The Clash vs. Patti Smith

The Clash vs. Patti Smith

The Clash were the rebellious, left-wing snipers in the punk tradition. With their politicized lyrics, and their incorporation of reggae, funk, and rockabilly, they crafted lean, mean tunes about the dark political and economic state in England.


A big figure in the New York punk rock scene, Patti Smith started incorporating piano balladry and jazz early on. Penning songs with multiple sections of multiple moods and tempos, she served as an inspiration to many future post-punkers.

i love patti smith in an erotic way.

Don't know! I'll have a think.

If you ain't reggae for it, funk out!

Loving this poll series Tony!

Damn, this is a tough one though.  I have to let this one steep a bit I think. 

The Clash. The hype on Smith was more rhetoric than reality.

I enjoy Patti's work, Radio Ethiopia especially, but I can't describe her as any better than "good". The Clash, however, although not always amazing, have some really exceptional material under their belt.

Interesting... I'm going with Patti Smith overall, although I'd probably pick London Calling over any Patti Smith album.

Voted for Patti Smith - would never have done this before but, these days I'm more likely to listen to her music than the Clash.

Patti Smith.