Now, that’s entertainment! Not so much, though, when it comes to the appreciative but prosaic stiff-upper-lip offerings from the other two members of the pioneering British — and so very, very British — punk band.
Bassist Bruce Foxton alludes to, in a generalized manner, memories and emotions running high, then goes on to virtually demand that the Jam be treated with RESPECT. Uppercase, almost Aretha-style R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Then, before offering his indebtedness and thanks to the trio’s long-time backers, Foxton declares that “Loyalty from the fans has always surprised and amazed me. Traveling around the world to give us the support we badly needed in places such as the States.”
Drummer Rick Buckler proves to be even more a master of fractured and fragmented sentence structure. In arguing that Dig gives more than “‘just an account of songs played live,’” or is a “‘Greatest Hits’ type album,” he discloses that “I have never been a great fan of live albums that try to emulate a studio recording with a cast of thousands, but instead a more basic and honest account.”
Um, let’s make the…
- “…SWITCH the Sound Effects tour. SWITCH ‘81 was a ‘orrible year for songs! SWITCH cracking up over the GIFT LP, I wanted it perfect, but settled for good, oh well! SWITCH the noise those Japanese kids make, fantastic! SWITCH Chicago gig, brilliant! SWITCH What have I learnt? BELIEF IS ALL!”
Article comments
1 - Vern Halen
The Jam had their moments, but I don't think they're remembered in the same way as their comtemporaries - maybe in Jolly Olde England, but Stateside, I think they never had the long term impact of the Pistols or the Clash.
2 - Steve
Well, though I've never been a huge fan of The Jam (I liked maybe 2 or 3 of their last songs), I must say, given the choice between the Pistols, The Clash and The Jam, I would go with the Jam any day!
However, I must confess, out of all the stuff Paul Weller has done to date, The Style Council is still my favorite, though I would never argue they were classic or epoch making in any way. Just easier on the ears.
3 - Gordon Hauptfleisch
The Jam were a little like early Kinks (after they were banned from touring the US for a few years), with themes and lyrics essentially Brit-centric, too much so for full American appeal. They have their highs and lows for me, but "Beat Surrender" is definitely a transcending highlight I never get tired of.
4 - tink
Always loved the Jam, due in part to a huge crush I had on Paul Weller...that somehow never translated to liking Style Counsil.
But to have to choose between them and the Clash? Both were great to see live but comparing them musicially is like apples and oranges...glad that I like 'em both!
Thanks G for a great musical flashback!
5 - Gordon Hauptfleisch
Thanks tink: Many people, including me, could never get into the Style Council, either. I only knew one person who did, and I think it was because she was so gaga over Weller, that it did (unlike you) translate into blind fandom.
6 - SFC SKI
Part of the problem with bands like The Jam, as well as The (English) Beat was that they were breaking up just as they were starting to get noticed in the US. It's hard to believe now, but lots of Brit bands toured the vast interior the US in relative obscurity years before they broke big in the US.
The Jam were such a great band, and so amazing in that a trio could have such a full sound. Bruce Foxton is in arguably one of the best bassists of that era. Thank the PTB that You Tube exists so I can watch concert videos by bands I never got to see live.
Style Council was a solid disappointment, IMO.
7 - Gordon Hauptfleisch
I saw English Beat open for the Clash and it was a great concert, of course. English Beat was well received, and generally they were gaining in acclaim (I worked in a record store and their sales kept getting better for all their output). And you're right--just as they were getting more notice and sales, it was General Public all of a sudden. A good-enough pop band, but since Dave Wakeling lived a gew miles away on the San Diego coast, I stopped thinking of them as English anything.