The Clash “Should I Stay Or Should I Go?” b/w “Cool Confusion” 1982. Today, February 7th, is International Clash Day as declared by Seattle’s KEXP (and Washington State’s governor) as a way of “celebrating music as a tool for social consciousness, and a band that made it sound so damn good.” Radio stations all over the country, including Milwaukee’s WMSE, will be playing Clash songs throughout the day in observance.

“Should I Stay Or Should I Go?” from Combat Rock is probably one of the best-known Clash singles and certainly their biggest hit, making it to #1 in the UK (albeit 10 years later; upon its initial release it reached #17 in the UK and #45 in the US). Though Mick Jones’ Clash songs are usually not my favorite – I’m much more partial to Joe Strummer or the rare Paul Simonon – it’s difficult not to love “Should I Stay Or Should I Go?” with the instantly recognizable intro and irresistible guitar hook. It’s been listed on a few greatest songs of all-time lists and recently regained well-deserved popularity with its feature in Stranger Things. The B-side “Cool Confusion,” sung by Joe Strummer, is reggae-relaxed with experimental beep-boop electronic pops. “Cool Confusion” only appears on posthumously released comps like Super Black Market Clash (1994) and box sets (Sound System, 2013).