Revolution Rock

When you encounter *Revolution Rock* by The Clash, it's easy to perceive that energy that invites you to move. The version they recorded for London Calling leans heavily on reggae, with those choppy horns, almost like a dialogue with Joe Strummer's voice. It's interesting how Strummer used his voice, almost as if it were another instrument, creating that sense of response to what was already playing. Originally, they thought this song would be the one to close the album London Calling, but in the end, they decided to put *Train in Vain* at the last moment.

This song has an interesting story behind it. The original idea comes from Danny Ray, who first recorded it in 1976. His version already had influences from *Get Up*, an earlier song by Jackie Edwards, which is why both appear as composers. Danny Ray used to say that the lyrics were born from observing what was happening in the clubs. Additionally, there was another song with the same title, a 1973 reggae track by Big Youth and Prince Buster. For the recording of London Calling, which took place between June and July 1979, The Clash added the Irish Horns, a brass section that included Chris Gower on trombone, Dick Hanson on trumpet, and John Earle on saxophone. The sound engineer was Bill Price, and the producer, Guy Stevens. The album, London Calling, was released in December 1979 in the UK and in January 1980 in the United States and Canada.