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The 1970s punk movement gave birth to some important bands, but none were more important than The Clash. They pushed and broke musical boundaries, while fusing musical experimentation with a socio-political conscience and it's hard to think of a band before or since that have exerted such universal influence.
Their passionate, political agenda continues to inspire new fans and musicians alike. Indeed, the issues The Clash tackled are as relevant today as they were in the late '70s/early '80s. Dubbed "the only band that matters" in their heyday, the same could be said almost 40 years later.
The Clash's self-titled debut was the first major punk record to be released in the UK. It was later released in the US on July 23rd 1979. Iconic artwork, alongside themes of Britain’s disaffected youth, unemployment, drugs, rioting and oppressive policing acted as a blueprint for the burgeoning punk genre. The album's cover version of Junior Murvin's "Police & Thieves" established an early connection between punk and militant reggae music.