Though Joe Strummer wrote many great original songs as a performer with The Clash, The 101ers, The Mescaleros, and others, he and his band mates had a knack for taking the music of others and giving it their own inimitable twist. Some might say these covers are better than the originals; others might argue that it’s impossible to produce a version of a track that is superior to the songwriter’s. Regardless, Strummer put his mark on each and every cover he performed, breathing new life into it and making it his own.

Here are 10 notable covers Strummer played throughout his career.

Junco Partner

From Sandinista!, The Clash (also covered by The 101ers and The Mescaleros) – Written by Bob Shad, originally performed by James Waynes, and based on the song “Junker’s Blues,” written by Willie Hall

 

---

Police & Thieves

From the self-titled album by The Clash – Written and originally performed by Junior Murvin

 

---

Blitzkrieg Bop

From The Hellcat Years, Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros – Written and originally performed by the Ramones

 

---

I Fought the Law

From The Cost of Living, The Clash – Written and originally performed by Sonny Curtis, first popularized by The Bobby Fuller Four

 

---

Armagideon Time

From the “London Calling” single by The Clash – Written and originally performed by Willi Williams

 

---

Let the Good Times Roll

From the film Rude Boy – Written and originally performed by Shirley and Lee

 

---

Brand New Cadillac

From London Calling, The Clash – Written and originally performed by Vince Taylor

 

---

Pressure Drop

From the “English Civil War” single by The Clash – Written and originally performed by Toots and the Maytals

 

---

1969

From the film Let’s Rock Again! – Written and originally performed by The Stooges

 

---

Redemption Song

From Streetcore, Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros (also performed by Joe Strummer and Johnny Cash) – Written and originally performed by Bob Marley