NEW YORK (Billboard) - A disc of recently discovered demos for the Clash's "London Calling" and a DVD boasting previously unseen live performance footage will be included in Epic Records' Sept. 21 reissue of the English punk band's landmark 1979 album.


The demos, dubbed "The Vanilla Tapes," were recently discovered in a storage facility belonging to guitarist/vocalist Mick Jones, according to a statement issued Thursday by the Legacy Recordings heritage unit of Epic's Sony Music parent.


The demos include songs that did not make the final cut for "London Calling," although a spokesman said the track listing had not been finalized.


In addition to the original album and the demos, "London Calling: The 25th Anniversary Edition" will boast a DVD chronicling the Clash at that point in its existence. A 45-minute documentary was created by longtime biographer Don Letts, and features recording studio footage, previously unreleased live performances, interviews with Jones, late singer/guitarist Joe Strummer (news), drummer Topper Headon and bassist Paul Simonon and a conversation with one-time band manager Kosmo Vinyl.


The new edition will also feature full song lyrics, a new essay and photos by band photographer Pennie Smith, who was responsible for the blurry cover shot of an angry Simonon smashing his bass during a gig at the New York Palladium.


"London Calling," the Clash's third album, has come to be regarded as one of the best records of the punk era. Its 19 tracks feature such classics as the title cut, "Clampdown," "Guns of Brixton," "Spanish Bombs," "Rudie Can't Fail," "Death or Glory" and the final hidden tune "Train in Vain."


Reuters/Billboard




I'm sure Danielboon will be just as pleased as me to hear this.

Thanks..fantastic news..

NWF said:

HOORAY!!!

Expect expanded reissues of both the first album and "Combat Rock". These were apparently planned and agreed before Joe's death, as were a few more live albums featuring the original line-up. Don't know if the latter will see the light of day.
[This message was edited Tue Jun 29 23:14:58 2004 by Shapeshifter]

NWF said:

Oh yes!!! Bring it on!!

u r sooooo ..... right nwf , bring it on , i read an interview with my new best "mate" mick jones lol, in a uk sunday paper re; this dvd and his new band carbon/silicon, i didnt realise there was gonna b so many xtras !!!

this is my fave album of all time we r discussing here ! , wow !

rolling stone stated this was "THE" album of the 80's it was actually released 79 !!!, its also continually described as one of the greatest albums of all time !!!