So what's it to be, tax dodgers?

I own both, but I'll plump for the UK version.

Why? "Janie Jones" is a great opener; the UK version seems more cohesive; and I really like "Cheat".

Question:
Do you prefer the UK or US version of The Clash?

Choices:
UK
US

 

I actually voted for the U.K. version, but upon further review I might change my mind. "I Fought the Law", "Clash City Rockers", "Hammersmith Palais" and "Complete Control" are all first rate Clash tracks. I'll have to revisit each and get back to you.

The US version...

Protex blues, cheat, 48 hrs ok songs

the songs MJ listed classic songs..

So basically it comes down to this:

U.K. Version has:

"Deny" (Good, but not a great song by any means)
"Cheat" (This is a fantastic song, and was probably ommitted due to the profanity)
"Protex Blue" (Another good, but not great song)
"48 Hours" (I always loved this song, sounds a bit dated but it is a prototypical punk rock anthem)

While the U.S. substitutes:

"Clash City Rockers" (Fantastic and essential)
"Complete Control" (Another fantastic song)
"(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais" (A glimpse of what was to come, should have replaced "Police & Thieves" on this version)
"I Fought the Law" (Sonny Curtis would be Proud, one of the best covers ever!)
"Jail Guitar Doors" (A Mick Jones-sung song that I have never paid much attention to until today, it's actually pretty stellar)

So Here's the perfect tracklisting:

01. Janie Jones
02. I Fought the Law
03. Clash City Rockers
04. Remote Control
05. I'm So Bored With the USA
06. Complete Control
07. White Riot
08. Hate & War
09. What's My Name
10. Deny
11. London's Burning
12. Career Opportunities
13. Cheat
14. Protex Blue
15. (White Man) In Hammersmith Palais
16. Jail Guitar Doors
17. 48 Hours
18. Garageland

Total Time: 46:01

MJ, I agree with you about the US inclusions, but to my ears the US version seems patched together, much less of an "album".

I actually only know the US version. I know the UK version is supposedly better, but I'd find it hard to part with the tracks on the US version.

Dear Heavens above, why is this even a question? UK version is head and shoulders a superior, and intended tracklisting.

quote:

Originally posted by Ish:
Dear Heavens above, why is this even a question?

Gee, I don't know. Maybe because two versions of the album exist?

After listening to both several times recently, I can honestly say that the U.S. version is my favorite. It really comes down to what you're used to, I think. If you had grown up with the Yankee version, I think it would be pretty difficult to say goodbye to the four singles which were appended.

I have both versions, but I usually play the British one.

quote:

Posted by maximum Jack
Gee, I don't know. Maybe because two versions of the album exist?

I rename you Literal Jack, but just for this thread.

I love all the little songs the Clash boyos wrote in those sessions, but having grown up with both versions, its' always the original UK one I turn to.
I just can't believe it...it's inconceivable...a person would choose the US version!!! Shock ! Horror! Release the Hounds! ...but why are we arguing anyway? to love the Clash is to be uber-cool immediately, regardless of which pressing you favour.
Yay for the Clash.