The London Calling cover features a photograph of Simonon smashing his Fender Precision Bass against the stage at The Palladium in New York City on 21 September 1979 during the “Clash Take the Fifth” US tour. Pennie Smith, who photographed the band for the album, originally did not want the photograph to be used. She thought that it was too out of focus, but Strummer and graphic designer Ray Lowry thought it would make a good album cover. In 2002, Smith’s photograph was named the best rock and roll photograph of all time by Q magazine, commenting that “it captures the ultimate rock’n’roll moment - total loss of control”. The cover artwork was designed by Lowry and was a homage to the design of Elvis Presley’s debut album. The cover was named the ninth best album cover of all time by Q magazine in 2001.

one of my favorite albums/album covers of all time.