Sound System [Box Set] - The Clash
Sound System [Box Set] Image
Metascore
96

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 10 Ratings

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  • Band members: Mick Jones, Joe Strummer, Paul Simonon, Topper Headon
  • Summary: The 9-disc box set collects together five remastered studio albums; three discs of demos, b-sides, outtakes, rare tracks, and unreleased tracks; a DVD containing live performances, interviews, and music videos; reprints of fanzines, stickers, badges, dogtags, and a poster in a boom box-shaped set.
  • Record Label: Sony Legacy
  • Genre(s): Punk, Pop/Rock, Contemporary Pop/Rock, Hard Rock, Rock & Roll, Punk/New Wave, Dance-Rock, British Punk
  • More Details and Credits »

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Sep 19, 2013
    100
    Sound System presents the complete Clash, lovingly remastered on six discs, comprising the five studio LPs the classic lineup released between 1977 and 1982, plus a 3-CD set featuring non-LP singles and B-sides. A DVD unspools archival footage, plus every video. The sonic upgrade sounds best on the earliest material.
  2. The Telegraph (UK)
    Sep 10, 2013
    100
    The content is lovingly packaged in a box neatly dressed-up as one of those giant beat boxes hipsters used to lug around before the advent of the Sony Walkman and the digital revolution that followed.
  3. Mojo
    Sep 19, 2013
    100
    There are many extras here to pique the completist's interest.... But the real punch rests in the unprecedented clarity of the remastered original tracks, and the audacious creativity and humour of the packaging. [Oct 2013, p.104]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Spin
    Sep 10, 2013
    90
    It's practically the entire history of the band crammed into a mock boombox. Designed by bassist Paul Simonon, the set incorporates retrospective essays, reprinted fanzines, a poster, dog tags, stickers, badges, and so forth; die-hard fans have probably sold off their existing Clash collections just to afford it.
  5. Filter
    Sep 12, 2013
    90
    Sound System drives home the foursome’s adeptness at boundary hopping, while never forgetting the value of a good hook and a politically righteous lyric.
  6. Under The Radar
    Sep 10, 2013
    90
    The immersive experience of sinking into the lovingly detailed Sound System will serve as a reminder of why fans agree with their label's slogan, "The Only Band That Matters." [Aug-Sep 2013, p.103]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Record Collector
    Oct 14, 2013
    60
    Hardcore fans will own it all already, and newcomers will find it too daunting.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. WadeVS
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    There could be no better box set you could own. Ever. The Clash' discography is a timeless one. They stand out as one of the few enduring punk bands with a voice, message and set of convictions that was unchanging, unrelenting and has proved unstoppable. From their two chord, savage masterpieces, to their jazz and dub infused experimentations of later years, The Clash were non-static and poured great passion into every one of their albums. There is not much new to hear here, but it is all epic. Every track is worth poring over.… Expand

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