Cut the Crap

Cut the Crap is the sixth and final studio album by the Clash, released on 4 November 1985. It was recorded in Munich after Joe Strummer and Paul Simonon parted company with Mick Jones and Topper Headon. Newcomers Vince White, Nick Sheppard and Pete Howard filled the gaps, though the finished record leaves little of their playing audible. Norman Watt-Roy supplied the bass, a drum machine took over from Howard, and Simonon doesn't appear at all. Manager Bernie Rhodes produced under the name "Jose Unidos" and clashed with Strummer over the band's direction.

The synthetic drums and sampling were widely mocked, and the UK press savaged it. Strummer disowned the album and ended the band within weeks. It is usually ranked their weakest, and most compilations ignore it. Still, Strummer's writing and vocals draw praise, particularly on "This Is England", "Dirty Punk" and "Three Card Trick". Hear it as the odd, fascinating last chapter of the story.