so underrated. it never gets mentioned in the same breath as the albums that bookended it (The Clash and London Calling), and it got critically and publicly mauled when it first came out.

but i contains some of the Clash's best songs. the opening three tracks are immensely good, with Safe European Home being possibly my favourite Clash tune. and then Julie's Been Working For the Drug Squad, a bit different to their previous work but perhaps their best pop song. the second half of the album is less good, but theres nothing bad and a lot of good.

the usual reason given for the animosity towards it is the production, but i really don't hear it. sure, the producer had little punk credibility and its a bit more polished than their debut. but this was just a step in the direction of London Calling, which didn't exactly stick to the punk formula. and the songwriting is as good as their other, more bummed out albums.

it was the first Clash album i got into so does have a special place in my heart, but i reckon it needs some more love. yes?