Third in a series of posts ranking band members on impact, originality and intangible coolness. Read the previous post here.1. Joe Strummer. Despite his readily apparent limitations as a vocalist and musician, Strummer represented the spirit of the band, and indeed, the serious side of the punk movement. A truly revolutionary rocker who is still missed. (We'll forgive him for "Cut the Crap.")
2. Mick Jones. The perfect pop foil for Strummer's hard-edged politics. Jones brought a tuneful side to the Clash and also led them into dub and funk influences as heard on "Sandinista!" and "Combat Rock."
3. Paul Simonon. An adequate bass player, Simonon enjoyed a moment of Clash glory with "Guns of Brixton." He was immortalized on the cover of the "London Calling" LP, a fact diminished by the fact that Simonon's face isn't visible in the photo.
4. Topper Headon and Terry Chimes (tie). Drumming was never especially important to the Clash, as reflected by occasional changes in the band's lineup at this position. Of the two, Headon's work seemed to generate more power, especially on the stunning cover of "I Fought the Law." His heroin addiction, however, played a role in its dissolution. Chimes, the first Clash drummer who stepped back in for the ill-fated "Combat Rock" tour, didn't pack the punch that Headon did, but he had a better nickname: Tory Crimes.
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