Overview

This volume brings together a range of writers from different academic disciplines and different locations to provide an engaging and accessible critical exploration of one of the most revered and reviled bands in the history of popular music. The essays collated here locate The Clash in their own explosive cultural moment of punk's year zero and examine how the group speaks from beyond the grave to the uncanny parallels of other moments of social and political crisis. In addition, the collection considers the impact of the band in a range of different geopolitical contexts, with various contributors exploring what the band meant in settings as diverse as Italy, England, Northern Ireland, Australia and the United States. The diverse essays gathered in Working for the clampdown cast a critical light on both the cultural legacy and contemporary resonance of one of the most influential bands ever to have graced a stage. -- .

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9781526114204

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Reviews

'A collection like this gives credence to the claim that The Clash was the only band that mattered. Working for the Clampdown locates the group in its historical context, tracking how they reported, reflected and mythologised the changing world they inherited and shaped. It is indeed a book-length companion to The Armagideon Times.' Professor Matthew Worley, University of Reading 'Working for the Clampdown succeeds in the almost impossible balancing act of celebrating the lasting power of The Clash's progressive subversions, while at the same time dealing with the band in its historical context with a clear-eyed lack of sentimentality. It is this combination of acute critique and heartfelt enthusiasm that makes the collection such a joy to read. Cogently edited by Colin Coulter, whose exquisitely sardonic wit sets exactly the right tone, this book makes an important contribution to our understanding of the band that influenced so many.' Professor Sam Porter, University of Bournemouth -- .

'Working for the clampdown is an excellent piece of work. To speak personally for a brief moment: it reminded me why I love The Clash so much but also why I should continue to analyse my motives for loving them. It is intellectually challenging, wide-ranging, readable and expertly edited. In a field that remains distressingly small, it is set to inspire future critics and to make its own lasting impact.' James Peacock, Keele University, Popular Music, Vol. 39, Issue 1 (February 2020) 'What gives this volume its strength is its unpacking of the mythological milieu around the band, not least in the complex relationship between the Clash, punk and the emerging political landscape of the late 1970s. [...] Working for the clampdown is a valuable addition to the critical examination of the political, social and aesthetic milieu of punk and, within those complex surroundings, the Clash. Its openness about its subject is refreshing, whilst its chapters are well-written and intriguing.' Mike Dines, Middlesex University, Punk & Post-Punk, Vol. 9, Issue 1 (2020) -- .

'Working for the clampdown is an excellent piece of work. To speak personally for a brief moment: it reminded me why I love The Clash so much but also why I should continue to analyse my motives for loving them. It is intellectually challenging, wide-ranging, readable and expertly edited. In a field that remains distressingly small, it is set to inspire future critics and to make its own lasting impact.' James Peacock, Keele University, Popular Music, Vol. 39, Issue 1 (February 2020) 'What gives this volume its strength is its unpacking of the mythological milieu around the band, not least in the complex relationship between the Clash, punk and the emerging political landscape of the late 1970s. [...] Working for the clampdown is a valuable addition to the critical examination of the political, social and aesthetic milieu of punk and, within those complex surroundings, the Clash. Its openness about its subject is refreshing, whilst its chapters are well-written and intriguing.' Mike Dines, Middlesex University, Punk & Post-Punk, Vol. 9, Issue 1 (2020) 'Colin Coulter's invitation to (re)examine the political impact and the contemporary relevance of the band by rejecting the sanitised, dehistoricised vision of it proposed by the culture industry is to be welcomed.' Jeremy Tranmer, Transposition: Musique et sciences sociales -- .

'Working for the clampdown is an excellent piece of work. To speak personally for a brief moment: it reminded me why I love The Clash so much but also why I should continue to analyse my motives for loving them. It is intellectually challenging, wide-ranging, readable and expertly edited. In a field that remains distressingly small, it is set to inspire future critics and to make its own lasting impact.' James Peacock, Keele University, Popular Music, Vol. 39, Issue 1 (February 2020) 'What gives this volume its strength is its unpacking of the mythological milieu around the band, not least in the complex relationship between the Clash, punk and the emerging political landscape of the late 1970s. [...] Working for the clampdown is a valuable addition to the critical examination of the political, social and aesthetic milieu of punk and, within those complex surroundings, the Clash. Its openness about its subject is refreshing, whilst its chapters are well-written and intriguing.' Mike Dines, Middlesex University, Punk & Post-Punk, Vol. 9, Issue 1 (2020) 'Colin Coulter’s invitation to (re)examine the political impact and the contemporary relevance of the band by rejecting the sanitised, dehistoricised vision of it proposed by the culture industry is to be welcomed.' Jeremy Tranmer, Transposition: Musique et sciences sociales -- .

Author Information

Colin Coulter is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Sociology, Maynooth University, Ireland

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