The persistent paradox of the Clash has been that their punk standards demand defiance of the requirements and rewards of the music business, while their artistic standards demand that they work that neighborhood. The persistent wonder of the Clash is how every release is a fresh attack on the complications, compromises and frustrations of their impossible project, how they charge into rock mythology with their integrity intact….

On the picture sleeve of the "London Calling" single, two teenagers sit in front of a phonograph with six records on the floor—Elvis [Presley], the Beatles, the Stones, [Bob] Dylan, the Sex Pistols, and The Clash. In other words, this band considers itself one of the greatest. By all the evidence, except sales, that is where they belong. Not only did their debut album speak for a movement and sum up a period of rock and roll history, but it...