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This Day in Music: A Guide to the Jam

Jacques Bell

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The Jam were an English mod revival band that formed in Woking, Surrey, in 1972. The band consisted of Paul Weller (vocals, guitar),Bruce Foxton (bass guitar),and Rick Buckler (drums). The Jam's music was characterized by its melodic pop songs, Weller's distinctive vocals, and Foxton's driving bass lines. The band released six studio albums, four compilation albums, and 18 singles before disbanding in 1982.

Early years

The Jam formed in 1972 when Weller, Foxton, and Buckler were all students at Woking County Grammar School. The band initially played cover versions of songs by the Who, the Kinks, and the Small Faces. In 1976, the Jam released their debut single, "In the City," which reached number 40 on the UK Singles Chart. The band's second single, "All Mod Cons," was released in 1977 and reached number 18 on the UK Singles Chart.

This Day in Music s Guide to The Jam (This Day In Music Guide 1)

This Day in Music's Guide to The Jam (This Day In Music Guide Book 1)

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Language	:	English
File size	:	94867 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	306 pages

Success

The Jam's third album, "All Mod Cons," was released in 1978 and reached number 2 on the UK Albums Chart. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish the Jam as one of the most popular bands in the UK. The band's fourth album, "Setting Sons," was released in 1979 and reached number 1 on the UK Albums Chart. The album was another critical and commercial success, and it spawned the hit singles "Going Underground" and "A Town Called Malice."

Breakup

The Jam's fifth album, "Sound Affects," was released in 1980 and reached number 1 on the UK Albums Chart. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it spawned the hit singles "Start!" and "That's Entertainment." The band's sixth and final album, "The Gift," was released in 1982 and reached number 1 on the UK Albums Chart. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it spawned the hit singles "Absolute Beginners" and "Town Called Malice."

The Jam disbanded in 1982 after Weller decided to leave the band. Weller went on to form the Style Council, while Foxton and Buckler formed the band From the Jam.

Legacy

The Jam are considered one of the most influential bands of the 1970s and 1980s. The band's music has been praised for its melodic pop songs, Weller's distinctive vocals, and Foxton's driving bass lines. The Jam have been cited as an influence by many bands, including the Clash, the Specials, and Blur.

In 2000, the Jam were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Discography

* 1977: In the City * 1978: This Is the Modern World * 1978: All Mod Cons * 1979: Setting Sons * 1980: Sound Affects * 1982: The Gift

Compilation albums

* 1980: Snap! * 1981: The Sound of the Jam * 1982: Gift Wrapped * 1991: Greatest Hits

Singles

* 1976: "In the City" * 1977: "All Mod Cons" * 1978: "Down in the Tube Station at Midnight" * 1978: "The Eton Rifles" * 1979: "Going Underground" * 1979: "A Town Called Malice" * 1980: "Start!" * 1980: "That's Entertainment" * 1981: "Absolute Beginners" * 1982: "Town Called Malice" * 1982: "Precious" * 1982: "Beat Surrender"

Awards

* 1978: NME Award for Best New Band * 1979: NME Award for Best British Band * 1980: NME Award for Best British Band * 1981: NME Award for Best British Band * 2000: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction