Imagining how life would have turned out without the original politico punks is akin to considering a world without the Internet, impossible and hugely frustrating. The singles in this collection, timed around the band’s 30th anniversary, are like cool old friends you wish would call more often. The punk-rock rawness of ‘White Riot’ has never been bettered, while the aeroplane engine like roar at the start of ‘London Calling’ remains one of rock ‘n’ roll’s best ever two fisted clarion calls. And let’s not forget ‘Rock the Casbah’. Along with the classic tunes, it’s the extras here, like the extensive sleevenotes from big name fans like Damon Albarn and the images of the band – that make this a must-have.

BMG