Released as a double album in the U.K. on this day in 1979, London Calling is the third studio album by The Clash. It wouldn't be released in the United States until January 1980. The album reflected the band's growing interest in a range of styles beyond their punk roots, including reggae, rockabilly, ska, New Orleans R&B, pop, lounge jazz, and hard rock. With the dawn of the 80s in sight, the Clash used the title track to deal with an unknown future, pondering the many ways the world could end, including the coming of the ice age, starvation, and war. It was the song that best defined The Clash, who were known for lashing out against injustice and rebelling against the establishment, which is pretty much what punk rock was all about. The album also featured songs like "Train in Vain", "Rudie Can't Fail', "Lost In A Supermarket", "Clampdown", "Guns of Brixton", "Death or Glory", "Brand New Cadillac", propelling the album to 5X Platinum status, selling over five million copies worldwide.
Check out a few videos from the London Calling album above and below.