The Jam: Paul Weller (vocals, guitar); Bruce Foxton (vocals, bass); Rick Buckler (drums, percussion).
Producers include: Vic Smith, Chris Parry, Vic Coppersith-Heaven, The Jam, Peter Wilson.
Compilation producer: Dennis Munday.
Includes liner notes by Dennis Munday.
Though the Jam is rightly counted among Britain's pioneering punk bands, Paul Weller and his cohorts never did quite fit the mold. While the Woking combo's early recordings certainly traded in a brand of raw aggression similar to the Sex Pistols, they always placed a premium on the distinctly anti-punk virtues of catchy melodies, '60s cover tunes, and precise musicianship. In addition, the Jam's fashion sense matched the music; safety pins and combat boots were eschewed in favor of sharp three-button mod suits and two-tone shoes. More importantly, the Jam was one of the few original punk-era groups to break away from the genre's narrow confines and progress artistically, while simultaneously garnering huge commercial success in the UK.
THE SOUND OF THE JAM collects the best of group's studio efforts, from the angry youthful politics and primal guitar fury of "In the City" (whose main riff was allegedly nicked by the Sex Pistols for their "Holidays in the Sun") to the keen social commentary and acoustic pop of "That's Entertainment" to the Style Council-foreshadowing neo-soul of "Beat Surrender." A remarkably comprehensive single-disc compilation, the album reveals both the Jam's indomitable rock spirit and the wide scope of its genius.
