CBS called them “The only band that matters” – a promotional slogan, but not too far off from the truth in terms of their societal impact in England during their peak years. The Clash were a seminal punk band, incorporating in their aggressive music messages against racism, war, unemployment, and a host of other social ills. They formed out of a collection of other bands touring around London at the time, and began playing their own brand of ska and reggae influenced songs, finding seemingly no end to their inspiration.

On this day, December 14, in 1979, The Clash released their second album London Calling, an album with tracks confronting their typical milieu of issues that went on to inspire political movements and musicians for years to come.

The title track in particular took on special meaning. Referring back to WW II-era BBC radio transmissions to occupied countries that began with “This is London calling…,” the song addresses police violence, natural disasters and the threat of a nuclear holocaust. It was staccato-guitar rhythmic call to arms, with the chant “London calling to the imitation zone/Forget it, brother, you can go at it alone.”