Adverts

The Clash released their fifth studio album Combat Rock.

Vinyl Records Stanislaus County Ca. | MAY 14 1982 | Facebook

MAY 14 1982

In the United Kingdom, the album charted at number 2, spending 23 weeks in the UK charts and peaked at number 7 in the United States, spending 61 weeks on the chart. The album was propelled by drummer Topper Headon's "Rock the Casbah" which became a staple on the newly launched MTV.

Combat Rock continued the influence of funk and reggae like previous Clash albums, but also featured a more radio-friendly sound which alienated Clash fans. While the recording process went smoothly, the producing process of the album was tiring and full of infighting between Mick Jones and Joe Strummer. Headon's heroin addiction grew worse and he slowly became distant from the band while Strummer and bassist Paul Simonon reinstated Bernie Rhodes as manager, a move unwelcomed by Jones.

The band had disagreed on the creative process of the album and called in Glyn Johns to produce the more radio-friendly sound of Combat Rock. Lyrically, Combat Rock focuses on the Vietnam War, postcolonialism, the decline of American society, and authoritarianism.

Combat Rock is the group's best-selling album, being certified double platinum in the United States and reaching number 2 in the U.K. Reception to the album believed the band had reached its peak maturity with Combat Rock, as the album's sound was less anarchic but still as political as previous albums.

It contains two of the Clash's signature songs, the singles "Rock the Casbah" and "Should I Stay or Should I Go". "Rock the Casbah" became highly successful in the United States and proved to be the band's anticipated U.S breakthrough. "Should I Stay or Should I Go" was not as successful until being re-released in 1991 and topping the charts in their native United Kingdom.

Combat Rock is the last Clash album featuring the classic lineup of the Clash. Topper Headon (due to his heroin addiction) was fired days before the release of Combat Rock and Mick Jones was fired after the end of the Combat Rock tour in 1983.

Combat Rock would be succeeded by the Clash's last album, Cut the Crap, recorded and released without Mick Jones or Topper Headon in 1985.

Bangkok photo

Dead Straight - Flushco

Clash down the pan - Flushco

Clash's song prompts law suit

82 06 24 Arizona Daily Star Thu (2000)

Posters

NME Blows against the Empire

82 05 15

Melody Maker, Celluloid heroes

82 05 15

It's tough stuff

82 05 31 The Sydney Morning Herald Mon (CombR)

New Clash LP significant?

82 05 30 Daily News Sun (CombR)

Clash of styles is album hit

82 05 28 Atherstone Herald Fri (CombR)

'Combat' album by Clash - infighting mostly

82 05 28 Daily News Fri (CombR)

The Clash Combat Rock

82 05 28 The Guardian Fri (CombR)

New Release Combat Rock
Clash returns to punk rock roots

82 08 03 The Sun Times Fri

Intermission: Musicnotes

82 08 08 The South Bend Tribune Sun (CombR)

The Clash is punk and proud of it

82 08 10 Poughkeepsie Journal Fri

The Clash back in battle

82 08 13 Kingsport Times News Fri

The Clash Combat Rock

82 08 22 Valley Advocate Amherst Wed (CombR)