2. Complete Control - The Clash (1977)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHtTkKNAbWQ A superb stand-alone single that riffs on both Bernie Rhodes (their infamous manager) and CBS (their big-bucks record label) desire for complete control over the actions, behaviour and aesthetic of a fiercely independent band. Bemoaning the authority that CBS held over them after the American label chose to release Remote Control as the first single from the bands debut LP without so much as consulting them, The Clash used Complete Control as an intense polemic on how an authority can try and doctor and dictate and wrench originality from an artist despite promises that theyd be artistically free, when they signed that bit of paper. The bilious language that Joe Strummer spews on this 7 is reinforced by Mick Jones crackling, crunching guitar line and one of Topper Headons tightest, most intense drumming contributions. Striking a blow for idiosyncrasy and speaking out against management in an iconoclastic manner, Strummers well-measured lyrical attacks soon descend into incoherent ramblings, as if to mimic the power the record label has in silencing its charges. Astute and metafictional, this furious song foreshadowed the arrival of Sandy Pearlman at Clash HQ to produce their follow-up LP, Give Em Enough Rope, as CBS strove to sanitise the groups raw, ragged sound for the American market.
Dan Owens
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A 22 year old English Literature graduate from Birmingham. I am passionate about music, literature and football, in particular, my beloved Aston Villa. Lover of words and consumer of art, music is the very air that I breathe.
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