So, I’m talking with a fellow Clash-fan this weekend, and he asked me my Top 3 tracks from London Calling. I completely froze up. My brain couldn’t process it. I had never really given it close consideration before.
Eventually, I was able to sputter and piece together three songs. But, I didn’t feel like I truly answered the call. Then, on my walk home, one of my favorite tracks from the album came on my iPhone. I walked in the apartment and emailed him the difinitive choices (to make amends with Mr. Strummer):
1. “Rudie Can’t Fail” - As you skillfully observed, this one is true to my ska-boy heart. Upbeat and awesome.
2. “London Calling” - Initially, my heart said yes. Then my brain told me to take it off. But after careful consideration, I think it remains in the top 3 for the very reason that — to this day — I can still get chills when hearing it.
3. “Spanish Bombs” - I love this song for two specific reasons: It lets me sing in spanish, and it almost always makes me smile. Also, I think it’s also a spiritual predecessor to one of my favorite Joe & the Mescaleros tune: “Coma Girl”.
*Close but no cigar: “The Right Profile”, “Death or Glory”, “I’m Not Down”
I felt much better. It also made me wonder — if you were presented with a pop quiz about one of your favorite albums, could you choose your Top 3? What might they be?
