10 Best British Classic Rock Bands Of All Time
9. The Clash
When talking about the best bands to come out of the punk mold, most music fans cite the Ramones as the moment when punk infiltrated the mainstream consciousness. Though the four non-sibling brothers from New York laid the groundwork for punk's signature style, The Clash were the ones who turned that style into a true musical powerhouse.
Are the band the most competent musicians? No, not by a long shot. On the other hand, what the band did play had the capacity to move mountains, with each track feeling like it was teetering right on the edge of reality. Just when you think everything is about to fall apart, another piece hits that becomes the foundation of the entire track.
The Clash also need to be mentioned for the way they brought real topics into the punk songbook. With many punk bands getting away with nihilistic odes to being bored and young lust, Joe Strummer was dead serious as he penned songs having to do with politics of all different kinds. From riots to apartheid to just personal power, nothing was off the table when it came to this band's pointed statements.
The start of punk may have been a lot of fun to indulge in, but the Clash were the band that showed that this punk music wasn't just a bunch of delinquents with instruments. This was a complete mindset and lifestyle for society going forward.