Burning London: The Clash Tribute [Explicit Lyrics]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
One doesn't necessarily associate punk firebrands the Clash with the radio-ready likes of Third Eye Blind and No Doubt. But in the years since the demise of the Clash, their impact, once localized to the punk underground, has seeped up from the gutter they once championed. ("The truth," rasped Joe Strummer in one of his more memorable couplets, "is known only by guttersnipes.") Burning London affords a dozen-plus popular late-'90s performers the opportunity to tip their hats to the erstwhile scourges of the mainstream. The results, as is common with such tributes, are wildly mixed. The highlights here exhibit a less-than-reverent perspective on this timeworn material. Moby and Heather Nova turn "Straight to Hell" into a haunting echo of the Combat Rock prototype, while Cracker's cowpunk trashing of "White Riot" would've sounded at home on an album by frontman David Lowery's great old band, Camper Van Beethoven. On the downside, Indigo Girls' "Clampdown" is an artless revision of one of the Clash's least artful songs, and the likes of Third Eye Blind and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones bring nothing new to "Train in Vain" and "Rudie Can't Fail," respectively. If the featured bands are the draw here, help yourself. But if you're curious about the Clash, the group's bursting-at-the-seams debut and watershed London Calling will serve as superior introductions to a mighty band. --Steven Stolder --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Burning London: The Clash Tribute
Average customer rating: 2 out of 5 stars
  • Ignore Extremist Reviews, Not a Bad Disc
  • Influence of The Clash is evident; compilation is spotty
  • highs and lows
  • Go Straight to Hell Boys...
  • Get a Grip
 Burning London: The Clash Tribute
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Ska PunkSka Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
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  5. Cut the Crap

ASIN: B00000I925
Release Date: 1999-05-04

Tracks:

  1. Hateful - No Doubt
  2. This Is Radio Clash - Urge
  3. Should I Stay Or Should I Go - Ice Cube/Mack 10
  4. Cheat - Rancid
  5. Train In Vain - Third Eye Blind
  6. Clampdown - Indigo Girls
  7. Rudie Can't Fail - The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
  8. White Man In Hammersmith Palais - 311
  9. Lost In The Supermarket - Afghan Wigs
  10. White Riot - Cracker
  11. London's Burning - Silverchair
  12. Straight To Hell - Moby

Amazon.com

One doesn't necessarily associate punk firebrands the Clash with the radio-ready likes of Third Eye Blind and No Doubt. But in the years since the demise of the Clash, their impact, once localized to the punk underground, has seeped up from the gutter they once championed. ("The truth," rasped Joe Strummer in one of his more memorable couplets, "is known only by guttersnipes.") Burning London affords a dozen-plus popular late-'90s performers the opportunity to tip their hats to the erstwhile scourges of the mainstream. The results, as is common with such tributes, are wildly mixed. The highlights here exhibit a less-than-reverent perspective on this timeworn material. Moby and Heather Nova turn "Straight to Hell" into a haunting echo of the Combat Rock prototype, while Cracker's cowpunk trashing of "White Riot" would've sounded at home on an album by frontman David Lowery's great old band, Camper Van Beethoven. On the downside, Indigo Girls' "Clampdown" is an artless revision of one of the Clash's least artful songs, and the likes of Third Eye Blind and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones bring nothing new to "Train in Vain" and "Rudie Can't Fail," respectively. If the featured bands are the draw here, help yourself. But if you're curious about the Clash, the group's bursting-at-the-seams debut and watershed London Calling will serve as superior introductions to a mighty band. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Ignore Extremist Reviews, Not a Bad Disc.......2006-03-16

I am a huge Clash fan like many others who wrote in. But I think most reviews are overreactions. What the hell did these people expect from this disc? A couple tracks are good, a couple are very good, a couple suck. End of story. It's not the Clash, just what some others have made of some of their tunes. If you're a Clash fan, you'll be interested just for the curiosity factor. I doubt you'll listen to the disc a lot. I don't. It's a novelty to be broken out on occasion on road trips. Now go back to listening to Give 'Em Enough Rope.
Sayonara!

2 out of 5 stars Influence of The Clash is evident; compilation is spotty.......2004-08-16

So the Clash-revival fetishism started sometime in the 1990's. Perhaps it began with the release of "Train In Vain" as a single years after its debut as a hidden track on London Calling. It certainly came to a head at the point of Joe Strummer's death, but my wrath aimed towards those cashing in on it--I'm specifically looking at you, Dave Grohl--will be saved for another time. The 1990's were also significant in that they spawned a number of musical acts that drew heavily from The Clash's influences.

A number of the tracks on this tribute are excellent. For example, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones superbly cover "Rudy Can't Fail"--it's second only to the Mescaleros' rendition, which was nearly exact for obvious reasons. In the same vein, Rancid's cover of "Cheat", on which Tim Armstrong sings, is very well done, and also sounds exactly like the original. However, I am somewhat biased because I know both bands so well that, given fifteen seconds, I can imagine a Strummer/Jones rendition of "Roots Radicals" (which is essentially "Koka-Kola" anyway, but I digress). Both Rancid and The BossTones were influenced heavily by, among others, The Clash, The Specials, Madness, and so forth, so their covers do their idols justice. The Urge's "Radio Clash" is also quite good for similar reasons, and stays close to the original. (Rancid, in fact, loves The Clash so much that, during the 11-year span of their career, they have re-written healthy portions of Sandinista! and London Calling.)

Other tracks that are surprisingly good include 311's "White Man In Hammersmith Palais", on which Nick Hexum approximates Strummer vocal mannerisms. Though he's not an ape of them like Armstrong is, he does sing in a semi-Cockney, and even includes the "just leave me alone/looky looky looky" lines at the end of the song. I also enjoyed Ice Cube's "Should I Stay or Should I Go" for two reasons. First, the original song wasn't that fantastic in the first place--one of Combat Rock's weaker points, I think--and this provides a refreshing interpretation. Secondly, this song seems to me to represent what The Clash founded in the hip-hop community in 1980 when they wrote songs such as "The Magnificent Seven" and "Lightning Strikes." Cracker's alt-country version of "White Riot" shows the band's style and attitude perfectly. Representative of the slacker generation, it makes perfect sense for the band who wrote "I Hate My Generation" to turn "White Riot" into an ironic statement.

Some tracks, however, are less than stellar. No Doubt's "Hateful", while vocally excellent, has backing music that would make the song fit for a McDonald's commercial. No Doubt's early albums--the ones no one actually owns--were instrumentally sound; thus, this comes across, to me, as a song on which they had the capability to do better. "Clampdown" by the Indigo Girls turns The Clash into (well-done) feminist acoustic rock. While I'm sure Joe Strummer's ideologies paved the political landscape of modern music, I'm not fond of this passive-aggressive "Clampdown."

The remainder of the tracks are wretched. The Afghan Whigs' "Lost In the Supermarket" begins exactly like the original "Train In Vain" does, then quickly turns into a slice of tasty hipsterati indie rock. While the original wasn't an exciting number to begin with, this version is even less so. It does, however, show the vocal influence of Mick Jones on trucker-hatted indie boys everywhere. Moby's version of "Straight to Hell" pays the song no respect, turning it into a sad parody. Third Eye Blind's "Train In Vain" sounds like a frat-boy cover band karaoke ensemble...which is fine if you like that sort of thing. Finally regarding Silverchair's "London's Burning", I say only this: "Turning (angsty teenaged) rebellion into money" is terribly obvious and overdone.

I agree with the poster who stated that "only the fanatics" investigate this album. If you are one, you will likely agree with me or think I am mad; Clash fans agree to disagree. If you are not yet a fanatic, start buying their albums, you yobbos. Make sure to give Sandinista! a spin. It's my personal favorite.

3 out of 5 stars highs and lows.......2003-10-31

when ur dealing with tribute albums its not likely that ur ever gonna like every song, because if ur a fan of the original band then some other bands just wont do justice to the material. in the clash's case, there are pretty big shoes to fill. high points are the urge - radio clash, 311 - white man in hammersmaith palace. both songs cover well while contributing a little something new. some other songs are either lesser versions of the original or too inovative for its own good. decent buy for clash fans, pick it up.

1 out of 5 stars Go Straight to Hell Boys..........2003-10-15

Sorry, it's not something personal against the band whose appear on this tribute but...I can't believe they had the courage to do this!, the styles are too much differents, the only reason that this cd has 1 star is because Rancid plays one, they play the only one good song...all other bands should play something into their styles, I'm sure they could make a real good job with other kind of music, but....let the punk rock to the punk rockers.
or do you imagine to Sex Pistols on a Back Streets Boys tribute?

4 out of 5 stars Get a Grip.......2003-09-23

Although I am also fan of Clash, I got so used to all of their songs that sadly enough, I don't listen to Clash anymore. By pure accident I found that CD on a shelf at my local HMV store and bought it. And I have to admit that it's not that bad. Actually I like it quite a lot and " Should I Stay or Should I Go" is probably my favourite track after "Straight to Hell". It is different than Clash, but it gives the old songs new dimention. Definitely recommended.
Burning London: The Clash Tribute
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • I need some help
  • Just a question. I'd like to know the answer
 Burning London: The Clash Tribute
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Ska PunkSka Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Third Wave SkaThird Wave Ska | Ska | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Alternative RockAlternative Rock | Compilations | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Post GrungePost Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Adult AlternativeAdult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music
Alternative RockAlternative Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
RockRock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00000J21Y
Release Date: 1999-04-26

Tracks:

  1. Hateful - No Doubt
  2. This Is Radio Clash - The Urge
  3. Should I Stay or Should I Go - Ice Cube, Mack 10
  4. Cheat - Rancid
  5. Train in Vain - Third Eye Blind
  6. Clampdown - Indigo Girls
  7. Rudie Can't Fail - The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
  8. (White Man) In Hammersmith Palais - 311
  9. Lost in the Supermarket - The Afghan Whigs
  10. White Riot - Cracker
  11. London's Burning - Silverchair
  12. Straight to Hell - Moby, Heather Nova

Album Description

European edition of Epic Records' 1999 tribute to 'the only band that matters' with covers of 'The Guns Of Brixton', 'Rock The Casbah' and 'Tommy Gun' added as bonus tracks. The artists performing the extra songs aren't identified, though 'Rock The Casbah' sounds like it's Ranking Roger & Pato Banton doing it. 15 tracks total, with the rest of the album featuring interpretations of classic Clash cuts by No Doubt, Rancid, Afghan Whigs, 311, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Moby with Heather Nova and more! 1999 release.

Album Details

UK Version Ff the Clash Tribute Album Ffeaturing Two Exclusive Bonus Tracks Not Found on Any Other Version: "Rock the Casbah" by Pato Banton and Rankin Roger and "Tommy Gun" by Face to Face.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars I need some help.......2001-03-01

The version album that I have was bought here in Brasil and is equal the UK version. Has the Tommy Gun by Face to Face and Rock the Casbah by Pato Banton. I really want to know who plays the song Guns of Brixton in this version. Thanx!

3 out of 5 stars Just a question. I'd like to know the answer.......1999-12-23

I just want to know the name of the bands taht play " Guns of brixton"; "Rock the casbah" and "Face to face"
Burning London: The Clash Tribute
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • A few gems, but not worth the price of an entire CD
  • Mixed, but over all pleasing, bag
  • Decent, save one track.
  • Excellent, with a few exceptions.
 Burning London: The Clash Tribute
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Mushroom
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Alternative RockAlternative Rock | Compilations | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Alternative RockAlternative Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00000ILR9
Release Date: 1999-04-26

Album Details

Australian Version of the Clash Tribute Album featuring an Exclusive Bonus Track by Mxpx 'janie Jones' Not Found on Any Other Version.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars A few gems, but not worth the price of an entire CD.......2000-03-01

Cracker's version of "White Riot," Indigo Girls' version of "Clampdown," and (in the love it or hate it category) Moby's version of "Straight to Hell." These 3 cuts actually bring something new to these great songs (okay, Ice Cube's take on "Should I Stay or Should I Go" brings something new, but nothing desirable). Silverchair's rendition of "London's Burning" is disappointingly uninspired. Stick it to the establishment and copy the three tracks mentioned to another format for repeated listening, and frisbee the rest.

3 out of 5 stars Mixed, but over all pleasing, bag.......1999-12-21

It takes a lot to ruin a Clash song. I frequently skip the NO DOUBT contribution, and the "Should I Stay Or Should I Go" horrorshow. ((shudder)) The Indigo Girls turned CLAMPDOWN into something you'd hear at a folk rock Hootinanie - shockingly, I dig it. Could have done without THIRD EYE BLIND, and SILVERCHAIR. "Clash City Rockers" is blistering - love it! "White Riot" is hysterical - adding a layer of satirical racist irony. It is impossible to ruin LOST IN THE SUPERMARKET. I go back and forth on STRAIGHT TO HELL.

5 out of 5 stars Decent, save one track........1999-10-25

All in all, a decent CD. However, MxPx makes it worth buying the import. It is just one song, but that one song makes all the difference. WHY OH WHY was this song not on the US version? Janie Jones...yeah.

4 out of 5 stars Excellent, with a few exceptions........1999-06-12

As a Clash fan, I enjoyed the great covers by most of these bands, many of which are bands I don't normally care for. The extra track by MxPx made up for a few tracks that were not so good, even though " Janie Jones " clocks in at just under 2 minutes. Heather Nova unfortunately butchers the lyrics on " Straight to Hell, " changing " British jig & reel " to " British reel, " and " speaking King's English in quotations " to " speaking in quotations. " Two tracks made me laugh. I think with Cracker's countryish " White Riot " the humor was intentional, but Ice Cube/Mack 10 made me laugh to think that a Clash song could be turned into a trashy rap. It is funny, yet disturbing that this made the CD. Why no Pogues or Shane McGowan track ? Everyone knows Shane is a great fan of the Clash. There were even rumors that Joe Strummer might replace him when he left the Pogues. A Shane track would have made the CD even more worthy of its import price. Still, it is a decent tribute album with ( mostly ) good covers.

Music:

  1. Butter Flavored Halon
  2. By the Way
  3. Can You Read This Boston?
  4. Captain's Birthday Party: Live at Rounhouse [Import] [Original recording remastered]
  5. Carrot Rope [CD-single]
  6. Carrot Rope Pt.1 [CD-single] [Import]
  7. Casual Amplexus
  8. Charango
  9. Charango [Import]
  10. Chill Room

Music

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Chabad Centennial Symphony

Coates: London for orchestra No1-3; Bird Songs at Eventide

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Classic Hoagy Carmichael [Box set]

Byrd: Mass; Ave Verum Corpus

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Blue Rondo

Different Stars

Djoss Diabate

Dance Valley V.9: Mainstage Edition [Import]

Mussorgsky: Pictures at An Exhibition

The Silver Collection