The Clash were most probably the best punk rock band ever, so when it comes to compiling the list of the best Clash covers ever, you’ll find that most covers by punk bands are just pale imitations of the originals. It’s always more interesting to hear what artists representing totally different musical styles could bring out of the Clash’s punk classics. So, here’s our list of the best Clash covers:
1. Lily Allen – Straight to Hell
This really nice pop cover features Mick Jones himself, and it is also a well-known fact that Joe Strummer was a close friend of Lily Allen’s family. Did you ever figure out what the lyrics were about? Well, US soldiers leaving their temporary Vietnamese families after the Vietnam war. Not a usual topic for pop songs. Best line: Lemme tell ya ’bout your blood bamboo kid / It ain’t Coca-Cola it’s rice.
2. The Honeydippers – Guns of Brixton
Guns of Brixton is probably the most frequently covered Clash song. This cover by an obscure rockabilly band is most likely the best one.
3. La Phaze – Spanish Bombs
La Phaze from France play drum ‘n’ bass influenced noiseless digital hardcore, or pungle. This doesn’t sound too promising, but this cover is surprisingly good.
4. Long Tall Texans – Should I Stay Or Should I Go
A psychobilly version of the most popular Clash track. Great work on the double bass!
5. Thea Gilmore – I’m Not Down
And finally, a folk cover by British singer-songwriter Thea Gilmore.
Bonus track:
This isn’t a cover, but a tribute song to Joe Strummer.