Epic Records
February 2, 1999
"Burning London: The Clash Tribute" Coming March 13 from Epic Records Featuring New Versions Of Clash Classics by
311, Rancid, Silverchair, Indigo Girls, No Doubt, Ice Cube & Mack 10,Afghan Whigs and More:
They were one of the most original and influential bands in the history of rock & roll. Their lyrics injected a new social
conscience into popular music and inspired a generation of musicians and listeners. Their sound is often remembered as
pure punk rock, yet it incorporated elements of reggae, ska, funk and dub.
They were the Clash, and today's alternative rock and underground rap artists are still drawing inspiration from their
groundbreaking work. On March 16, 1999 Epic Records presents Burning London: The Clash Tribute--a collection of
thirteen Clash classics interpreted by a stellar cast of contemporary performers including No Doubt ("Hateful"), Rancid
("Cheat"), Third Eye Blind ("Train In Vain"), Indigo Girls
("Clampdown"), Afghan Whigs ("Lost In The Super-market"),
Silverchair ("London's Burning"), and Ice Cube & Mack 10 ("Should I Stay Or Should I Go").
Here are comments from some of the participating artists on the legacy of the Clash and their tracks on Burning London:
Indigo Girls' Amy Ray: "I didn't hear the Clash until I was in
college--the time of my great musical awakening - and it was
my introduction to the world of punk. I thought, 'oh, okay, the Sixties don't have a monopoly on politicized music - they
never did.' Along with opening the Pandora's box of philosophical punk music, the Clash led me back to the activism of
early folk and the organic political movements that exist throughout music, throughout time, regardless of genre."
Third Eye Blind: "The four of us came up with different musical influences, but collectively the Clash is probably the most influential band of our youth. We are thrilled to take part in this tribute album and hope it generates lots of funds for The
Children's Hospital of Los Angeles High Risk Youth Program."
Silverchair's Daniel Johns: "I first listened to the Clash because I heard that they were a big influence on some of my
favorite bands like Black Flag and Minor Threat. I got hold of some of their albums and I thought that the first two ["The
Clash" and "Give 'Em Enough Rope"] were awesome. The energy and
aggression was amazing.
"That early stuff has got attitude, so that's why we chose to play 'London's Burning' [from "The Clash"] rather than one of
their better known songs. We did it on one take, very rough. It's
basically unrehearsed, too fast, out of tune, nasty and fun
. . . just like punk rock should be!"
Afghan Whigs' Greg Dulli: "I get down on my knees and thank Jesus for the Clash almost every night."
Thank you Jo!
Added: March 12, 1999
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