THE CLASH - STRAIGHT TO HELL

Released: September 17, 1982

Charted: UK: #17  US: #45 

"Straight to Hell" is a song from the album “Combat Rock”, released as a double A-side single with "Should I Stay or Should I Go" on September 1982. This is one of the Clash's most poignant and socially charged songs, exploring themes of immigration, cultural identity, and the impact of war. Mick Jones wrote the track during the band's frenzied recording sessions in New York for the album. 

"Straight To Hell" embarks on a poignant journey across nations, painting a vivid portrait of societal disillusionment and global turmoil. From Britain's industrial decline and xenophobic sentiments to the aftermath of the Vietnam War and the ravages of drug addiction in the United States, the song's lyrics offer a stark commentary on the human condition. 

The Clash faced internal tensions and creative challenges during the recording of “Combat Rock” in late 1981. Despite diverging musical interests among band members, they managed to blend these influences into "Straight to Hell”.  Completed on New Year's Eve at Electric Lady studio, the song emerged as one of the band's masterpieces, yet it also marked a turning point. 

"Straight To Hell" began with Mick Jones's guitar doodle, which evolved over several months until drummer Topper Headon found a fitting Bossa Nova beat. Joe Strummer revealed a recording secret: Topper handed him an R Whites lemonade bottle wrapped in a towel and instructed him to use it to beat the bass drum just before the take. This unconventional technique added depth to the drum sound. The recording sessions concluded just before midnight, and the band members rode the E train to Times Square, where Strummer felt the weight of their achievement amid the bustling crowd.

The “Combat Rock” version of "Straight to Hell" was initially nearly 7 minutes long but was edited down to 5:30 minutes for the album release. This decision was made during the early 1982 mixing sessions when The Clash and Glyn Johns condensed Combat Rock from a double album to a single album, reducing its duration from 77 to 46 minutes. The original longer version featured additional lyrics and a more prominent violin part. The unedited version can be found on The Clash's box sets, “Clash on Broadway” and “Sound System”.