Top Ten: the Crime Central chart of the best cops and robbers songs
Crime Central's Top Ten of rock, reggae, r & b, and country classics about cops and robbers. We started off thinking that country singers wrote all the best songs about murder and prison. Then (after hour upon hour on Spotify) we ended up with a list that was far too long but, when trimmed, includes two crackers from The Clash, Costello's early epic and just a couple with a country flavour.
It's never going to be the definitive list - it's not meant to be. Let us know what you think: what have we foolishly left out and what have we chosen that you reckon shouldn't make the top 100?
1. I Fought The Law -- The Clash
surely one of the greatest cover versions ever
2. Folsom Prison Blues -- Johnny Cash
the live recording from Folsom, of course
3. Police And Thieves -- Junior Murvin
sweet reggae special
4. Watching The Detectives -- Elvis Costello and the Attractions
caustic early Costello lyrics
5. Frankie's Gun -- The Felice Brothers
modern hillbilly belter
6. Homicide -- LL Cool J
life in the ghetto laid bare
7. I Predict A Riot -- The Kaiser Chiefs
given recent events this had to be in the list
8. Law and Order -- Stiff Little Fingers
from Inflammable Material - an album packed with contenders
9. Bankrobber -- The Clash
roadies staged a fake heist for the video and nearly got nicked
10. I Shot the Sheriff -- Bob Marley and The Wailers
no such list is complete without it
