Shouldn't that be possibly 'their' best song ever written? If you think that this is the pinnacle of musical expression, then you haven't heard much. I like The Clash, and love this song, but a little perspective please!
It has to be appreciated that these people are possibly hearing these songs for the first time and don't have the same life experiences that we may have attached to these songs. So, when they might not "get" the gist of a song or the lyrics it's only because they have no life history with it. Also some of us may have come from the streets or from that time and understand what the songs are actually about. I think their reviews are honest and to some degree fairly innocent. I do like their choice of music; they're pulling out some awesome British classics.
Ken Boothe, mentioned in the second verse, took a reggae version of "Everything I Own" to number one in the charts in the UK in 1974. The Clash famously dropped several reggae flavored tunes. Bob Marley wrote "Punky Reggae" after hearing The Clash's 1977 cover of Junior Murvin's "Police & Thieves". They took the original, sped it up, roughed it up, and created ska-punk in the process without realizing it. With "(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais" (1978) they showed they could write originals in that style too. When you're ready for more from them in that style, check out "Revolution Rock" (1979), "The Guns of Brixton" (1979), "Pressure Drop" (1980), "Armagideon Time" (1980), and "Bankrobber" (1980) among others.
Sorry for being late to this. Joe wrote this about a gig he went to at Hammersmith. He was hoping for the acts to make a call to the people there but was disappointed with the message the artists portrayed on stage. They were playing pop when he thought they should be sending a message. After the gig someone attempted to mug him (please mister leave me alone). The song is all about calling out the hypocrisies of other bands/singers who claim to be sending a message but were really after the fame and money. This song was one of Joe's favourites and was played at his funeral. The Clash are the only band that ever mattered and this song is an example of why.
I'm a 55 year old British guy who got this brilliant song on 7 inch for my Christmas back in 1978i lost it somewhere around the mid eighties an manged to get hol of another four copy's on vinyl over the year s in my opinion its one of the best songs the clash have ever done I find it strange why you never hear it getting played on the radio its such a vibrant tune that sums up the British culture of the 1970s
SLF, Pistols then Clash - my top three punk bands and being a teenager in late 70s they've stuck with me more than 40 years, going to SLF in Glasgow on 16-17 March, my favourite live band, so great that new listeners are finding SLF even now
Been to many SLF gigs at the Barras on Paddy’s Day. I was at the “last ever” SLF gig at the Glasgow Apollo in 1983. Burns, Cluney, McMordie and Dolphin Taylor.
Bit strong on Joe's part that. The Clash had lots of image changes. From punk dregs to slick rockabilly tough guys. The Jam had summat to say, but you can't beat the Clash. No sir.
He was having a dig at weller on account of him saying the Jam would be voting Tory in the 1979 election. "Changing their votes along with their overcoats "
Hi guys, just want you to know that I have been listening for a few days now and you are very informative, entertaining, and real. I enjoy your points of view and somber commentary! Keep up the good reviews. ❤
Was lucky enough to help the Clash out as a kid - Crawley gig 78 (got paid and had lunch with them) Nasty , dirty time, but we did it. Portsmouth Punks! = The Clash! Big up Perry and Andy Lavender the most high!!!! xx
The first part of the song was about a show at Hammersmith that Strummer had gone to, a reggae extravaganza which he found disappointing (more "Four Tops" than "roots rock reggae"). Yep, the song is about sellouts, first by the reggae bands brought to the UK, then by the local punk acts, and also by governments (the Adolf Hitler line).
Hi Chris & Cynthia, You don't need to apologise for your reactions! Think people like your channel and reactions because you're down to earth folks and not prententious, Another great choice from The Clash who were as you said at the forefront of the Anti-Racism movement in the late 70s early 80s used to headline Rock against Racism gigs etc anyway love your channel Cheers Jim, UK
I requested this too! Great stuff again and never be afraid of criticising any artist, or having your opinion. That's why people like reaction vids I feel. To see what others think of certain tracks.
PS. Complete Control was a song of protest that CBS forced the Clash to release Remote Control as a single and they were not happy. It's a great lesson to all budding songsmiths not to trust A+R men ever!!
For your next Clash reaction, I'd recommend "Straight to hell". It's musically unusual and the lyrics, as always with The Clash, are relatively complex and thought provoking.
Back in the garage with my bullshit detector. Carbon monoxide making sure its effective... Need I go on ? Probably the most underrated songwriter in the history of British music.
@@martinotoole9959 I think it would be a good test of whether the Haniers appreciate the deeper elements of lyricism and music. Some TH-cam reactors don't but some display insightful critical faculties.
@@marcharley6465 I tip my hat to them for giving it a go, and they seem like lovely people. But to throw a curved ball like the song you mentioned is a little unfair on them. With the odd exception Combat Rock is an abstruse yet brilliant work , and does take a little bit of time and patience to feel all the nuances and raw emotion. I personally think it was there finest work although to get there you had the fetid rage and spit of the shithole clubs of the past, Joe's electric leg giving it large to Career Opportunities! Anyhow Marc, enough of my tenth rate journalistic attempts, I have probably bored you shitless by now thanks for your patience. Kind regards Martin. Stay free.
You shouldn't be too sensitive about the mentions of "white man" and "Adolf Hitler" in the lyrics to this song. The Clash made it quite clear that they were anti-racist and anti-fascist on many occasions. This song was released at a time when racism was an increasing issue in the UK and bands like The Clash needed to speak plainly.
Taking off his Turban he said is this man a jew. They haven't scratched the surface Marc. But in those days you had more latitude, more freedom to say what you feel. Today, banned everywhere and probably 5 years in the nick for inciting racial hatred when nothing could be further from the truth.
We WERE a little nervous about putting the song up based on the lyrics we had skimmed through before the video. We didn't want too much information about it before we watched. We just didn't want to waste our time recording a video that we weren't going to be able to keep up. But, we sucked it up, and listened. Though we didn't get every reference, we got the gist. I (Chris) grew up in a place where people didn't trust anyone who didn't resemble them. If I hadn't been a huge fan of Hip Hop and Prince in my teens, I might have had that same attitude. Except that my dad was a hippie, and hated nobody. You can't be raised like that and not have empathy, you know?
@@hanierfamily kia ora hello my friends hay if there's one thing you can be certain of THE CLASH will always be fighting the good fight against corruption poverty racism sexism and just plain old bad behaviour
Heard this first time on the radio in Belfast, while waking up from the night before with my face stuck to someone's linoleum floor, Woke me up! Had to hitchhike 50 miles home, first lift was from the makers of Shellshock rock, the second was from the support band from the night before, Anti Pasti. My fav clash song
This is a song of it's time, being someone that grew up with this song i also believe it is one of best songs ever. It narrates the decline of Punk in the UK in the late70's, how it all descended into violence and negativaty and the rise of right wing politcs. The line 'if 'Adolf Hitler flew in today they'd send a limosine anyway' says it all about the time this song came out.
Kia ora hello my friends from Aotearoa new zealand hay i think I've told you that my oldest son almost 16 year's old is called Strummer Clash Palace and this song is one of my favourite songs ever my favourite Clash Song is Complete Control
@@hanierfamily my three boy's are everything to me I'm mixed race Maori Scott English Jew and my ex wife is dark skinned Maori my boy's are dark coffee coloured I'm white as snow apart from the punkrock green and red ink all over the place my second son who just turned 13 year's old is named after my uncle Sonny who was one of our (Aotearoa new zealands) best blues singers/ guitarist's SONNY DAY this gentle Maori Man just his spoken voice when i was a kid back in the seventies was like a warm blanket on a really cold night wrapping around you comforting warm and he could sing. And my little guy almost ten years old Kura is a chip off the old block I've got one of the highest RPMs in the history of the world RANTS PER MINUTE but KURA CAN GIVE ME A RUN FOR MY MONEY AND HE'S REALLY CUTE VERY INTELLIGENT ALL WAYS ASKING QUESTIONS. I BECAME A DAD AT THE VERY YOUNG AGE OF 36 😜 the most awesome thing in life holding your child for the first time and clicking THAT'S WHY I'M HERE LIFE CHANGING AND LIFE MEANING
@@heathcornbeef who cares about colour, in a cold violent world we have got to care for each other or we end up lost. I am sure your wife is beautiful and you are lucky to have her. Colour is just a vision, but your heart leads you by the hand when it's all said and done. If I'm wrong then I will accept your bollocking with as much dignity As I can muster! Just kidding brother ,love to you and your family .
@@martinotoole9959 kia ora hello Martin from Aotearoa new zealand hay please brother you have nothing to get dragged over hot coals your statement is spot on i wish people would just live and let live colour race sexual orientation religion who cares we all bleed red and belong to the same race THE HUMAN RACE . AT THE END OF THE DAY .... IT'S NIGHT TIME..... AND I'M PRETTY SURE 99.9 PERCENT OF THE WORLD'S POPULATION JUST WANT'S TO BE WARM FEED AND HEALTHY SAFE
Saw the Clash several times, a couple of the earlier gigs were mental. Running battles with casuals and mounted police charges outside the venue, door team said F this and went home, everyone was crammed into the stalls. Every seat got torn up and were all piled up at one side. Chaos but fun.
Question: The names they mentioned in the song. I'm thinking these were some old school Ska or reggae bands? If you have songs from these, I would be more than interested.
Hi guys, first part of song is essentially a story of when the singer went to an all nighter concert at the H Palais. The names mentioned are early 70s reggae stars and he expected a lot of what was called 'roots reggae' but instead got the acts sounding too smooth, and trying to be like Motown acts. 2nd part of song is essentially criticism of new wave bands jumping on the bandwagon and only being interested in making it big.
It's great to hear the draw review. We ( the oldies) have had plenty of time to hear it for the first time and chew it to death. Add that to books and the internet and we've analysed things to the nth degree. For example I happen to know Joe Strummer wore red underwear in the studio for this. Ok I made that up. But that's the level of fan your output will be met by. Everyones a blooming expert! ( including me) Keep it up.
Spent many a Friday night in Hammersmith Palais and a dirty kebab afterwards ...good times! 🍻🌮.....shame it's closed now!!!, guess the area got too posh!! 🤷
Lad I haven't got a jealous bone in my body but reading your message did give me a twinge of envy ! I bet you can tell some stories. The Hannier family are lovely, but this didn't register, its importance didn't hit the nerve as it did with us. In the shit and we knew it.
@@martinotoole9959 ...you remember going down the Swan and the George for a few, then round to Hammersmith Palais and out at 2am for a kebab or off down to the local Indian for a late night early morning curry!!
@@glastonbury4304 Brother I'm a Yorkshire man and only went to London with work, but when the Clash and the whole movement were around I was a snot nosed kid. I'm 55 now and if I had you to lean on I reckon we could do some damage to the system even now , whatever happened to the mucky curry house? They all became gentrified and expensive. Or closed down and sold for flats....The light clicked out in the bedsit, old England was all alone. Keep sticking it to the fuckers. Kind regards Martin. Your deputy in the North. I await your instructions Glastonbury, or should we just have one too many and go for fish and chips after a big joint whets our appetite?
I (Chris) love these old stories. Brings me back to college in the early 2000's. When the Tannery closed up for the night in Fredericton, there were 2 pizza places vying for our attention, and 1 Indian family opened a window in a back ally and sold samosas for $2 each. The line up for them went round the corner. So good!!!
@@hanierfamily Two dollars for a samosa , thats a bit strong brother, two dollars should have got you at least three or four, mind you its all supply and demand. Thanks for giving this song a go, I mean this with all the kindness in my heart, but you won't feel some of these songs because you had to be British and realise that the government has fucked the working class over again .You listened to a Town called malice by the Jam, a line in that says do you cut down the beer or the kids new gear...I love you both ,and thank you for having go kind regards Martin.
Joe Strummer is as close to a hero as it gets for me i formed a lot of my early teens moral direction from this WONDERFUL EMPATHETIC MAN HIS STANCE ON RACISM POVERTY CORRUPT POLITICIANS WAR AND JUST BEING A GOOD CITIZEN OF PLANET EARTH ,✌️ PEACE GUY'S STAY SAFE HEALTHY AND HAPPY AND DO YOUR THING THE WAY YOU DO YOUR THING JOE STRUMMER WOULD APPROVE DIY it's a PUNK THING amongst others
I reckon you won't be satisfied Heath until us old boys kick some arse again .But you grow up and you calm down, you start wearing blue and brown.yes brother, were working for the clampdown like it or not. It was that or crime and plan B was never ending up in the nick. Or maybe I missed a trick, kind regards Martin. P.S. your words speak loud enough, no need for capital letters you make a great writer, let your weapon be your words, those who don't get it can just fuck off.
@@martinotoole9959 i think that we might be cut from the same cloth Martin ether way i like the way you think about the world and people around you. ps I've got friends here in Aotearoa new zealand who are O'Tooles they live about 80 kms off the coast of Auckland Aotearoa new zealand on great barrier island where i lived in the 90s in a teetree framed tin shed in the bush with my dog's Sadie purebred English Bullmastiff and her granddaughter Pagan who was a Bullmastiff x Pitbull x English bulldog and Pagans son Boy i miss those dogs still 25 years later they were my friends family protectors but boy was it expensive to feed them everything on great barrier island is about twice the price as on the mainland petrol was around 75 cents per litre on the mainland and $1.50 per litre on great barrier island and food was the same luckily i could get as much pork as me and my dog's wanted the four of us out the door and hunting captain cooker pig's me my dog's and a knife exciting adrenaline Filled days
@@heathcornbeef yes ,as far as the O' Toole thing, us Paddys get everywhere. But I tip my hat to them that they got into New Zealand, must be millionaires and never been to court! Yes we are cut from the same cloth. Best Yorkshire worsted 24 oz. My knife is Sheffield steel, but I wish you would take me hunting pigs.if you eat what you catch I reckon its fair. I'm ashamed to admit it but I think I would lose my bottle when it came down to it. Hypocritical bastard that I am, I would cheerfully get stuck in to the meat. I love rabbit and pheasant but the dirty bit has to be done by someone else. Guess I've gone down in your estimation but thatcomes with living in a city, you get no exposure to the country. Nice talking to you Heath,take care and kind regards Martin.
@@martinotoole9959 hay there I'm born and raised in Auckland city the GPS CORRECT EXACT CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE lol . but i totally understand your position on the hunt and killing it's not everyone's cup of tea but there's something about eating something that you have had to chase up and down hill's and has a decent chance of escape hunting with a knife and dog's through the Bush is an adrenaline rush and wild pork is nowhere near as fatty and has a slightly gamey strong taste and the bacon 🥓 is first class. Please don't tell my two pet Kunekune pig's Chopper and Diablo about my past or absolute addiction to bacon they won't understand and wouldn't trust me ever again,😜
@@heathcornbeef Thanks for not rubbishing my lack of courage and I have found the answer for the Bacon word via John Steinbeck's masterpiece The Grapes of wrath. The people in that masterpiece of a novel called it side meat. Now the most sensitive piglet in the southern hemisphere can't get upset about that ! Heath , if you haven't read that book I hope you give it a go. But at least your pets can trust you now! As always, Martin.
Kia ora my friend's Joe Strummer is the second biggest influence in my life after my Mum and Dad for moral direction and how to treat people DON'T LOOK DOWN REACH DOWN AND HELP. FIGHT RACISM POVERTY AND BULLIES AND ENJOY GREAT MUSIC AND I'VE BEEN TRYING TO BE ON TARGET FOR JOE AND WHAT IS THE RIGHT WAY TO DO THINGS HE IS MY HERO. WHEN I HEAR( COMA GIRL) I STILL GET TEARY EYES. IT STILL HURTS KNOWING THAT JOE STRUMMER ISN'T HERE IN THE FLESH WITH US ANYMORE,😥😢😭😭
Another great reaction to a classic track thank you, I would like to suggest Beasley street or Kung fu international by John Cooper Clarke he is a punk poet regarded as a national treasure here, his poems are usually set to music Chicken town another of his poems was used at the end of the penultimate Sopranos episode it may have too much swearing in it for your audience, he has a few performances on The Old Grey Whistle Test a music program from way back when
Your a sucked up spat out Smartie ,a death at a birthday party. Poetic champions compose ! He is now a professor, thats a stretch from the back streets of Salford or Manchester. But to me his greatest verse was Mau Mau lovers come and go, dreamboats leave you behind. From baby doll to go man go down the slopes of the adult mind. You beat that. I don't reckon our friends from across the pond would be too interested, its a bit niche even for some English people. A bit like playing The Ramones at a Japanese royal wedding.
Lost my respect when you got Debenhams for a pound and shafted the pension fund. A retail pension is scanty to say the least, but it's fine if all your money is signed over to the wife so bankruptcy can't touch you. I know it's not new , or even you. But I fucking hope JC Clarke is reading what I do. Peter brother you share the name, but weren't in it for the screw.
@@hanierfamily I, to my shame have been vitriolic about you not truly understanding The Clash. I stand by my words because you were not born then and I was 10 in77 but the thing got you when you were about to leave school and no jobs were available, not even the most menial, and any work is honourable. But just nothing. Now turn on me because Rap is alien to my soul . Violent misogynist, maybe wonderful and elegant. My control tower is too old to bring it into land. Many black friends tried but I'm beyond hope. But you know that I think the world of you! Kind regards Martin.
@@martinotoole9959 you seem to have confused me with that other idiot called Phillip Green I do live on the coast however Skegness is far from Monaco and Ido not possess a super yacht paid for by peoples pensions i have stolen
I was a Punk at the ealy 80,s...love the clash.. 🎸Try some strange, exotic... :Die toten Hosen, mehr davon, live Rock am Ring, Hals und Beinbruch,, (it, s a long title🤔this Band is one of the succesful Bands from Germany,,,, See what dangerous Thing the singer s doing💀😮
they got burton suits, ah you think that's funny, turning rebellion in to money - joe and the gang already saw which way punk was going, great great song
Great song -much better than some of their early punk songs. Incidentally, the first gig i went to was at the Palais on my 15th birthday- lots of jumping, hot as anything, merchandise stall got trashed. And loud!!
It's about the punk movement in general and him being the only white face at a reggae concert in particular. The Clash fused punk & reggae well but it didn't sit well with them the conflicts between black & white youths.
Why not phone up robin hood and ask him for some wealth distribution superb rip joe strummer taken way to early have you heard stiff little fingers strummerville there tribute to joe great vid by the way guys 🎉🎉🎉❤❤
you two where like cats caught in the headlights, you where like, "wtf is this" you can tell by your instant reaction when the song started, you never "Got it" till near the end, bands like the clash were all about the lyrics, the more you delve into bands like this, the music becomes secondary but still a part of it, but i'm very glad you chose to do this particular number, I still think you would be more comfortable reviewing huey lewis and the news vids tho
TUNE a fantastic song by the great JO Strummer a song about the state of Britain in the late 70s covering racial tension and right wing politics even referring to Hitler I sums up the feeling of the working class in the late 70s Strummer loved the song so much it was even played at his funeral you have got to listen to some Sex Pistols anarchy in the Uk or god save the queen
We appreciate that. We will always give our honest opinion, whether you guys like it or not. No apology. But, we'll always try and find the parts we can say nice things about. And we won't directly insult anyone.
It's funny to me as british that has lived through the 80's that the women calls the song cute.The song's background was of depravation and rioting and hopelessness.and our country was on the brink of civil war.
You guys are close in all fairness, White Man was from the Clash's first album and was basically about racism and selling out so 10/10. It was produced by Sandy Pearlman, an American, sadly died in 2016 and had previously wrote/produced BOC and managed Black Sabbath for a few years. The Clash were all Londoners and grew up with many black folk including Don Letts etc... Careful you don't let being Americans taint your thoughts as 99.9% of us Brits have no racist thoughts at all. RIP Joe Strummer !!
These guys don't know what they are talking about here. I was in England form 1977-1980 and the Clash were happening then. Unfortunately the "Sex Pistols" were sucking all the air of the room with all of their white noise and drama. People in the U.K. ask, "When will we have our own Bruce Springsteen"?..You did, his name was Joe Strummer. .Dude, let your wife talk more- she is a Babe.
"If Adolf Hitler flew in today, they'd send a limousine anyway." Has to be one of the greatest lines ever written.
Agreed. And sadly probably true.
Theirs plenty of Germans who would
He who fucks nuns will later join the church.
Classic line that , one of the best along with Elvis Costello watching the detectives she's filing her nails while they're dragging the lake .😂
@@L_87 plenty of UK politicians, too
Possibly the best song ever written
The very best!!! nice one me friend :)
Certainly one of them. Up there as my favourite "punk" single,and along with 'Complete Control' my favourite Clash song.
Shouldn't that be possibly 'their' best song ever written? If you think that this is the pinnacle of musical expression, then you haven't heard much. I like The Clash, and love this song, but a little perspective please!
Brilliant tune, must have heard it through tens of thousands of times
I agree 👍
It has to be appreciated that these people are possibly hearing these songs for the first time and don't have the same life experiences that we may have attached to these songs. So, when they might not "get" the gist of a song or the lyrics it's only because they have no life history with it. Also some of us may have come from the streets or from that time and understand what the songs are actually about. I think their reviews are honest and to some degree fairly innocent. I do like their choice of music; they're pulling out some awesome British classics.
well said
Ken Boothe, mentioned in the second verse, took a reggae version of "Everything I Own" to number one in the charts in the UK in 1974. The Clash famously dropped several reggae flavored tunes. Bob Marley wrote "Punky Reggae" after hearing The Clash's 1977 cover of Junior Murvin's "Police & Thieves". They took the original, sped it up, roughed it up, and created ska-punk in the process without realizing it. With "(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais" (1978) they showed they could write originals in that style too. When you're ready for more from them in that style, check out "Revolution Rock" (1979), "The Guns of Brixton" (1979), "Pressure Drop" (1980), "Armagideon Time" (1980), and "Bankrobber" (1980) among others.
and let's not forget the dub version of bankrobber with mickey dread at the production
Sorry for being late to this. Joe wrote this about a gig he went to at Hammersmith. He was hoping for the acts to make a call to the people there but was disappointed with the message the artists portrayed on stage. They were playing pop when he thought they should be sending a message. After the gig someone attempted to mug him (please mister leave me alone). The song is all about calling out the hypocrisies of other bands/singers who claim to be sending a message but were really after the fame and money. This song was one of Joe's favourites and was played at his funeral. The Clash are the only band that ever mattered and this song is an example of why.
I'm a 55 year old British guy who got this brilliant song on 7 inch for my Christmas back in 1978i lost it somewhere around the mid eighties an manged to get hol of another four copy's on vinyl over the year s in my opinion its one of the best songs the clash have ever done I find it strange why you never hear it getting played on the radio its such a vibrant tune that sums up the British culture of the 1970s
It didn't get heavy rotation in my hometown, or on Muchmusic. And honestly, I think I came in late for them.
That line about Burton suits, seems an obvious reference to The Jam.
It was.
Ironic really given that the Clash' punk gear was all designer.
SLF, Pistols then Clash - my top three punk bands and being a teenager in late 70s they've stuck with me more than 40 years, going to SLF in Glasgow on 16-17 March, my favourite live band, so great that new listeners are finding SLF even now
With the greatest of respect, brother, The Clash and SLF actually meant it.
Been to many SLF gigs at the Barras on Paddy’s Day. I was at the “last ever” SLF gig at the Glasgow Apollo in 1983. Burns, Cluney, McMordie and Dolphin Taylor.
Oh to see them live just once more, and this song is the one I’m having when I check out for the last time 😊
Chris & Cynthia you two are excellent reactors! You listen to your audience and I believe you give honest commentary! Keep up the good work!
The " new groups in Burton suits " was a dig at The Jam, The Specials, Elvis Costello, etc, who rode the wave of punk.
Top, top tune! Absolute Class! With a wee dig at The Jam, "Burton suits "🤣👍
Bit strong on Joe's part that. The Clash had lots of image changes. From punk dregs to slick rockabilly tough guys. The Jam had summat to say, but you can't beat the Clash. No sir.
@@martinotoole9959 The Jam beat The Clash on a lot of levels.
He was having a dig at weller on account of him saying the Jam would be voting Tory in the 1979 election.
"Changing their votes along with their overcoats "
@kevin young Weller I believe was still to young to vote - Viva the Clash - f in loved the Jam.
@@jamescorlett5272 wasn't he 21 at the time of the 1979 election?
I got a+ for playing in this in guitar class! I played Coachella in 2014 but it all started here. Good times
You’ve no need to explain your reactions, watching Mrs H get into my favourite band of all time, the Jam 40+ years after I did was a joy to see.
Hi guys, just want you to know that I have been listening for a few days now and you are very informative, entertaining, and real. I enjoy your points of view and somber commentary! Keep up the good reviews. ❤
Fantastic song I saw the clash loads of times in the 70s and 80s brilliant group
Was lucky enough to help the Clash out as a kid - Crawley gig 78 (got paid and had lunch with them) Nasty , dirty time, but we did it. Portsmouth Punks! = The Clash! Big up Perry and Andy Lavender the most high!!!! xx
The first part of the song was about a show at Hammersmith that Strummer had gone to, a reggae extravaganza which he found disappointing (more "Four Tops" than "roots rock reggae"). Yep, the song is about sellouts, first by the reggae bands brought to the UK, then by the local punk acts, and also by governments (the Adolf Hitler line).
Great tune, great memories
Well this took me back to the 80's in Norf London, dreads & punks used to get on with Babylon being the common antagonist.
Probably one of my favorite Clash tracks.
Hi Chris & Cynthia, You don't need to apologise for your reactions! Think people like your channel and reactions because you're down to earth folks and not prententious, Another great choice from The Clash who were as you said at the forefront of the Anti-Racism movement in the late 70s early 80s used to headline Rock against Racism gigs etc anyway love your channel Cheers Jim, UK
I requested this too! Great stuff again and never be afraid of criticising any artist, or having your opinion. That's why people like reaction vids I feel. To see what others think of certain tracks.
We were trying to find all the names that requested this song. I think we need a database.
Awesome Clash song. For some fun you might want to check out these boys from Northern Ireland, Stiff Little Fingers. Energy, politics and very punk.
PS. Complete Control was a song of protest that CBS forced the Clash to release Remote Control as a single and they were not happy. It's a great lesson to all budding songsmiths not to trust A+R men ever!!
That's an interesting story. We'll have to take a listen. We love music industry politics even more than regular politics.
For your next Clash reaction, I'd recommend "Straight to hell". It's musically unusual and the lyrics, as always with The Clash, are relatively complex and thought provoking.
Let me tell you about your blood bamboo kid, it aint coca cola, its rice
There aint no need for you... God bless you Joe, Christ you could write.
Back in the garage with my bullshit detector.
Carbon monoxide making sure its effective... Need I go on ? Probably the most underrated songwriter in the history of British music.
Marc , do you think that they would get it? It takes at least ten listens before the penny drops for anyone . Or maybe I am wrong.
@@martinotoole9959 I think it would be a good test of whether the Haniers appreciate the deeper elements of lyricism and music. Some TH-cam reactors don't but some display insightful critical faculties.
@@marcharley6465 I tip my hat to them for giving it a go, and they seem like lovely people. But to throw a curved ball like the song you mentioned is a little unfair on them. With the odd exception Combat Rock is an abstruse yet brilliant work , and does take a little bit of time and patience to feel all the nuances and raw emotion. I personally think it was there finest work although to get there you had the fetid rage and spit of the shithole clubs of the past, Joe's electric leg giving it large to Career Opportunities! Anyhow Marc, enough of my tenth rate journalistic attempts, I have probably bored you shitless by now thanks for your patience. Kind regards Martin. Stay free.
You shouldn't be too sensitive about the mentions of "white man" and "Adolf Hitler" in the lyrics to this song. The Clash made it quite clear that they were anti-racist and anti-fascist on many occasions. This song was released at a time when racism was an increasing issue in the UK and bands like The Clash needed to speak plainly.
Taking off his Turban he said is this man a jew. They haven't scratched the surface Marc. But in those days you had more latitude, more freedom to say what you feel. Today, banned everywhere and probably 5 years in the nick for inciting racial hatred when nothing could be further from the truth.
@@martinotoole9959 Kia ora Martin once again you are on the money 💲
We WERE a little nervous about putting the song up based on the lyrics we had skimmed through before the video. We didn't want too much information about it before we watched. We just didn't want to waste our time recording a video that we weren't going to be able to keep up. But, we sucked it up, and listened. Though we didn't get every reference, we got the gist. I (Chris) grew up in a place where people didn't trust anyone who didn't resemble them. If I hadn't been a huge fan of Hip Hop and Prince in my teens, I might have had that same attitude. Except that my dad was a hippie, and hated nobody. You can't be raised like that and not have empathy, you know?
@@hanierfamily kia ora hello my friends hay if there's one thing you can be certain of THE CLASH will always be fighting the good fight against corruption poverty racism sexism and just plain old bad behaviour
@@hanierfamily i would highly recommend watching THE FUTURE IS UNWRITTEN a documentary about JOE STRUMMER AND THE CLASH it's a MUST 😉👍
Heard this first time on the radio in Belfast, while waking up from the night before with my face stuck to someone's linoleum floor,
Woke me up!
Had to hitchhike 50 miles home, first lift was from the makers of Shellshock rock, the second was from the support band from the night before, Anti Pasti.
My fav clash song
This is a song of it's time, being someone that grew up with this song i also believe it is one of best songs ever.
It narrates the decline of Punk in the UK in the late70's, how it all descended into violence and negativaty and the rise of right wing politcs.
The line 'if 'Adolf Hitler flew in today they'd send a limosine anyway' says it all about the time this song came out.
My favourite Clash song.
Kia ora hello my friends from Aotearoa new zealand hay i think I've told you that my oldest son almost 16 year's old is called Strummer Clash Palace and this song is one of my favourite songs ever my favourite Clash Song is Complete Control
You are a cool dad. I hope your son knows that.
@@hanierfamily my three boy's are everything to me I'm mixed race Maori Scott English Jew and my ex wife is dark skinned Maori my boy's are dark coffee coloured I'm white as snow apart from the punkrock green and red ink all over the place my second son who just turned 13 year's old is named after my uncle Sonny who was one of our (Aotearoa new zealands) best blues singers/ guitarist's SONNY DAY this gentle Maori Man just his spoken voice when i was a kid back in the seventies was like a warm blanket on a really cold night wrapping around you comforting warm and he could sing.
And my little guy almost ten years old Kura is a chip off the old block I've got one of the highest RPMs in the history of the world RANTS PER MINUTE but KURA CAN GIVE ME A RUN FOR MY MONEY AND HE'S REALLY CUTE VERY INTELLIGENT ALL WAYS ASKING QUESTIONS. I BECAME A DAD AT THE VERY YOUNG AGE OF 36 😜 the most awesome thing in life holding your child for the first time and clicking THAT'S WHY I'M HERE LIFE CHANGING AND LIFE MEANING
@@heathcornbeef who cares about colour, in a cold violent world we have got to care for each other or we end up lost. I am sure your wife is beautiful and you are lucky to have her. Colour is just a vision, but your heart leads you by the hand when it's all said and done. If I'm wrong then I will accept your bollocking with as much dignity As I can muster! Just kidding brother ,love to you and your family .
@@martinotoole9959 kia ora hello Martin from Aotearoa new zealand hay please brother you have nothing to get dragged over hot coals your statement is spot on i wish people would just live and let live colour race sexual orientation religion who cares we all bleed red and belong to the same race THE HUMAN RACE . AT THE END OF THE DAY .... IT'S NIGHT TIME..... AND I'M PRETTY SURE 99.9 PERCENT OF THE WORLD'S POPULATION JUST WANT'S TO BE WARM FEED AND HEALTHY SAFE
the greatest song ever written
Only the Clash and the Who were capable of this sort of authenticity. The best British rock bands ever.
Do bloody revolutions by crass
Saw the Clash several times, a couple of the earlier gigs were mental. Running battles with casuals and mounted police charges outside the venue, door team said F this and went home, everyone was crammed into the stalls. Every seat got torn up and were all piled up at one side. Chaos but fun.
Question: The names they mentioned in the song. I'm thinking these were some old school Ska or reggae bands? If you have songs from these, I would be more than interested.
Hi guys, first part of song is essentially a story of when the singer went to an all nighter concert at the H Palais. The names mentioned are early 70s reggae stars and he expected a lot of what was called 'roots reggae' but instead got the acts sounding too smooth, and trying to be like Motown acts. 2nd part of song is essentially criticism of new wave bands jumping on the bandwagon and only being interested in making it big.
We'd be interested in hearing those bands as well.
Ken boothe, “everything I own” a nice mellow song, great review of the clash thank you
Bob Marley apparently said that he didn’t think white folks could play reggae until he heard this
Another of my favourite Clash songs , great lyrics, hope you chevk out Complete Control and Clash cty rockers , amazing live band too.
It's great to hear the draw review. We ( the oldies) have had plenty of time to hear it for the first time and chew it to death. Add that to books and the internet and we've analysed things to the nth degree. For example I happen to know Joe Strummer wore red underwear in the studio for this.
Ok I made that up. But that's the level of fan your output will be met by. Everyones a blooming expert! ( including me)
Keep it up.
I heard thy played this song at Joe strummer's funeral.
Spent many a Friday night in Hammersmith Palais and a dirty kebab afterwards ...good times! 🍻🌮.....shame it's closed now!!!, guess the area got too posh!! 🤷
Lad I haven't got a jealous bone in my body but reading your message did give me a twinge of envy ! I bet you can tell some stories. The Hannier family are lovely, but this didn't register, its importance didn't hit the nerve as it did with us. In the shit and we knew it.
@@martinotoole9959 ...you remember going down the Swan and the George for a few, then round to Hammersmith Palais and out at 2am for a kebab or off down to the local Indian for a late night early morning curry!!
@@glastonbury4304 Brother I'm a Yorkshire man and only went to London with work, but when the Clash and the whole movement were around I was a snot nosed kid. I'm 55 now and if I had you to lean on I reckon we could do some damage to the system even now , whatever happened to the mucky curry house? They all became gentrified and expensive. Or closed down and sold for flats....The light clicked out in the bedsit, old England was all alone.
Keep sticking it to the fuckers. Kind regards Martin. Your deputy in the North. I await your instructions Glastonbury, or should we just have one too many and go for fish and chips after a big joint whets our appetite?
I (Chris) love these old stories. Brings me back to college in the early 2000's. When the Tannery closed up for the night in Fredericton, there were 2 pizza places vying for our attention, and 1 Indian family opened a window in a back ally and sold samosas for $2 each. The line up for them went round the corner. So good!!!
@@hanierfamily Two dollars for a samosa , thats a bit strong brother, two dollars should have got you at least three or four, mind you its all supply and demand. Thanks for giving this song a go, I mean this with all the kindness in my heart, but you won't feel some of these songs because you had to be British and realise that the government has fucked the working class over again .You listened to a Town called malice by the Jam, a line in that says do you cut down the beer or the kids new gear...I love you both ,and thank you for having go kind regards Martin.
Thanks for doing the lyric version. There are some Clash songs that are harder to follow than others.
Not too hard to follow if you are a guttersnipe! Just kidding brother.
Cultural context needed for this song , knowledge of that puts it in a different league, without it, its just a catchy reggae song
Great track!
Could not agree more with the coments below, this is one of the best songs ever writen (RIP Joe Strummer)
If your reactions weren't honest I wouldn't watch and enjoy as much as I do. Keep it up guys
love it
Well chosen young Jake the Biscuit. B side is cool too Prisoner no?
Joe Strummer is as close to a hero as it gets for me i formed a lot of my early teens moral direction from this WONDERFUL EMPATHETIC
MAN HIS STANCE ON RACISM POVERTY
CORRUPT POLITICIANS
WAR
AND JUST BEING A GOOD CITIZEN OF PLANET EARTH ,✌️ PEACE GUY'S STAY SAFE HEALTHY AND HAPPY AND DO YOUR THING THE WAY YOU DO YOUR THING
JOE STRUMMER WOULD APPROVE
DIY it's a PUNK THING amongst others
I reckon you won't be satisfied Heath until us old boys kick some arse again .But you grow up and you calm down, you start wearing blue and brown.yes brother, were working for the clampdown like it or not. It was that or crime and plan B was never ending up in the nick. Or maybe I missed a trick, kind regards Martin. P.S. your words speak loud enough, no need for capital letters you make a great writer, let your weapon be your words, those who don't get it can just fuck off.
@@martinotoole9959 i think that we might be cut from the same cloth Martin ether way i like the way you think about the world and people around you.
ps I've got friends here in Aotearoa new zealand who are O'Tooles they live about 80 kms off the coast of Auckland Aotearoa new zealand on great barrier island where i lived in the 90s in a teetree framed tin shed in the bush with my dog's Sadie purebred English Bullmastiff and her granddaughter Pagan who was a Bullmastiff x Pitbull x English bulldog and Pagans son Boy i miss those dogs still 25 years later they were my friends family protectors but boy was it expensive to feed them everything on great barrier island is about twice the price as on the mainland petrol was around 75 cents per litre on the mainland and $1.50 per litre on great barrier island and food was the same luckily i could get as much pork as me and my dog's wanted the four of us out the door and hunting captain cooker pig's me my dog's and a knife exciting adrenaline Filled days
@@heathcornbeef yes ,as far as the O' Toole thing, us Paddys get everywhere. But I tip my hat to them that they got into New Zealand, must be millionaires and never been to court! Yes we are cut from the same cloth. Best Yorkshire worsted 24 oz. My knife is Sheffield steel, but I wish you would take me hunting pigs.if you eat what you catch I reckon its fair. I'm ashamed to admit it but I think I would lose my bottle when it came down to it. Hypocritical bastard that I am, I would cheerfully get stuck in to the meat. I love rabbit and pheasant but the dirty bit has to be done by someone else. Guess I've gone down in your estimation but thatcomes with living in a city, you get no exposure to the country. Nice talking to you Heath,take care and kind regards Martin.
@@martinotoole9959 hay there I'm born and raised in Auckland city the GPS CORRECT EXACT CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE lol . but i totally understand your position on the hunt and killing it's not everyone's cup of tea but there's something about eating something that you have had to chase up and down hill's and has a decent chance of escape hunting with a knife and dog's through the Bush is an adrenaline rush and wild pork is nowhere near as fatty and has a slightly gamey strong taste and the bacon 🥓 is first class. Please don't tell my two pet Kunekune pig's Chopper and Diablo about my past or absolute addiction to bacon they won't understand and wouldn't trust me ever again,😜
@@heathcornbeef Thanks for not rubbishing my lack of courage and I have found the answer for the Bacon word via John Steinbeck's masterpiece The Grapes of wrath. The people in that masterpiece of a novel called it side meat. Now the most sensitive piglet in the southern hemisphere can't get upset about that ! Heath , if you haven't read that book I hope you give it a go. But at least your pets can trust you now! As always, Martin.
Best Song Ever Love The Clash Big Fan ❤️😎🤟🇬🇧
Its a grower, and it really grows on ya!
Kia ora my friend's Joe Strummer is the second biggest influence in my life after my Mum and Dad for moral direction and how to treat people DON'T LOOK DOWN REACH DOWN AND HELP. FIGHT RACISM POVERTY AND BULLIES AND ENJOY GREAT MUSIC AND I'VE BEEN TRYING TO BE ON TARGET FOR JOE AND WHAT IS THE RIGHT WAY TO DO THINGS HE IS MY HERO. WHEN I HEAR( COMA GIRL) I STILL GET TEARY EYES. IT STILL HURTS KNOWING THAT JOE STRUMMER ISN'T HERE IN THE FLESH WITH US ANYMORE,😥😢😭😭
311 did an absolutely killer cover of this song
R.I.P Joe Strummer 🇬🇧🙏
The clash,the better punk band..,of the World 😂😂👍🖐️🌟🌟🌟🎶🎶🎶💪👻👻frrom France,thanks👍
Very good song, I like.
Another great reaction to a classic track thank you, I would like to suggest Beasley street or Kung fu international by John Cooper Clarke he is a punk poet regarded as a national treasure here, his poems are usually set to music Chicken town another of his poems was used at the end of the penultimate Sopranos episode it may have too much swearing in it for your audience, he has a few performances on The Old Grey Whistle Test a music program from way back when
We're not too worried about swearing. We are big fans of Ice Cube.
Your a sucked up spat out Smartie ,a death at a birthday party. Poetic champions compose ! He is now a professor, thats a stretch from the back streets of Salford or Manchester. But to me his greatest verse was Mau Mau lovers come and go, dreamboats leave you behind. From baby doll to go man go down the slopes of the adult mind. You beat that. I don't reckon our friends from across the pond would be too interested, its a bit niche even for some English people. A bit like playing The Ramones at a Japanese royal wedding.
Lost my respect when you got Debenhams for a pound and shafted the pension fund. A retail pension is scanty to say the least, but it's fine if all your money is signed over to the wife so bankruptcy can't touch you. I know it's not new , or even you. But I fucking hope JC Clarke is reading what I do. Peter brother you share the name, but weren't in it for the screw.
@@hanierfamily I, to my shame have been vitriolic about you not truly understanding The Clash. I stand by my words because you were not born then and I was 10 in77 but the thing got you when you were about to leave school and no jobs were available, not even the most menial, and any work is honourable. But just nothing. Now turn on me because Rap is alien to my soul .
Violent misogynist, maybe wonderful and elegant. My control tower is too old to bring it into land. Many black friends tried but I'm beyond hope. But you know that I think the world of you! Kind regards Martin.
@@martinotoole9959 you seem to have confused me with that other idiot called Phillip Green I do live on the coast however Skegness is far from Monaco and Ido not possess a super yacht paid for by peoples pensions i have stolen
Classic song by the only group that matters .
I was a Punk at the ealy 80,s...love the clash.. 🎸Try some strange, exotic... :Die toten Hosen, mehr davon, live Rock am Ring, Hals und Beinbruch,, (it, s a long title🤔this Band is one of the succesful Bands from Germany,,,, See what dangerous Thing the singer s doing💀😮
Look at this is England and the video that goes with it
Brilliant anthem from the only band that matters...
The only band that mattered apart from the Stranglers and the Sex Pistols and the Jam and the Doors and The Who and the Beatles .
they got burton suits, ah you think that's funny, turning rebellion in to money - joe and the gang already saw which way punk was going, great great song
Great song -much better than some of their early punk songs.
Incidentally, the first gig i went to was at the Palais on my 15th birthday- lots of jumping, hot as anything, merchandise stall got trashed. And loud!!
The song’s about a crap night Joe had at the palais. Disappointed with acts that were on. “ but onstage they ain’t got no roots rock rebel”
Are you familiar with The clash with London calling?
I hear you don't like Mondays, so Boomtown rats and I don't like Mondays
Actually, I'm naming it after the song. We know it, as well as London Calling.
Play White Riot by the Clash...or Hersham Boys by Sham 69
Hay cuzzies you do your thing the way you do your thing otherwise what's the point keep at it do it your way or it's the highway 😜👍✌️
Joe's voice to me is the greatest
Clash ❤️🇧🇻
It's about the punk movement in general and him being the only white face at a reggae concert in particular. The Clash fused punk & reggae well but it didn't sit well with them the conflicts between black & white youths.
Yes, and both sides got it in their faces here.
Lyrics .class
Why not phone up robin hood and ask him for some wealth distribution superb rip joe strummer taken way to early have you heard stiff little fingers strummerville there tribute to joe great vid by the way guys 🎉🎉🎉❤❤
The best Clash song!🏴
This came about when Joe Strummer attended a reggae show and left a bit disappointed.
Epic!
The clash used to take reggae bands as support groups to promote the harmony joe wanted between white and black people may joe R.I.P
Thanks for you production 🙏🏻😂i french 🇫🇷thé clash IS m'y génération mouvement..they are important in Europe....thanks 🙏🏻 to read me..🤣😂🌟🌟🌟
Probably the greatest song to come out of the UK punk scene, by faraway the best band.
funny to hear non punks being threatened by punk songs
The only band that matters
you two where like cats caught in the headlights, you where like, "wtf is this" you can tell by your instant reaction when the song started, you never "Got it" till near the end, bands like the clash were all about the lyrics, the more you delve into bands like this, the music becomes secondary but still a part of it, but i'm very glad you chose to do this particular number, I still think you would be more comfortable reviewing huey lewis and the news vids tho
Best white reggae band ever. Guns of Brixton nails it
Palais danse hall
TUNE a fantastic song by the great JO Strummer a song about the state of Britain in the late 70s covering racial tension and right wing politics even referring to Hitler I sums up the feeling of the working class in the late 70s Strummer loved the song so much it was even played at his funeral you have got to listen to some Sex Pistols anarchy in the Uk or god save the queen
we know those songs
@@hanierfamily try Siouxsie and the Banshees cover of the Beatles Dear Prudence
Keep reacting honestly. If you pretended to like every recommendation it would defeat the point of your channel.
We appreciate that. We will always give our honest opinion, whether you guys like it or not. No apology. But, we'll always try and find the parts we can say nice things about. And we won't directly insult anyone.
Nice reaction to this weird but true song :) Can you react on "Glory box" by Portishead pls, or if you want more Clash then "Know your rights", ty?
Be nice😁
It's funny to me as british that has lived through the 80's that the women calls the song cute.The song's background was of depravation and rioting and hopelessness.and our country was on the brink of civil war.
Top the top
Can't believe you guys haven't heard this before already anyway... Don't you listen to music outside of these reaction videos?
The clash only band that matters the pistols the ruts slf ☘☘☘🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪☘🇮🇪☘☘☘
Just enjoy the music it doesn’t have to be that deep
Looking for fun sums the majority of us British up.
You guys are close in all fairness, White Man was from the Clash's first album and was basically about racism and selling out so 10/10. It was produced by Sandy Pearlman, an American, sadly died in 2016 and had previously wrote/produced BOC and managed Black Sabbath for a few years. The Clash were all Londoners and grew up with many black folk including Don Letts etc... Careful you don't let being Americans taint your thoughts as 99.9% of us Brits have no racist thoughts at all. RIP Joe Strummer !!
We're Canadian.
it was a stand alone single, not from any album.
@@rdm4509 Spot on!
Nope it was released in 78 as a 7" 1st album was 77
These guys don't know what they are talking about here. I was in England form 1977-1980 and the Clash were happening then. Unfortunately the "Sex Pistols" were sucking all the air of the room with all of their white noise and drama. People in the U.K. ask, "When will we have our own Bruce Springsteen"?..You did, his name was Joe Strummer. .Dude, let your wife talk more- she is a Babe.
Uh ! They think it's funny, turning rebellion into money ! How punk is that?
THE ONLY BAND THAT MATTERS
The Only BAND THAT MATTERS . ??? INCORRECT ❌
Shame they didn't stay to their Punk Roots .😢
If this is their job - they should do more research and at least know something! At all! Holly smoke this is embarrasing.
This is one of the most iconic post punk tunes, your reaction is shite.
The clash has always been controversial. That's what makes them differnt from other punk bands.
😂😂😂 I guess the Pistols weren't then 😂😂😂😂
I suggest you listen to the handsome family