My Gen X Playlist: London Calling – The Clash

I was at the mall recently and came across a Doc Martin store. I remember when I was younger wanting a pair, but it didn’t quite fit my budget. I eventually bought a pair of boots and over the years, they’ve become worn and comfy. They’re still in decent shape and I haven’t felt like donating them just yet. They’re perfect for when I’m in an old pair of jeans and t-shirt kind of mood.

As we walked into a few trendy stores, it became abundantly clear that it costs a pretty penny for a young person to be fashionable these days. The good thing is, people can mix and match to fit their style. I was reading bloom.planted.north’s blog and her love for thrifted things made me think about the Melrose Trading Post in Los Angeles. Every Sunday, sellers gather and sell all sorts of things. I’ve bought original art, restored furniture and other types of stuff there. The most popular tents are the vintage and thrifted clothes. On more than one occasion I’ve seen people shopping more for the fashion than the good deals. I can see how a mix of the old and new can be a good look.

Having said that, maybe I’ll stick with my Doc Martins for a while longer. I can’t say for sure if they are in style, but I can say they are my style. And old stuff often comes full circle and becomes fashionable again. This really hit home years ago when I saw a pair of checkerboard Vans slip ons reappear on some youngster’s feet. Maybe there’s hope for my Doc Martins yet.

One of the cool things was some of the decor at the Doc Martin store. They had a few album covers on the walls. The one that caught my eye was London Calling from The Clash. The cover art is pretty iconic. My favorite song on the album is Train in Vain, but that already made the playlist long ago. I’ll just have to go with the album’s namesake – London Calling. Can’t go wrong with that.

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For a complete playlist, please click here.

For the Spotify playlist, please click here.

London calling to the faraway towns
Now war is declared, and battle come down
London calling to the underworld
Come out of the cupboard, you boys and girls
London calling, now don't look to us
Phoney Beatlemania has bitten the dust
London calling, see we ain't got no swing
Except for the ring of that truncheon thing

The ice age is coming, the sun's zooming in
Meltdown expected, the wheat is growing thin
Engines stop running, but I have no fear
'Cause London is drowning, and I live by the river

London calling to the imitation zone
Forget it brother, you can go it alone
London calling to the zombies of death
Quit holding out, and draw another breath
London calling, and I don't wanna shout
But while we were talking, I saw you nodding out
London calling, see we ain't got no high
Except for that one with the yellowy eyes

The ice age is coming, the sun's zooming in
Engines stop running, the wheat is growing thin
A nuclear error, but I have no fear
'Cause London is drowning, and I, I live by the river

The ice age is coming, the sun's zooming in
Engines stop running, the wheat is growing thin
A nuclear error, but I have no fear
'Cause London is drowning, and I, I live by the river

Now get this...

London calling, yes, I was there too
And you know what they said? Well, some of it was true!
London calling at the top of the dial
And after all this, won't you give me a smile?
London calling...

I never felt so much alike alike alike alike...