The Clash: Punk Icons to Release 12-Disc Compilation Box Set

Punk icons The Clash are releasing a 12-disc set, "Sound System," which compiles previous releases with unreleased audio and video.

Guitarist Mick Jones was responsible for gathering unreleased music and video for "Sound System," as well as remastering the band's original five albums. The new audio includes studio demos and live performances. Video clips include footage of the band during its initial recording session at the Beaconsfield Film School in 1976.

The band's five original albums had been released in CD format before, but the transition left behind audio from the original vinyl records. Jones remastered the records, including the seminal "London Calling," to achieve the sound quality of the original recordings.

The discs will come packaged in a box resembling an '80s Sony boom box. Bassist Paul Simonon told Rolling Stone that the concept was his design.

There were near constant rumors of a Clash reunion for the almost 20-year stretch after the original lineup folded. However the death of guitarist and vocalist Joe Strummer in 2002 ended that conversation. The remaining members opted not to include the band's sixth album, "Cut The Crap," on "Sound System" as it was recorded after original members Jones and drummer Nicky "Topper" Headon had left the band.

The Clash released its self-titled debut album in 1977, just six months before fellow Brits the Sex Pistols created punk staple "Never Mind The Bollocks." The Clash turned out five albums over six years before the classic lineup disbanded in 1983. The members have enjoyed success in other bands over the years. Simonon has contributed to alt-pop outfit The Gorillaz, and Jones with fusion group Big Audio.

"Sound System" will be available in September.