The Clash

What degree of praise is there for the Clash that hasn't already been uttered or achieved elsewhere? Not much really, but just when the influx of best-of collections and anthologies has reached its saturation point, Epic issues Essential Plus, a compilation that gives the outstanding 2003 Essential Clash two-CD set a shot of adrenaline by appending the companion 2003 Essential Clash DVD -- chock-full of videos, interviews, rare promo footage, and performances -- into a three-disc package. The inclusion of the DVD helps to offset some of the wobbly selections on the previously released two-disc CD anthology, and it is most likely that die-hard fans will already have the video clips courtesy of the previous DVD or other video/DVD compilations. But for those just now discovering the richness of the Clash, it's a wonderful package to tear into and get lost in for a few hours. This is essential music for any collection focusing on the greatest music of the past century, and it also serves as an ideal and accessible textbook introduction to a band whose influence will resonate for generations to come. ~ Rob Theakston, All Music Guide