If you are new to the blog – let me explain the Clash Cup. Crap day, I’m licking my wounds more than a bit today, if you are a Man United fan, I wouldn’t trade my clubs style for your success…end of story.. Sometimes being better doesn’t count for much and this is one of those days. Perhaps the same can be said on some of The Clash Cup voting (I jest)….our continued democratic mission to select the best Clash songs of all time. Before moving on to the newest selections we’ve some results to review:

What’s My Name over     The Right Profile 26-10

The Leader over Junkie Slip 19-5

I thought both votes would be a lot closer when I loaded these polls, the support for tracks from London Calling so far has not translated into wins in the cup. The rule of thumb seems to be the earlier the song the more likely it is to progress (not scientific but it is a fact in 10 of 13 results so far where the tracks weren’t from the same album). The Right Profile didn’t even get enough support to make a later appearance as a high vote getter. So onto the next foursome and it’s a good bunch again.

3 tracks that you’ll be very familiar with and potentially 2 that might make the final 32. The voting is open until Monday night – below you can link to audio and I’ll provide my usual extra info and handicapping.

Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.

Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.

Drug Stabbing Time – The first Clash song to feature brass (I think) and I also think it’s got a 20 second brilliant introduction. Leads by Joe and backing by Mick on the choruses (that in itself is a reason to love it). I’d like to hear a version without the saxaphone…is there one? It’s also a very Sandy Pearlman impacted song with every second of the audio filled with noise.

Koka Kola - Strummer lead vocals and Mick joining on the chorus, sound familiar? Still love the couplets rhyming decision, precision and indecision and to this day I still find myself driving at night saying ‘neon light sign says it’. Funny how stuff sticks with you. But clocking in at just 1:48 it’s one the shortest most punchy songs the band ever recorded.

Where You Gonna Go (Soweto) – Yes it’s a rough demo and yes it never made an official release but I was thrilled when it turned up on the London Calling Legacy edition. The sound is the missing link between GTER  and LC and as a result needs inclusion.

Hate & War - I love this song…purely and simply. As a 12 year old kid I played this over and over and over. I knew Hate & War years before I read about the 60′s and Peace & Love. I just found this track had the anger I felt and loved the lyrics. Mick Jones sounds so pissed off especially during the closing refrain when you suddenly add Strummer barking out how he feels. This is one song I’d love to see make the final 16 due to my emotional (and lasting) connection to it. Don’t let me down Clash Bloggers! I just played it now…still bloody supreme.

Thanks for your votes – I promise to fill up a link to all the results so far if you wonder if your personal favourites have been selected.

Tim