Released in May 1979, I bought this because basically I bought anything The Clash released, and it also featured four brand new tracks. On initial listening you could tell they were moving on musically - developing more sophisticated and complex songs and arrangements - away from the three-chord in-your-face sonic assaults of their earlier stuff.
Looking back it was a clear bridge between their earlier agit-punk and the multi-faceted sonic landscape that would be the 'London Calling' album which was released six months after the 'Cost of Living' EP.
It also provided them with a hit - by covering the Bobby Fuller Four 1966 hit 'I Fought The Law' - they immediately broadened their audience (although of course The Clash lived up to their vow of never appearing on Top of the Pops). I love both versions of the song, I also loved playing it when I was in Aeroplane Blondes.
'Capital Radio' was actually a re-recording of an earlier track given away on flexi-disc with the NME, this version having more depth and power although also with a slightly indulgent and over long outro.
The other two tracks were the Strummer/Jones originals which really marked the move forward. I've always had a soft spot for 'Gates of the West' which featured Mick Jones on lead vocals doing his best Mott the Hoople impression.
It all came in a great 7" gatefold outer sleeve and inner sleeve.
For me personally it was a time when I had been out to work for nine months, was finding my feet in the 'adult' world (although I was still only 16) and it felt great that both me and my musical heroes were pushing on forwards.
The songs:
https://youtu.be/_W-lUtlRpvQ
1. I Fought The Law 00:00 2. Groovy Times 02:46 3. Gates Of The West 06:17 4. Capital Radio 09:46
