"Train in Vain" by The Clash

Song#:  0097
Date:  03/22/1980
Debut:  84
Peak:  23
Weeks:  14
Genre:  Rock



Pop Bits:  The Clash were a major force in British Punk and hugely influential. They caught fire right away in the UK with their self-titled debut in 1977, but it took the double-LP "London Calling" to finally break them in the States. Although steeped in punk, the band's music showed many influences like rockabilly, ska, soul, and reggae. "London Calling" wore all these influences well and has become a classic rock album; often cited as one of the best (Rolling Stone's list of the Greatest Albums of All Time had it as #8). "Train in Vain" was the first single of their to reach the US pop chart.

ReduxReview:  I admit that when this came out, The Clash were not on my radar. It's too bad because my musical horizons could have benefited from their music. But their style of music was not something that translated to my little hometown. I don't remember anyone being into them at all. Seems strange now. I'd finally get on the bandwagon in a few years. This is definitely one of my faves of theirs.

ReduxRating:  8/10

Trivia:  Double Shot!  1) "Train in Vain" was an afterthought - it was added as the last track to "London Calling" at the last minute. Artwork had already been done for the LP so the track listing on the original packaging does not list the song.  2) Although the chorus repeats "stand by me," the song was titled "Train in Vain" in order to avoid confusion with the Ben E. King classic "Stand By Me."

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