The Who vs The Clash

[Lovebitesandeveryfing]

Saw the Clash four or five times between 77 and 80. I was not particularly impressed on any occasion. The first album and London Calling were very good, otherwise... meh. Totally overrated by the London-centric music media. Joe Strummer was the typical angry posh boy.

The Who...? Phenomenal is the best word I can think of to describe them. Light years ahead of the Clash, both live, and in the studio.

Absolutely no contest in my opinion.

No problem with your preference, although personally I liked them both. Grew up with the Who, so there's obviously that attachment. “My Generation” is literally the anthem of My Generation. And I can still walk around the house singing, at the top of my voice, “Hope I die before I get old”. And I am old! (Although in my head, I'm not).
What is a bit odd is reproaching the Clash with being associated with London. I can't think of a more London-centric band than the Who. It's more precise even than that — Eel Pie Island, Hammersmith Goldhawk Road. Very specific references. All of the wonderful Quadrophenia is about being a London kid (four versions of that kid) who thinks he's a mod but is pretty confused about his identity, as you can be when you're a teenager.
“From Soho down to Brighton, I must have played them all…”
Never saw the Clash live, although I'd have liked to. Saw the Who twice, at the Oval and the Rainbow Theatre. A great privilege, although I'd really like to have seen them in the sixties, when they were still properly rough around the edges.

Back on the Clash — I still regularly play “Working for the clampdown” at full blast. A hell of a song/track.

 

[jimharri]

Not even up for debate. The Who, by miles. It's like comparing Salford City to, well, you get the picture.

 

[stonerblue]

I like The Clash. I love The Who.

Agree that The Clash were overrated; especially London Calling, although it's very good.

In terms of musicianship, it's not even worth discussing. And, none of the Clash are geniuses; Townshend is.

Never saw The Clash live; into double figures on The Who.

Why does your post not surprise me..)

 

[OB1]

Why does your post not surprise me..)

Because my love of classic rock bands is not a secret; although it might not be so obvious that I like The Clash and have all (bar one?) of their albums.

 

[jimharri]

Saw the Clash four or five times between 77 and 80. I was not particularly impressed on any occasion. The first album and London Calling were very good, otherwise... meh. Totally overrated by the London-centric music media. Joe Strummer was the typical angry posh boy.

The Who...? Phenomenal is the best word I can think of to describe them. Light years ahead of the Clash, both live, and in the studio.

Absolutely no contest in my opinion.

That's so far ahead of anything you've posted in a certain other thread!

 

[jimharri]

Saw The Who at Bingley Hall, Stafford in 1979, they were unbelievably good! Saw the Clash a year later at The Apollo & they were okay! The Who for me!

I'd loved to have seen them live. The footage I've seen of them online, you certainly got your money's worth. All four of them were brilliant at their craft.

 

[Tuearts right boot]

I'd loved to have seen them live. The footage I've seen of them online, you certainly got your money's worth. All four of them were brilliant at their craft.

Cant argue with that, Daltrey, a brilliant front man, probably 2nd to Plant in that genre, Entwhistle, one of the best bassist around as well as other instruments, Moon, well, says it all really, top 3 drummer in my mind and Townshend was a brilliant songsmith and producer.
My claim to fame was seeing Townshend coming out of a village shop where we were staying on holiday back in the early 70's, following him back to his cottage and blowing his garden wall up with commercial crow scarers....dont ask me why !!!