When the seminal English punk rock band The Clash tentatively formed in 1976, the mainstream zeitgeist had yet to truly sink its teeth into the punk phenomena. After playing a number of shows in London and building a name for itself as one of the preeminent bands of the scene, the quartet managed to land a recording contract in 1977 with CBS Records, an imprint that was eager to capitalize off the public's infatuation with the riotous punk subculture. The Clash's eponymously-titled first album was quickly released and the band's characteristic style of music that blended politically-charged lyrics with fervent instrumental accompaniments, resonated well with listeners in England. Though the group would continue to be a major staple throughout Europe, The Clash didn't achieve noted fame in the United States until it released its third album, the widely-regarded masterpiece London Calling, in 1979. Dubbed by many to be "the only band that matters," the group would go on to become viewed as one of the greatest acts of its generation, and although lead guitarist and founding member Joe Strummer left the lineup after feuds with vocalist Mick Jones came to a breaking point, The Clash managed to soldier on, until the remaining members decided to dissolve the band in 1986.
