Story Of The Clash, Volume 1 CD

Out-of-print on the US. 2 cd set. Sony/BMG.

Producers include: The Clash, Guy Stevens, Mikey Dread, Lee Perry, Sandy Perlman.
Includes liner notes by Albert Transom.
Digitally remastered by Ray Staff & Bob Whitney (Whitfield Street Studios, London, England).
In some ways, the double-disc, 28-track compilation The Story of the Clash, Vol. 1 does its job quite well -- if the job is indeed presenting a relatively thorough overview for casual fans. The great majority of the band's hits and signature tunes are here, including album tracks and such non-LP singles as "Bankrobber," "Armagideon Time," and "Capital Radio," albeit in nonchronological order. While there may be many worthy tunes missing, nothing here is undeserving of inclusion, and its expansive method of operation works in its favor, since it hints at the richness of the Clash's music. After all, it's no great loss to have such official singles as "Hitsville U.K." missing, since there are some extraordinary album tracks included. Still, the compilation is a little problematic. Not because the music isn't great -- it's so great that the rather bewildering sequencing does nothing to dilute its power -- but because it's hard to tell who needs this compilation, apart from complete neophytes. Granted, in 1988 it marked the first CD release of this music, but since the appearance of The Singles, Super Black Market Clash, and the comprehensive box set Clash on Broadway, no diehard need own it, unless they need the otherwise unavailable edits of such songs as "The Magnificent Seven" that are included here in lieu of the full-length originals. For novices, it's not a bad introduction at all, but it's sort of like a set of training wheels on a bicycle. Still, as training wheels go, it's about the best Clash compilation out there since it draws a fuller picture than The Singles and is more manageable than Clash on Broadway. Of course, jumping in with The Clash or London Calling is just as effective an introduction. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Though not the definitive anthology that the CLASH ON BROADWAY box is, THE STORY OF THE CLASH is an appealing, if confusing, two-disc compilation of the second World's Greatest Rock & Roll Band. Any collection that draws on the early-to-mid-period recordings of the Clash (as this one does) is bound to be worthwhile, and THE STORY OF THE CLASH sweetens the pot by throwing in some relative obscurities, like "Armagideon Time" and "Spanish Bombs" along with classics like "London Calling" and "Career Opportunities." The mildly disconcerting aspect of this set is the lack of chronological or thematic order; songs from all phases of the band's career are thrown together in seemingly random fashion, so this doesn't really function as a history of the band. It does, however, put a whole lot of great Clash songs in one place, and you can't go wrong with that.

Q (12/99, pp.152-3) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...tells its tale well, if not comprehensively..."