OUGD603 - Secret 7 - The Clash & London Calling research

Before choosing 'Im Not Down' I was vaguely familiar with The Clash so felt it was necessary to research more into the band and the album 'London Calling'. They formed in London in 1976 as a key player in the original wave of British punk rock as well as contributing to the post-punk and new wave movements that emerged in the wake of punk and employed elements of a variety of genres including reggae, dub, funk, ska and rockabilly. They became widely referred to as "The Only Band That Matters", originally a promotional slogan introduced by the group's record label, CBS. The Clash consisted of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Joe Strummer, lead guitarist and lead vocalist Mick Jones, bassist Paul Simonon, and drummer Nicky "Topper" Headon. The group was embroiled in politics as its music was often linked with left-wing beliefs. Strummer, in particular, was a committed socialist and The Clash are credited with pioneering the advocacy of radical politics in punk rock, and were dubbed the 'Thinking Man's Yobs' by NME. From research it is clear that this is more or less what the Clash were about, fighting the good fight that few others would fight.

'I'm Not Down' is the 17th track of London Calling, which is an album that incorporates a range of styles, including punk, reggae, rockabilly, ska, New Orleans R&B, pop, lounge jazz, and hard rock. The subject matters included social displacement, unemployment, racial conflict, drug use, and the responsibilities of adulthood which again are depressing subjects. The subjects are often written in relation to London, with narratives featuring both fictional and life-based characters, such as an underworld criminal named Jimmy Jazz and a gun toting Jimmy Cliff aspirer living in Brixton.

The artwork for the album features a photograph of bassist Paul Simonon smashing his Fender Precision Bass against the stage. Simonon explained in a 2011 interview with Fender that he smashed the bass out of frustration when he learned the bouncers at the concert would not let the audience members stand up out of their seats. The cover artwork was designed by Lowry and was an homage to the design of Elvis Presley's self-titled debut album, with pink letters down the left side and green text across the bottom. The cover was named the ninth best album cover of all time by Q magazine in 2001.