austin, San Antonio, Laredo, Lubbock, where they took a case or two of beer to Buddy Holly’s grave and sang songs all night. The Clash’s Texas debut was at Armadillo World Headquarters, one of the photos on ‘London Calling’.
I was 13 in ‘77 and my life changed upon hearing The Clash, 2 years later The Clash had transcended punk and became nothing we’d seen before maybe the first World Music band.
The Clash are actually in Scorsese’s King of Comedy, you can see them walking around New York in one scene
My dad grew up in brixton.
So i spent a lot of time there too before moving.
He remembers the music a lot and Guns of Brixton is one of his favourite songs he says its quite accurate.
He said it wasnt the most clean area but he had some of the best times of his life there.
Now im into all this music too and i gotta say "Guns Of Brixton" is my favourite, too
He remembers the Riots that the song forshadowed too
I'm older than you but younger than the folks sending you albums and stories, and I just wanna say: it's good to be here
Sandinista slander however will not be tolerated
Take it from me, the Punk Professor. If you want to hear this double album in all its glory you must get an original first pressing on CBS label. That's the British pressing (can be found on Discogs) The US pressing on Epic does not sound nearly as good. The CBS pressing has a HUGE sound that sounds tremendous on a good playback system. It will stun you! Kids, if you've only heard the Epic pressing or the album on a CD, do Willie a favor and seek out the first CBS pressing. You will thank me.
I saw The Clash at Bonds in NY. A friend had an extra ticket and I reluctantly went. Boy, was I blown away! That performance totally won me over.
Seen them warm up for the Who when this album came .
At Shea Stadium 🏟 !
Although I already dropped a reply comment to you, a double album this perfect & f***ing amazing deserves another post. You are the 🐐for adding London Calling to your collection of irresistible, intelligent & incredibly charming & stylish lp reviews. You have my heart & my attention, know that all the work you put into writing, filming & editing these priceless videos is not in vain & this is not just another story. 🖤🍻💗🔥🖤🍻💗🔥🖤🍻💗🔥🖤🍻💗🔥🙏😊
I remember in 6th grade in 1986 i had 2 classmates constantly argue who was better ---Iron Maiden or the Clash. As a fan of Iron Maiden at the time i had no idea what the Clash sounded like, there was no Google, UA-cam or streaming at the time, so I had to wait by the radio. And finally one day the DJ said "Here's the Clash with Train In Vain!" I remember thinking, "this doesn't sound too punkish. Wtf?!" But i still liked the song. Little did i know i had already been exposed to the Clash with their other 80s hits, and it wasn't till a little while later that I found out songs like "Rock The Casbah" were by them. In the end, I couldn't settle the debate as i was a fan of both bands, and still love them both, but whenever i hear Train In Vain I recall being 12 and hearing this song for the first time. What a time to be alive!
I'm Not Down/Revolution Rock is the great response to the nuclear problems on all of the previous songs. A glimpse of positive at the end of the album
Certainly one of the more flawless double albums in rock history. I really love it. Arguably the album to end punk-rock. The Clash, already on this one, left the strict limitations of classic punk behind them.
Cool story about the cover shot by Dr Insomnia. Thanks again for your great series, Abby.
Thanks I enjoyed this video, Well done
London Calling always got my attentioned when played
it kinda hits the music bone to make me sing along
Martin Scorsese is a big fan of The Clash. He was going to make Gangs of New York in the seventies and he wanted The Clash to do the soundtrack
i didn't know scorcese was a fan! but now that i think of it, makes total sense
Yes, Scorsese's love of the Clash is why we got their cameo in The King of Comedy. Actually, I haven't seen it in decades. Was it the whole band or just like Joe and Paul?
The 70s Gangs of New York is more fascinating to me than most "great unmade movies" because technically, it was made. I assume De Niro would have played Bill the Butcher. But I wonder who would have filled out the other roles? Daniel Day Lewis would have been great in DiCaprio's role. Though I don't remember if he was doing films that far back.
I heard early on Scorsese wanted Malcolm McDowell as Bill the Butcher, he was going for a Clockwork Orange vibe
@@konowd No way! Malcolm McDowall would have been so good! I just assumed De Niro because he was in every New York based film Scorsese did in the 70s. If not Bill the Butcher, I'm sure he would have been in there somewhere. Maybe the Liam Neeson role? Fun fact about De Niro. He's actually more Irish than Italian.
Not sure if it was offered to DeNiro, but wouldn’t surprise me if it was.
Thanks for the cool, fun video! And don't sleep on "Give 'Em Enough Rope", it's great and way underrated in my opinion. ( "Safe European Home" is one of the all time great opening tracks, if you ask me ).
Also, my understanding is that Mick Jones was a HUGE Mott the Hoople fan, and that he especially wanted to work with Guy Stephens on "London Calling".
Keep up the good work!
24 Track !! European Home !
i dig give em enough rope, that's why i'm so mad at myself for not buying it when i saw it!
I saw this album doing the rounds on Twitter as today was the album's birthday and everyone was waxing lyrical about it, so I thought I'd give it a listen, and I must say on first impression, it is a fabulous album.
Another fantastic episode about "the only band that matters". Super pumped for Hunky Dory lol
Released when I was 18 which was the *perfect* time.
Love the Clash, this album has all the right elements in place. Great songwriting, inventive arrangements and so many different sounds. The Clash have always reminded me of a latter day Mott the Hoople, with their attitude and the way they approached the songwriting.
It’s well known that Mick Jones’ favourite band is Mott, and it shows here, and having Guy Stevens ‘produce’ the album, just hammers home that point perfectly.
Sandinista is a mess but it’s a glorious mess! Best not listened to in one sitting. My favorite album from my favorite band. I will concede that London Calling is technically the superior album. Great video!
I sense a review of Aja coming in the future. Maybe next year we can get Dan December!!! Or Steely September. LOL!!! "Abby, when all my dime dancing is through, I run to you for record reviews".
One of my favorite music creations of all time. So many genres that they perfected like it was no big deal. It still holds up to this day. For all the struggle and political turmoil going on during that time, its lined with moments of bliss and sing-a-longs to help people smile in the face of oppression. Great Job @abigaildevoe
i would LOVE to see this have a resurgence, we need a record like this today
My favorite band. I will die on the hill that if you took the 12 best tracks off Sandinista it'd be their best record by a long shot.
i don't disagree! sandinista had the potential to be a REALLY good single album
There was a promo record sent to radio stations called "Sandinista Now!" which was a condensed one-disc version
@@stereo999 yep, I’ve got a copy of the Sandinista Now radio promo disc and basically pulls all the tracks that were potentially suitable for radio from the rest of the unlistenable experimental fluff that plagues most of the Sandinista triple set. The promo proves theirs a solid single record buried in all that mess.
So many Clash memories. Saw them the first time the played Philly (in '79), with The Undertones opening. Didn't catch The Palladium shows, but went up to NYC with the only other punk in my high school to see them at Bond's, which still ranks as one of the best shows I've ever seen. Favorite song always goes back and forth between Safe European Homes and Jail Guitar Doors.
i love stories like these in my comments. what was the bond's show like? i love jail guitar doors too - mostly for the wayne kramer name drop haha
@abigaildevoe I'd heard Jail Guitar Doors hundreds of times before I realized, "Holy shit, this song is about Wayne Kramer!" Cut to: Mind Exploding.
It's not only Wayne. 'Let me tell you 'bout Pete' is a reference to Peter Green being.. well.. Peter Green. So. Bond's was unreal. It was about two weeks before I graduated high school and it was like some crazy punk rock fever dream. We went to the third show of the run and from the ticketless crowd outside trying to get in to the amazing set that leaned into Sandanista - which, I agree with you, is kind of a mess on vinyl, but whose songs are fantastic live - it was one of the best shows I'd seen them play. The rumor going around at the time was that Sandanista was done as a triple album because the band wanted out of their contract and they knew something stupid like that would most likely tank and make the label drop them. @@abigaildevoe
You had me double checking the day of the week!
Sorry for the stream of consciousness.
This album came out just as British Ska/2-Tone hit huge with the Specials, Madness etc. So yes, it was something happening at the time. Don Letts (film maker, D.J. and future collaborator with Mick Jones) introduced a lot of punks to Reggae/Ska as he was the fill in DJ at several early punk gigs in London, there were almost no punk records out at the time so he played what he had.
Also Rock Against Racism had kicked off about that time in reaction to an on stage drunken drug fuelled racist rant by your favourite problem boy Eric Clapton! Yes, A Clapton Link! Feels like you can't escape him here. Punk and Reggae/Ska artists were on the same bill of just about every fund raiser and awareness gig they had. The scenes were pretty much intertwined.
Brixton is a hop, skip and a jump by public transport from me, until about 10-15 years ago it was a huge musical mecca with several bands based in the area and several iconic and cult venues. Mostly British black and/or alternative (Like Carter USM or Alabama 3). The Eddy Grant hit Electric Avenue is about the riots there in 81 where the locals kicked back. That Guns of Brixton baseline is sooo good that it made no#1 without the rest of the song (an early Fat Boy Slim project).
London Calling the song, a big project just finishing at the time was the Thames Barrier to prevent high tide flooding of areas of London, London flooding was a genuine threat until that got finished. 3 Mile Island disaster was in the news, the song vocalised a lot of our fears at the time.
Train in Vain, OK, you mean does not quite fit on the album theme wise? I mean, it is one of the greatest early Rolling stones songs they never made (come on, close your eyes, you could imagine a just starting Stones playing it). It regularly turns up in top 10 lists from musicians.
Now I wanna hear Mick Jagger and the Stones covering that song lol... I just heard it in my head and it would be awesome... put in some "whoo hoos" in the back..
@@t.c.bramblett617 yeah, I mean the instrumentation is classic early 60's British white boy blues, the harmonica riff seals it, just needs a young Mick on vocals, oh hang on... Which Mick? She's right, there is a LOT of Micks in out music scenes!
Brilliant presentation and analysis Abbi. Some albums stay with you all your life, this is one of them.
I was just listening to the title track when I saw that you had posted this! Thanks for your hard work!!!❤❤❤
perfect timing!
missed em there but caught opening night at Bond's--atomic show--Entwhistle off to our right too!
📻
This has got to be the only video that matters on UA-cam, well done! Hate to sound like a cop-out but I’ve been fond of all nineteen tracks for so many years now, along with all the improvised flourishes and segways - i.e. “… and bongo beats his specialtyyy” leading to the unplanned addition of ‘Train in Vain’, a little bit of genius. The double disk set are a rock genre collage masterwork.
A fantastic album! :)
The Clash insisted that the double album be priced as a single album much to the chagrin of their label.
There is a great *single* album in the triple LP, Sandanista!
yes, sandinista would've been a great single album!
Thanks for posting. Great album. Your Friday episodes are always such a special treat! I hope the White Album is one you review this month.
Thanks for the superb guided tour of this great album. Time to go spin it up!
Holy smokes! Double Albums!
Yay!
I have my dads old copy of this LP. The biggest reason for keeping it and not letting him back (he's old and no longer has a functioning turntable, plus my step mum....) is The Guns of Brixton. By far and away my fave Clash song. Noteworthy is that when my son was 5 years old he ruined I Fought the Law for me by constantly requesting it in the car. Happy times😂
Finally, somepunk representation. I know you said something about how punk never really spoke to you, but i feel like theres so many more london callings waiting to be given a shot. I hope you do some more in the future because There is no shortage of great stories documented about these bands. Also side note i bet my life that mellon collie and the infinite sadness will be next years double album december locking in now.
Great start to the series with an absolute classic!
A brilliant dissection of a brilliant album. I think I became tired of it through playing it so often for so long, but your video made me want to put it on LOUD immediately.
Glad you’re finally giving a nod to the later punk/new wave era! Hoping you’ll touch on The Cars, The Go-Go’s, Blondie, Sex Pistols and the Godfather of them all, The Ramones!
oh i love the ramones. i LOVE joey
"Lost in the Supermarket" is my favorite Clash song.
Another great album. I like your channel because I almost always learn something new about albums, even when I've known them for years and think I know all there is to know about them. Keep up the good work, Abby! 👍
I saw The Clash in 1982 at Shea Stadium when they were on the bill with The Who!
Abby uploading on a friday? London calling? Oh my god I guess christmas miracles are real!
merry vinylmas?
The Card Cheat is my favorite Clash song. Yes, the one with the fucking piano. The gambler is seized and forced to his knees and shot dead.
Or maybe my fave is Cheapskates from Give Em Enough Rope.
The first time I heard London Calling, I only enjoyed a handful of tracks but through the years, I’ve grown to love every single one. Train in Vain has always been my favorite but every song has its own personality.
Not a song on this album that you want to skip. So iconic. Wrong 'em Boyo is one of my favorites!
Their debut self titled album is great too! Along with Combat Rock. The song "Straight to Hell" with its iconic sound and beat was sampled by MIA's "Paper Planes"
I seen my first punk rockers when driving thru rapid city south dakota....first time I seen people with hair all colors...big long line of people went all the way down the block.....must have been some punk band in concert.
Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs is my favorite album. London Calling is in my opinion the best album of all time. My favorite songs in London Calling are all of them just like in Layla and Other Assorted love songs. Cheers! 🍻
Clash favourite track Complete Control! The song slagging off CBS! Great Video! Love London calling it is a classic album!
That was me got that album in discomat N.Y. 1981 ...Please enjoy I might have some more albums for if you got the room for them.
Hell yeah! You’ve been reviewing some bangers lately.
You had a great week by me. This is my #11 album of all time. My fave songs are Brand New Cadillac and Death or Glory. Bootsy Collins disagrees with you about Train In Vain. So do I. You do realize that the graphics were lifted from Elvis first album, Right? I'm sure someone has mentioned it by now. See your video on The Wall for more on my feelings about this album.
Happy blueberry pancakes with blueberry syrup day. IYKYK 🎉
YES! i posted about that on insta this morning! happy birthday jimbo
Thanks so much for a great piece. Pleasantly surprised. I didn’t think your scope extended to London punk days. Great research. This was the bands opus, before Topper got addicted, Mick became primadonna and Joes ego got out of control
I love the album and I love the video! Thank you for taking the time to do this. I am enjoying your shows.
A thought on the song London Calling. When they talk about "phony Beatlemania", I don't think that they are referring to the Beatles. In the late 70s, there was a Broadway show called Beatlemania. Here is a link about that: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beatlemania_(musical). I think that their comment on phony Beatlemania was that at that time there was no new Beatles project just this odd, unsanctioned replica of Beatlemania and it was a sign of the times.
Also, in 1979 Paul McCartney put together a relief concert for the people of Kampuchea (formerly Cambodia) and asked The Clash to participate. They did. It was a hell of a show and the live album is worth a listen. More notes on that here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concerts_for_the_People_of_Kampuchea_(album) . I think if they wanted to dis The Beatles they would not have participated in Paul's show - and it was very much Paul's show.
Tell me what you think.