Burning The Ground Exclusive 1982
AN 80s AUDITORY ICON
“Rock the Casbah” is a song by the English punk rock band the Clash, released in 1982 as the second single from their fifth album, Combat Rock. It reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US (their only top 10 single in that country) and, along with the track “Mustapha Dance”, it also reached number eight on the dance chart.
The single version has more pronounced bass. Also when Joe Strummer screams “The crowd caught a whiff / Of that crazy casbah jive” at the end of the third verse the word “jive” is sustained for several seconds with digital delay. Additionally, the sound effects of the jet fighters in the last verse are lower in the mix, particularly just after “drop your bombs between the minarets.” The single version of the song is what is played in the music video. “Mustapha Dance”, which features in many releases of the single, is an instrumental/dub remix of the song.
The song tells the story of a military dictator who has banned rock music, but his people still find ways to hear it. The people take to the rooftops, singing and playing the forbidden music, and the general orders his air force to bomb them. The song ends with the people standing defiantly and singing their song, refusing to be silenced. The lyrics and powerful music of “Rock the Casbah” have resonated with countless people around the world and have become a timeless classic. The song serves as a reminder of the power of music to bring people together and stand up against injustice.
SIDE A:
Rock The Casbah 3:43
SIDE B:
Mustapha Dance 4:26
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Rock The Casbah | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #8 |
| 1982 | Rock The Casbah | U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks | #6 |
| 1982 | Rock The Casbah/Mustapha Dance | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play | #8 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: CBS – CBS A 13 2479, CBS – A . 13 2479
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
Country: UK
Released: Jun 18, 1982
Genre: Rock
Style: New Wave
CREDITS:
- Engineer – Bob Clearmountain
- Lacquer Cut By – Howie*
- Producer, Remix – Mick Jones
- Written-By – The Clash
NOTES:
Track A: From Combat Rock
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net
THE GEAR:
Turntable:Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon 2M Black PnP MkII
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 3.0 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
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Great stuff. I was still in HS then, and these tracks sure bring back the memories.
Thanks again, PaulT!
I missed this post!! Why??? Any chance for the 24Bit link please?
Terrific quality in 16bit Paul! Outstanding!! It was always in my top 10 80s tracks. I love 12 version: The Magnificent Dance (12” Version) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbmaRKY7Cgs Any chance for a vinyl rip?
Yes, I also missed it. This happens to me about every-other-upload from PaulT. The best way to not have this happen is to visit BTG more often, 2-3x per week.
Música com a cara do Rock dos Anos 80!!! Dançante demais!
80’s rock! Sooo good! Thank you, PAUL!!!
Fabulous choice, 80s Clash was, is, and always will be a dancefloor filler at partys. I recently bought myself a 7″inch of “Magnificent Seven”….sadly it is in very bad shape.
I can’t stop listening to this and I’ve already heard the song a billion times. I think the album version seriously downmixes the bass/drums/piano. This single version is SO MUCH funkier. Very much appreciated!
Wow this is definitely an 80s auditory icon! Nothing like a perfect blend of rock, new wave and punk attitude that only The Clash could bring to this. 1982 was a watershed year and thank you for bringing this back in your unrivaled Paulity!
Thank you so much, Retro Hound 🙂
I wish I could give you 6 STARS for this one! One of my all-time favorite singles (both sides of it) and now I hopefully have it in the best quality!!! You never disappoint, Paul! Thank you for another great share!
You are very kind. Thank you, Martika 🙂
Fun fact: they’re not actually singing ROCK the Casbah!
I always thought that lol 🙂
A favourite of mine since 1982. I remember it was reissued again in 1991 and actually charted higher in the UK that year.
Looking forward to hearing your rip.
Thanks Paul 🙂
You’re welcome, Marco 🙂
Thanks! Terrific quality.
Random question I have.
What do you think about re-ripping Dead or Alive singles?
Thank you. I am all for re-ripping them when I get a chance :0
I can’t thank you enough! You’re amazing, thank you for all your rips 🙂
The year 1982 was a very special year for me. It ushered in a love affair of New Wave music for me!! I was a senior in High School and this was such a thrilling and exciting time for music!! You definitely take me back to wonderful times Paul!! Mustapha Dance” is still my favorite version with the drum intro and cool effects!! I hope you’ll add more Clash in the future!! This is a splendid place to start!!!
Thanks so much, Paul!!!
Jeff
You’re welcome, Jeff 🙂
This song was one of those songs you just instantly loved. It at least that was my experience. It was so different from what was popular on the radio, I think it was one of many songs that led me to broaden my horizons beyond what my radio was typically feeding me because it was so atypical! A classic and long-loved track!
I love the atypical 🙂