Extras - Jam (The)

Advantages: Snapshot of The Jam's entire Career
Disadvantages: Singles only- lacks some great album tracks and B sides

...This CD was my first foray into The Jam after being indoctrinated into the great music. As a youngster in my parent's car. It contains all the singles ever released by The Jam starting with the early releases; 'In The City', 'All Around The World' and 'The Modern World'. These are epitomised by Weller's voice which brims with youthful anger at the world and complemented by Foxton and Bucklers powerful drum beat and snappy bass lines. The early songs often portray a young man who needs to escape the narrow confines of conservative authority, be they teachers or music critics. Following with 'News Of The World' the band turn their attention to the media and deliver a tongue in cheek expose of the newspapers. Whilst the band's musical talent was never in question you can almost hear them maturing musically and lyrically... Read review

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Advantages: Great songs, catchy, good lyrics
Disadvantages: A couple of duffs, some songs start to sound similar

...The Jam. Short lived, but packed lots into those few years. Probably very influential to a lot of people. Amongst their most famous songs are 'Going Underground', 'Town Called Malice', 'In the City' and 'Beat Surrender', just to name a few. 'That's Entertainment' - an acoustic number, that is probably the most famous, but with lyrics that could easily be misheard. It is meant to be about working class life in the verses, with the ironic 'that's entertainment!' chorus. 'Going Underground' - a political track about the UK's policy on weapons. A classic guitar track, that was originally meant to be the b-side to 'The Dreams of Children'. Good job it wasn't! 'Beat Surrender' - the final Jam single, not included on any studio albums. Upbeat, bouncy, catchy, all the makings of a good pop/mod/whatever you want to call it song... Read review

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Advantages: a new soul vision
Disadvantages: falls short of perfect just

...Conceived by a thriving Weller as a new direction in pop,on The Gift he aspired to perfection ,sometimes reaching his goal ,sometimes hitting the post ,but nearly always on target when it came to passion and integrity, and keen to capitalise on The Jam,s status as Britains best loved band as indeed they were when this L.P was relesed in 1982 shortly after "Town Called Malice "became their fourth number one single ,he promised something new and fresh and and pretty much kept his word . Not relesed as an intended farewell of course ,but it somehow seemed tinged with finality from the off set,the band looking both unified and divided on the multi colured cover shot and would part company just six months later and never see each other again to this day ,on "The Gift" the band pushed their abilities and ambition and nearly suceeded... Read review

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