Punk Rock Countdown: No. 32 "Clash City Rockers," by The Clash Ah, you knew you'd see the Clash on this list sooner or later, didn't you? Don't worry, this is only the first of many Clash tunes to make the countdown. As hard-driving UK punk songs go, it's hard to beat "Clash City Rockers" -- even if you can't discern the lyrics Joe Strummer is singing in that slurred, gravely voice.
The song is a proclamation of the band's independence and importance -- and a warning to those who would stand in their way:
You better leave town if you only wanna knock us
Nothing stands the pressure of the clash city rockers
It's also a call to the disenfranchised youth to do something about their lot: a political song as well as a cultural wake-up call for the "glitter" rockers that preceded punk. Those who listened to "the bells of old [David] Bowie" and Gary Glitter.
But mostly, it's just a great tune to crank up and jam to.