No. 88, The Jam, All Mod Cons

 This week we take a deep dive into the 1978 LP by the Jam All Mod Cons. The Jam’s music was steeped in the urgency and energy of punk, but unlike most of their contemporaries, the Jam was not interested in tearing down what came before.  Instead, the Jam unabashedly embraced the music and fashion of the 1960’s Great Britain, particularly that of the Who and the Kinks. As a result, the Jam helped to usher in the Neo-Mod movement in the UK, and gained then a rabidly loyal following in their home country. 

Like other British bands we've looked at, The Jam were much bigger in the U.K. than they were in America, and that's a pity because this is a fantastic album worthy of much more attention in U.S. than it has garnered. Group leader and guitarist Paul Weller would go on to sell more records (and garner more MTV attention) with his second band, The Style Council, and as a solo artist after that. But this album is a superb blend of punk attitude with excellent musicianship and, something missing from many punk songs at the time, excellent pop melodies and thoughtful lyrics.