wow - just spotted this. Most over rated band........really?? Well I guess they say it's down to the individual. However, I would have to strongly disagree. Having been lucky enough to grow up with the likes of the clash and the stranglers, it's been a privilege seeing them in their pure prime. For me, the clash were one of the most visually entertaining bands from that error until their demise in 1982. They were electrifying live...far more than the Stranglers. God, Hugh and JJ couldn't even jump at the same time when playing something better change. The Clash summed up many things for many people. They were ground breaking mixing a punk, reggae and funk fusion. Quite unique. Joe an Mick were great song writers and composed some classics and of course great albums. As for them being musicians, Joe and Mick were good and Topper was exceptional. Probably one of the finest drummers this country has produced! Perhaps Paul was the weak link as he will freely admit he's not a fantastic bass player, but he couldn't play the bass when he joined. But he did make up for it on the stage and all three front men acted their part. Their music stands loud and proud even now. Still sounds fresh and vibrant and even pushing the boundary back in 1982. Still widely played now with London calling being used at the London Olympics! The boys produced music that actually spoke to people I mean music you could actually feel and still can now! Also, when the Clash finished we got BAD which rose from the ashes. Again ground breaking for the time and of course Dreadzone which is a spin off from BAD. Not to mention Joe's solo stuff which I didn't really get into but many did.
I just remember The Clash became yet another corporate whore, jumping on the US band wagon. The singles were good, but they didn't really do it for me.
I think there were far far better bands around at the time, who were up and coming. The Specials/UB40/The Beat etc etc etc, but as you say that's our own opinion. I just can't understand why they were always mentioned and not so many other bands.