The Jam — Town Called Malice
Album: The GiftAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 3628
Length: 2:49
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Better stop dreaming of the quiet life
'Cause it's the one we'll never know
And quit running for the runaway bus
'Cause those rosey days are few
And...stop apologising for the things you've never done
'Cause time is short and life is cruel
But it's up to us to change
This town called Malice
Rows and rows of disused milk floats
Stand dying in the dairy yard
And a hundred lonely housewives
Clutch empty milk bottles to their hearts
Hanging out their old love letters on the line to dry
It's enough to make you stop believing
When tears come fast and furious
In a town called Malice
Yeah
Struggle after struggle, year after year
The atmosphere's a fine blend of ice
I'm almost stone cold dead
In a town called Malice
Ooh, yeah
A whole street's belief in Sunday's roast beef
Gets dashed against the co-op
To either cut down on beer or the kids' new gear
It's a big decision in a town called Malice
Ooh, yeah
Ooh
The ghost of a steam train echoes down my track
It's at the moment bound for nowhere
Just going 'round and 'round, oh
Playground kids and creaking swings
Lost laughter in the breeze
I could go on for hours and I probably will
But I'd sooner put some joy back in
This town called Malice, ooh
This town called Malice, yeah
This town called Malice
'Cause it's the one we'll never know
And quit running for the runaway bus
'Cause those rosey days are few
And...stop apologising for the things you've never done
'Cause time is short and life is cruel
But it's up to us to change
This town called Malice
Rows and rows of disused milk floats
Stand dying in the dairy yard
And a hundred lonely housewives
Clutch empty milk bottles to their hearts
Hanging out their old love letters on the line to dry
It's enough to make you stop believing
When tears come fast and furious
In a town called Malice
Yeah
Struggle after struggle, year after year
The atmosphere's a fine blend of ice
I'm almost stone cold dead
In a town called Malice
Ooh, yeah
A whole street's belief in Sunday's roast beef
Gets dashed against the co-op
To either cut down on beer or the kids' new gear
It's a big decision in a town called Malice
Ooh, yeah
Ooh
The ghost of a steam train echoes down my track
It's at the moment bound for nowhere
Just going 'round and 'round, oh
Playground kids and creaking swings
Lost laughter in the breeze
I could go on for hours and I probably will
But I'd sooner put some joy back in
This town called Malice, ooh
This town called Malice, yeah
This town called Malice
Comments (401)add comment
I'm a long time blur fan, I can really see where their early stuff was inspired by this!
aspicer wrote:
Same four tracks 3 months later. Not a complaint in the slightest - if it works, it works. Beginning of the day in my case though, setting Friday up nicely RP, thank you
Damn - RP is on a ROLL right now!
Talking Heads>Joy Division>The Frames>The Jam
Nice fuel for the end of the day energy drop (in my case now).
Same four tracks 3 months later. Not a complaint in the slightest - if it works, it works. Beginning of the day in my case though, setting Friday up nicely RP, thank you
Damn - RP is on a ROLL right now!
Talking Heads>Joy Division>The Frames>The Jam
Nice fuel for the end of the day energy drop (in my case now).
Talking Heads>Joy Division>The Frames>The Jam
Nice fuel for the end of the day energy drop (in my case now).
I very rarely rate songs a 10, but any song that stops me in my tracks to first turn the volume up and then to just listen every time I hear it has certainly earned it.
Went to Paul Weller's gig weeks ago here in Barcelona, I was in awe.. ok, there was a deep emotional component to it as Style Council took me through my teenage years. But there was also this almost 70 years old British singer supported by a badass band who set the whole place on fire revisiting his classic and the new material with the same powerful voice of the early years. He's a legend
The Motown sound was huge when this came out, loved it then love it now.
Could've fooled me as a Blur song if I didn't know better
Paul Weller.. Genius.
Great song after all these years,10!
At the start I keep thinking I'm hearing Soulsister "The Way To Your Heart". Wouldn't mind that one sneaking into rotation.
Easy 10!
I keep thinking of that book "A town likeAlice"
phlattop wrote:
wow, presumptuous (about Bill) much?
Grew up in the 80s and knew Reagan was a disaster then. So did a LOT of Americans, dude.
Two terms...and his VP followed up with a term as well. Apparently a LOT of folks were on board with the elimination of any sort of social and economic mobility, disaster or not.
wow, presumptuous (about Bill) much?
Grew up in the 80s and knew Reagan was a disaster then. So did a LOT of Americans, dude.
Two terms...and his VP followed up with a term as well. Apparently a LOT of folks were on board with the elimination of any sort of social and economic mobility, disaster or not.
this one gets my parts moving
I heard this faintly in the background and thought they were singing about General Mattis.
bloody brilliant!
Can we have more of The Jam please?
Can we have more of The Jam please?
bialia wrote:
he probably supports lock downs, collapsing his country's economy and is likely wearing a mask. but is very educated. say no more.
About a decade ago I was at a house party and we were discussing music and a fellow 20 something hipster scoffed at me for having positive things to say about Paul Weller and I still think about it and wonder wtf his problem was.
he probably supports lock downs, collapsing his country's economy and is likely wearing a mask. but is very educated. say no more.
Will62 wrote:
Dear Tiny,
To get some sense of perspective in your comments, could you please let us know where you live? Actually, please be more specific by telling us where you lived in the early 80's?
For many of us, there was an abhorrence at the actions of a government who not only supported the idea of destroying any kind of kinship to socialist ideals, it picked up the cudgel and gleefully charged into the fray. Not what I would call true representation of the electorate.
The lyrics tell the tale of this destruction of the social fabric. But the music speaks to both the fervent anger at this destructive and corrosive attitude of Thatcher politics, and the real intent to not sink into melancholy but remain proud of our thirst for justice and compassion. Thus the tempo of the sound.
Please understand that music speaks very clearly to the artist's very soul. Music of any genre is not trivial or an irrelevance.
Hi, sorry to have offended you so. You didn't include the post I was commenting about, and so seem to have made my post about your sense of insult instead.
Well, it is just a pop song, as I said. The Jam were an ok band, with social commentary that made sense to an audience that was not my milieu.
I know the song very well, from when it was released, and understand the undertones as a lament against Thatcher's Britain. That's what most of punk and post-punk was about in Britain, since Thatcher was your Prime Minister (but not mine) for most of that time, and that was your problem to solve, not mine.
But I've always found the lyrics of the song over-wrought and the imagery extremely British without resonating farther than your island.
Just because I haven't divulged "where I lived in the early 80's" doesn't give you the prerogative to assume that your existential struggle there was more difficult than mine wherever I lived. Where I come from, that attitude is called arrogance, and you can keep it, thanks.
So, please, don't project some superiority of social struggle on anyone who would deign to point out the provincialism of the great Paul Weller. There were better bands, and ones whose social commentary meant far more to me than something about milk floats and housewives clutching milk bottles.
Maybe those phrases meant something to you, and good for you. But they meant nothing to me. I just heard a half-ok pop song, not any kind of masterpiece to lift me to new heights or egg me on to some social activism, sorry. For that I had other bands. And, unlike your superior reactionary attitude, I actually don't care if you happen to like them or not.
Enjoy Radio Paradise.
Dear Tiny,
To get some sense of perspective in your comments, could you please let us know where you live? Actually, please be more specific by telling us where you lived in the early 80's?
For many of us, there was an abhorrence at the actions of a government who not only supported the idea of destroying any kind of kinship to socialist ideals, it picked up the cudgel and gleefully charged into the fray. Not what I would call true representation of the electorate.
The lyrics tell the tale of this destruction of the social fabric. But the music speaks to both the fervent anger at this destructive and corrosive attitude of Thatcher politics, and the real intent to not sink into melancholy but remain proud of our thirst for justice and compassion. Thus the tempo of the sound.
Please understand that music speaks very clearly to the artist's very soul. Music of any genre is not trivial or an irrelevance.
Hi, sorry to have offended you so. You didn't include the post I was commenting about, and so seem to have made my post about your sense of insult instead.
Well, it is just a pop song, as I said. The Jam were an ok band, with social commentary that made sense to an audience that was not my milieu.
I know the song very well, from when it was released, and understand the undertones as a lament against Thatcher's Britain. That's what most of punk and post-punk was about in Britain, since Thatcher was your Prime Minister (but not mine) for most of that time, and that was your problem to solve, not mine.
But I've always found the lyrics of the song over-wrought and the imagery extremely British without resonating farther than your island.
Just because I haven't divulged "where I lived in the early 80's" doesn't give you the prerogative to assume that your existential struggle there was more difficult than mine wherever I lived. Where I come from, that attitude is called arrogance, and you can keep it, thanks.
So, please, don't project some superiority of social struggle on anyone who would deign to point out the provincialism of the great Paul Weller. There were better bands, and ones whose social commentary meant far more to me than something about milk floats and housewives clutching milk bottles.
Maybe those phrases meant something to you, and good for you. But they meant nothing to me. I just heard a half-ok pop song, not any kind of masterpiece to lift me to new heights or egg me on to some social activism, sorry. For that I had other bands. And, unlike your superior reactionary attitude, I actually don't care if you happen to like them or not.
Enjoy Radio Paradise.
About a decade ago I was at a house party and we were discussing music and a fellow 20 something hipster scoffed at me for having positive things to say about Paul Weller and I still think about it and wonder wtf his problem was.
sfoster66 wrote:
wow, presumptuous (about Bill) much?
Grew up in the 80s and knew Reagan was a disaster then. So did a LOT of Americans, dude.
In all likelihood, BillG grew up in a suburban American home with all the priviledges that come along for the ride...and as a result, he can't really understand the anger and angst that arose from the Thatcher era that the Modfather was expressing. This track was likely included in spite of its messaging. The 80s conservatives created a generation of neverending middleclass debt and entrenched a system in which the elites grow richer and richer and richer and sit on their enormous piles of cash while the serfs work endlessly to achieve a dream which can never be realized. Americans, as a whole, have been the world's greatest victims of the most egregious hoax ever perpetrated on a population...that if they just work "hard enough" they'll get rich. It's a sucker's bet...all they are doing is creating the american oligarchs even more wealth and power, while driving on crumbling bridges and roads in a pretend "democracy".
wow, presumptuous (about Bill) much?
Grew up in the 80s and knew Reagan was a disaster then. So did a LOT of Americans, dude.
I’ve seen the video for this quite a few times. Love it!
In all likelihood, BillG grew up in a suburban American home with all the priviledges that come along for the ride...and as a result, he can't really understand the anger and angst that arose from the Thatcher era that the Modfather was expressing. This track was likely included in spite of its messaging. The 80s conservatives created a generation of neverending middleclass debt and entrenched a system in which the elites grow richer and richer and richer and sit on their enormous piles of cash while the serfs work endlessly to achieve a dream which can never be realized. Americans, as a whole, have been the world's greatest victims of the most egregious hoax ever perpetrated on a population...that if they just work "hard enough" they'll get rich. It's a sucker's bet...all they are doing is creating the american oligarchs even more wealth and power, while driving on crumbling bridges and roads in a pretend "democracy".
oppositelock wrote:
oppositelock wrote:
Rejected: The Jam - Absolute Beginners
Rejected: The Jam - Beat Surrender
Rejected: The Jam - Down In The Tube Station At Midnight
Rejected: The Jam - English Rose
Rejected: The Jam - Ghosts
Rejected: The Jam - Going Underground
Rejected: The Jam - Little Boy Soldiers
Rejected: The Jam - Private Hell (Live)
Reviewing: The Jam - So Sad About Us
Rejected: The Jam - Start!
Rejected: The Jam - Start!
Rejected: The Jam - Tales From The Riverbank
Rejected: The Jam - That's Entertainment
Rejected: The Jam - That's Entertainment (Live)
Rejected: The Jam - The Bitterest Pill (I Ever H..
Rejected: The Jam - The Dreams Of Children
Rejected: The Jam - The Eton Rifles
I have been listening to this tune for a long time, and, it still is GREAT!! Thanx RP!
Outstanding song both in sound and lyrical content importantly when we look back at how damaging the Thatcher years were!
Will62 wrote:
Dear Tiny,
To get some sense of perspective in your comments, could you please let us know where you live? Actually, please be more specific by telling us where you lived in the early 80's?
For many of us, there was an abhorrence at the actions of a government who not only supported the idea of destroying any kind of kinship to socialist ideals, it picked up the cudgel and gleefully charged into the fray. Not what I would call true representation of the electorate.
The lyrics tell the tale of this destruction of the social fabric. But the music speaks to both the fervent anger at this destructive and corrosive attitude of Thatcher politics, and the real intent to not sink into melancholy but remain proud of our thirst for justice and compassion. Thus the tempo of the sound.
Please understand that music speaks very clearly to the artist's very soul. Music of any genre is not trivial or an irrelevance.
Thank you very much for your sensible, intelligent comment! I remember these times very well...
Dear Tiny,
To get some sense of perspective in your comments, could you please let us know where you live? Actually, please be more specific by telling us where you lived in the early 80's?
For many of us, there was an abhorrence at the actions of a government who not only supported the idea of destroying any kind of kinship to socialist ideals, it picked up the cudgel and gleefully charged into the fray. Not what I would call true representation of the electorate.
The lyrics tell the tale of this destruction of the social fabric. But the music speaks to both the fervent anger at this destructive and corrosive attitude of Thatcher politics, and the real intent to not sink into melancholy but remain proud of our thirst for justice and compassion. Thus the tempo of the sound.
Please understand that music speaks very clearly to the artist's very soul. Music of any genre is not trivial or an irrelevance.
Thank you very much for your sensible, intelligent comment! I remember these times very well...
It's AMAZING, how that infectious beat and inimitable Surrey snarl can conjure up the angst of the turbulent and confusing times then!
A highly competent rhythm section.
Paul Weller is a genius that has continued to chart his own course throughout his entire career. Much respect for all of his material...thanks for recognizing the good stuff Bill. LLRP!
Will62 wrote:
Will,
You really hit a sore spot. I remember we had Mulroney and the US had Reagan, all in cahoots with your Thatcher and the wanton destruction of anything related socialism.
The government should act as the conscience of the people who elect it and treat those in need with compassion. We had none of that during those days.
Was a "9", but I think back to early 80's outrage at the destruction of socialist ideals via Thatcherism.
Slightly more circumspect nowadays (and no, that's not an admission that Thatcher was right) but you know what? I am so grateful that I experienced this at a key formative period in my life. This particular song was a call to arms for my peers and I. Sweaty from the sway and bop on the one spot or incandescent anger at injustice, it remains an indelible impression of the fondest memories.
Thus, the adjustment to a "10".
Will,
You really hit a sore spot. I remember we had Mulroney and the US had Reagan, all in cahoots with your Thatcher and the wanton destruction of anything related socialism.
The government should act as the conscience of the people who elect it and treat those in need with compassion. We had none of that during those days.
yagermeister wrote:
Same here! The whole soundtrack for this movie is insanely good!
The Clash, T-Rex, The Jam... <3
This song always reminds me of "Billy Elliot". Great movie, great song!
Same here! The whole soundtrack for this movie is insanely good!
The Clash, T-Rex, The Jam... <3
Favorite song from a great band!!
Still have this on 12” vinyl with the song “Precious” on the flip side. Stunning Motown tribute combined with devastating commentary on the social destruction brought about in 1980’s Britain. If only their was someone like Paul Weller who could adequately address the existing charlatan class of politicians (Weller went off the boil in terms of political focus once his solo career was hatched). From the first bass note of this song, I feel the curious happiness of my 14 year old self, like a form of time travel.
The ModFather! Awesome!
cob427uk1 wrote:
And hopefully take a shower afterwards.
Great energy when they played this live and the crowd sweating and steaming like mad. Then the condensation dropping on you from the metal roof. Oh those were the days when I could dance to this.
And hopefully take a shower afterwards.
Will62 wrote:
Dear Tiny,
To get some sense of perspective in your comments, could you please let us know where you live? Actually, please be more specific by telling us where you lived in the early 80's?
For many of us, there was an abhorrence at the actions of a government who not only supported the idea of destroying any kind of kinship to socialist ideals, it picked up the cudgel and gleefully charged into the fray. Not what I would call true representation of the electorate.
The lyrics tell the tale of this destruction of the social fabric. But the music speaks to both the fervent anger at this destructive and corrosive attitude of Thatcher politics, and the real intent to not sink into melancholy but remain proud of our thirst for justice and compassion. Thus the tempo of the sound.
Please understand that music speaks very clearly to the artist's very soul. Music of any genre is not trivial or an irrelevance.
Guess I don't need to reply to the Tiny!
Dear Tiny,
To get some sense of perspective in your comments, could you please let us know where you live? Actually, please be more specific by telling us where you lived in the early 80's?
For many of us, there was an abhorrence at the actions of a government who not only supported the idea of destroying any kind of kinship to socialist ideals, it picked up the cudgel and gleefully charged into the fray. Not what I would call true representation of the electorate.
The lyrics tell the tale of this destruction of the social fabric. But the music speaks to both the fervent anger at this destructive and corrosive attitude of Thatcher politics, and the real intent to not sink into melancholy but remain proud of our thirst for justice and compassion. Thus the tempo of the sound.
Please understand that music speaks very clearly to the artist's very soul. Music of any genre is not trivial or an irrelevance.
Guess I don't need to reply to the Tiny!
This song always reminds me of "Billy Elliot". Great movie, great song!
Paul Weller, check out his first solo album, brilliant
Great Tune. I love it!
tinypriest wrote:
It's a pop song. Please get help.
Dear Tiny,
To get some sense of perspective in your comments, could you please let us know where you live? Actually, please be more specific by telling us where you lived in the early 80's?
For many of us, there was an abhorrence at the actions of a government who not only supported the idea of destroying any kind of kinship to socialist ideals, it picked up the cudgel and gleefully charged into the fray. Not what I would call true representation of the electorate.
The lyrics tell the tale of this destruction of the social fabric. But the music speaks to both the fervent anger at this destructive and corrosive attitude of Thatcher politics, and the real intent to not sink into melancholy but remain proud of our thirst for justice and compassion. Thus the tempo of the sound.
Please understand that music speaks very clearly to the artist's very soul. Music of any genre is not trivial or an irrelevance.
It's a pop song. Please get help.
Dear Tiny,
To get some sense of perspective in your comments, could you please let us know where you live? Actually, please be more specific by telling us where you lived in the early 80's?
For many of us, there was an abhorrence at the actions of a government who not only supported the idea of destroying any kind of kinship to socialist ideals, it picked up the cudgel and gleefully charged into the fray. Not what I would call true representation of the electorate.
The lyrics tell the tale of this destruction of the social fabric. But the music speaks to both the fervent anger at this destructive and corrosive attitude of Thatcher politics, and the real intent to not sink into melancholy but remain proud of our thirst for justice and compassion. Thus the tempo of the sound.
Please understand that music speaks very clearly to the artist's very soul. Music of any genre is not trivial or an irrelevance.
Was a "9", but I think back to early 80's outrage at the destruction of socialist ideals via Thatcherism.
Slightly more circumspect nowadays (and no, that's not an admission that Thatcher was right) but you know what? I am so grateful that I experienced this at a key formative period in my life. This particular song was a call to arms for my peers and I. Sweaty from the sway and bop on the one spot or incandescent anger at injustice, it remains an indelible impression of the fondest memories.
Thus, the adjustment to a "10".
Slightly more circumspect nowadays (and no, that's not an admission that Thatcher was right) but you know what? I am so grateful that I experienced this at a key formative period in my life. This particular song was a call to arms for my peers and I. Sweaty from the sway and bop on the one spot or incandescent anger at injustice, it remains an indelible impression of the fondest memories.
Thus, the adjustment to a "10".
cob427uk1 wrote:
Not these days yikes 🥶
Great energy when they played this live and the crowd sweating and steaming like mad. Then the condensation dropping on you from the metal roof. Oh those were the days when I could dance to this.
Not these days yikes 🥶
Still reflects life in modern Britain! Simply genius
9 -10. Hitting on all the right vibes today. Thank Bill!
samantha.tracy wrote:
It's gotten old
I love this song. It never gets old.
It's gotten old
SmackDaddy wrote:
Stop calling it a fucking pop song. Read the lyrics. It's genius but it ain't a pop song.
It's a pop song. Please get help.
Stop calling it a fucking pop song. Read the lyrics. It's genius but it ain't a pop song.
It's a pop song. Please get help.
Takes imagination and a good hobby (woodworking, ham radio) to get through the horribleness of suburban heck, and then you're educated and in London or Berlin making good cash. Unless your dad shovels coal and mum hasn't had an orgasm since she was 14. Oh well, can't help there.
A tale of grey suburban mediocrity. It described Luton, where I was partly draged up, to a tee.
Everytime I hear this my body moves all by itself and my head goes why...
Love my man Paul W. This song makes me think of "Billy Elliot."
SmackDaddy wrote:
Stop calling it a fucking pop song. Read the lyrics. It's genius but it ain't a pop song.
Yeah, Dang! The song is just so be-boppity - I never paid any attention to the lyrics or even noticed the name of the song. In fact, I assumed this was an overlooked tune from the 60's. I would have called it pop, too.
Stop calling it a fucking pop song. Read the lyrics. It's genius but it ain't a pop song.
Yeah, Dang! The song is just so be-boppity - I never paid any attention to the lyrics or even noticed the name of the song. In fact, I assumed this was an overlooked tune from the 60's. I would have called it pop, too.
Keyboard is Poppy for sure, but lyrics are indeed dark. Why can't we all just get along...
catnip wrote:
Stop calling it a fucking pop song. Read the lyrics. It's genius but it ain't a pop song.
Two minutes and fifty-one seconds of utter genius, guaranteed to lift you from the bottom of the barrel to the top of the world.
Is there anything more you can ask of a pop song?
Is there anything more you can ask of a pop song?
Stop calling it a fucking pop song. Read the lyrics. It's genius but it ain't a pop song.
catnip wrote:
Wow. Pop song uh? Try reading the lyrics. This song defines irony between the music and the subject matter.
Two minutes and fifty-one seconds of utter genius, guaranteed to lift you from the bottom of the barrel to the top of the world.
Is there anything more you can ask of a pop song?
Is there anything more you can ask of a pop song?
Wow. Pop song uh? Try reading the lyrics. This song defines irony between the music and the subject matter.
ScottishWillie wrote:
Thank you for your kind coments. I get slightly alarmed that after nearly three and a half decades I still get so wound up about the way politicians forget about decent hard working people. I really need to get a grip of myself!However when I look at the new breed of politicians on both side of the Atlantic I get more worried that the cures they claim to bring may be worse than the illnesses of a political class bought and paid for by the establishment.
Is the status quo better than what they promis?
You can bet it will be worse if we continue down the conservative path.
Thank you for your kind coments. I get slightly alarmed that after nearly three and a half decades I still get so wound up about the way politicians forget about decent hard working people. I really need to get a grip of myself!However when I look at the new breed of politicians on both side of the Atlantic I get more worried that the cures they claim to bring may be worse than the illnesses of a political class bought and paid for by the establishment.
Is the status quo better than what they promis?
You can bet it will be worse if we continue down the conservative path.
mabra70 wrote:
Not sure that I would award him that label, he is great, but no Van!
Yeah, the king of the Mods, Godfather of Northern Soul - give us more Weller!
Not sure that I would award him that label, he is great, but no Van!
garyalex wrote:
Yes, I think that similar bassline was their nod to that song as well as Otis Redding's "I Can't Turn You Loose".
Owes just a little to Jackie Wilson's "Higher and Higher".
Yes, I think that similar bassline was their nod to that song as well as Otis Redding's "I Can't Turn You Loose".
I feel like it hasn't been long since this song was played, but it doesn't matter; it's still great!
I love this song. It never gets old.
Owes just a little to Jackie Wilson's "Higher and Higher".
catnip wrote:
Only a small ask............where's Brian Brown?
Two minutes and fifty-one seconds of utter genius, guaranteed to lift you from the bottom of the barrel to the top of the world.
Is there anything more you can ask of a pop song?
Is there anything more you can ask of a pop song?
Only a small ask............where's Brian Brown?
SquiddlyDiddly wrote:
And still today
Released 1982. . . and Paul Weller still going strong today.
And still today
cob427uk1 wrote:
I say you give it another try. We're never too old.
Great energy when they played this live and the crowd sweating and steaming like mad. Then the condensation dropping on you from the metal roof. Oh those were the days when I could dance to this.
I say you give it another try. We're never too old.
GuiltyFeat wrote:
Ironically The Jam's Start! uses the bassline from Harrison's Taxman.
Second song in a row that I've just upgraded from an 8 to a 9 (previous one was What is Life? by George Harrison, pop pickers).
Just a joyous sound. I don't think I understand what Weller is singing about. Not sure I care. Great pop song.
Just a joyous sound. I don't think I understand what Weller is singing about. Not sure I care. Great pop song.
Ironically The Jam's Start! uses the bassline from Harrison's Taxman.
Great energy when they played this live and the crowd sweating and steaming like mad. Then the condensation dropping on you from the metal roof. Oh those were the days when I could dance to this.
Second song in a row that I've just upgraded from an 8 to a 9 (previous one was What is Life? by George Harrison, pop pickers).
Just a joyous sound. I don't think I understand what Weller is singing about. Not sure I care. Great pop song.
Just a joyous sound. I don't think I understand what Weller is singing about. Not sure I care. Great pop song.
ScottishWillie wrote:
Willie - from another Willie I heartily concur with your erudite summary of the early years. There was a lot to be angry about, until we now realise it wasn't worth getting angry about. And I'd bet pounds to a pinch that every generation arrives at the same conclusion.
Weller ventured into the Style Council with a clear sense of anger at the facile nature of music during his time. This included The Jam so perhaps his middle-age maturation started a little earlier. Be sure his anger remained and was directed at all corners if his Style Council lyrics are anything to go by. Me personally, I thought the Style Council were tremendous and helped me to realise you can still carry healthy scepticism but parcel it into something that is sumptuous; a release of a very deep breath.
Not really. He moved in a different direction, a less angry direction. The Style Council wasn’t for me personally but he came back to me with his solo career. The Jam was important to me at a particular time in my life, we have both moved on since then. I’m now middle class and middle aged and a lot less angry at the world. Which is probably for the best as anger is highly corrosive for self and everyone around you.
Willie - from another Willie I heartily concur with your erudite summary of the early years. There was a lot to be angry about, until we now realise it wasn't worth getting angry about. And I'd bet pounds to a pinch that every generation arrives at the same conclusion.
Weller ventured into the Style Council with a clear sense of anger at the facile nature of music during his time. This included The Jam so perhaps his middle-age maturation started a little earlier. Be sure his anger remained and was directed at all corners if his Style Council lyrics are anything to go by. Me personally, I thought the Style Council were tremendous and helped me to realise you can still carry healthy scepticism but parcel it into something that is sumptuous; a release of a very deep breath.
kcar wrote:
Can't answer your question about the political class, I'm afraid...
Did you feel pissed off or betrayed by the end of The Jam and Weller's completely different musical direction with The Style Council? As I remember it, a lot of his followers felt stiffed...
Can't answer your question about the political class, I'm afraid...
Did you feel pissed off or betrayed by the end of The Jam and Weller's completely different musical direction with The Style Council? As I remember it, a lot of his followers felt stiffed...
Not really. He moved in a different direction, a less angry direction. The Style Council wasn’t for me personally but he came back to me with his solo career. The Jam was important to me at a particular time in my life, we have both moved on since then. I’m now middle class and middle aged and a lot less angry at the world. Which is probably for the best as anger is highly corrosive for self and everyone around you.
9!
Sorry, a big step down from the last track, but I suppose we have to be charitable to Jam lovers
I love to hear The Jam or Paul Weller. I wish other songs were played instead of the same couple repeatedly, there are many. How about Bitterest Pill for example?
oppositelock wrote:
and a kick in the balls!
Rejected: The Jam - Absolute Beginners
Rejected: The Jam - Beat Surrender
Rejected: The Jam - Down In The Tube Station At Midnight
Rejected: The Jam - English Rose
Rejected: The Jam - Ghosts
Rejected: The Jam - Going Underground
Rejected: The Jam - Little Boy Soldiers
Rejected: The Jam - Private Hell (Live)
Reviewing: The Jam - So Sad About Us
Rejected: The Jam - Start!
Rejected: The Jam - Start!
Rejected: The Jam - Tales From The Riverbank
Rejected: The Jam - That's Entertainment
Rejected: The Jam - That's Entertainment (Live)
Rejected: The Jam - The Bitterest Pill (I Ever H..
Rejected: The Jam - The Dreams Of Children
Rejected: The Jam - The Eton Rifles
and a kick in the balls!
Had to utilize the "standing" part of my sitting/standing cubicle set-up at work for this!
kcar wrote:
I'm assuming you're from the UK or knew it well back then...
What was the idea of the Jam? Working-class angry young men? A reference to the Mods from the 60s?
Nah, I was still in NYC in those years; but I'd followed The Jam and Paul Weller since the late '70s. I think by 1982, Weller felt he'd taken the punk/mod thing as far as it could go and moved to a more "refined" approach. Stephen_Phillips posted a better explanation as to their "idea".
I'm assuming you're from the UK or knew it well back then...
What was the idea of the Jam? Working-class angry young men? A reference to the Mods from the 60s?
Nah, I was still in NYC in those years; but I'd followed The Jam and Paul Weller since the late '70s. I think by 1982, Weller felt he'd taken the punk/mod thing as far as it could go and moved to a more "refined" approach. Stephen_Phillips posted a better explanation as to their "idea".
wade44 wrote:
Malice Doesn't Live Here Anymore
Misheard lyrics: "Backdoor malice" 
Or maybe "backdoor Alice"
Or maybe "backdoor Alice"
Malice Doesn't Live Here Anymore
kcar wrote:
I'm assuming you're from the UK or knew it well back then...
What was the idea of the Jam? Working-class angry young men? A reference to the Mods from the 60s?
One thing I should explain to those on the other side of the pond... is that the Jam were "London Centric" and so was the Mods fashion and style. London to Brighton was the route and playground of Mods in the 1960's and The Jam associated with that albeit with a 1970's punk flavour.
There was not much interest in Mods outside London if I remember, other than a few individuals - certainly not a prevailing culture.
So The Jam are forever associated with London (pronounced "Lan-den" by them) with flavours of London Mod culture interwoven.
What was their point - no point really, it was just music that some people thought was a political movement for change.
Like the Summer of '68 and the Hippie "movement" - it was all vapourware.
I'm assuming you're from the UK or knew it well back then...
What was the idea of the Jam? Working-class angry young men? A reference to the Mods from the 60s?
One thing I should explain to those on the other side of the pond... is that the Jam were "London Centric" and so was the Mods fashion and style. London to Brighton was the route and playground of Mods in the 1960's and The Jam associated with that albeit with a 1970's punk flavour.
There was not much interest in Mods outside London if I remember, other than a few individuals - certainly not a prevailing culture.
So The Jam are forever associated with London (pronounced "Lan-den" by them) with flavours of London Mod culture interwoven.
What was their point - no point really, it was just music that some people thought was a political movement for change.
Like the Summer of '68 and the Hippie "movement" - it was all vapourware.
Thinkastrihtchreleal.
Proclivities wrote:
Weller's transition wasn't as sudden as it it may seem. Their material was progressively getting more melodic and complex, really in their last three albums. I liked The Style Council albums when they came out and didn't feel betrayed at his change of direction. It seemed like the idea of "The Jam" was wearing thin after this album came out. To me, their peak was "Sound Affects" in a lot of ways.
I'm assuming you're from the UK or knew it well back then...
What was the idea of the Jam? Working-class angry young men? A reference to the Mods from the 60s?
Weller's transition wasn't as sudden as it it may seem. Their material was progressively getting more melodic and complex, really in their last three albums. I liked The Style Council albums when they came out and didn't feel betrayed at his change of direction. It seemed like the idea of "The Jam" was wearing thin after this album came out. To me, their peak was "Sound Affects" in a lot of ways.
I'm assuming you're from the UK or knew it well back then...
What was the idea of the Jam? Working-class angry young men? A reference to the Mods from the 60s?
wade44 wrote:
no, it's a Tramp Called Alice
Misheard lyrics: "Backdoor malice"
Or maybe "backdoor Alice"
Or maybe "backdoor Alice"
no, it's a Tramp Called Alice
Loved this band - and this song - back in the day. Still sounds good.
kcar wrote:
Can't answer your question about the political class, I'm afraid...
Did you feel pissed off or betrayed by the end of The Jam and Weller's completely different musical direction with The Style Council? As I remember it, a lot of his followers felt stiffed...
Weller's transition wasn't as sudden as it it may seem. Their material was progressively getting more melodic and complex, really in their last three albums. I liked The Style Council albums when they came out and didn't feel betrayed at his change of direction. It seemed like the idea of "The Jam" was wearing thin after this album came out. To me, their peak was "Sound Affects" in a lot of ways.
Can't answer your question about the political class, I'm afraid...
Did you feel pissed off or betrayed by the end of The Jam and Weller's completely different musical direction with The Style Council? As I remember it, a lot of his followers felt stiffed...
Weller's transition wasn't as sudden as it it may seem. Their material was progressively getting more melodic and complex, really in their last three albums. I liked The Style Council albums when they came out and didn't feel betrayed at his change of direction. It seemed like the idea of "The Jam" was wearing thin after this album came out. To me, their peak was "Sound Affects" in a lot of ways.
Misheard lyrics: "Backdoor malice"
Or maybe "backdoor Alice"
Or maybe "backdoor Alice"
kcar wrote:
Yes, I'm raising my hand right over here.
Did you feel pissed off or betrayed by the end of The Jam and Weller's completely different musical direction with The Style Council?
As I remember it, a lot of his followers felt stiffed...
As I remember it, a lot of his followers felt stiffed...
Yes, I'm raising my hand right over here.
ScottishWillie wrote:
Thank you for your kind coments. I get slightly alarmed that after nearly three and a half decades I still get so wound up about the way politicians forget about decent hard working people. I really need to get a grip of myself!
Can't answer your question about the political class, I'm afraid...
Did you feel pissed off or betrayed by the end of The Jam and Weller's completely different musical direction with The Style Council? As I remember it, a lot of his followers felt stiffed...
Thank you for your kind coments. I get slightly alarmed that after nearly three and a half decades I still get so wound up about the way politicians forget about decent hard working people. I really need to get a grip of myself!
However when I look at the new breed of politicians on both side of the Atlantic I get more worried that the cures they claim to bring may be worse than the illnesses of a political class bought and paid for by the establishment.
Is the status quo better than what they promis?
Can't answer your question about the political class, I'm afraid...
Did you feel pissed off or betrayed by the end of The Jam and Weller's completely different musical direction with The Style Council? As I remember it, a lot of his followers felt stiffed...
hayduke2 wrote:
Cheers ScottishWillie!!! Best wishes : )
Love the comments as a history board for strong music, often made during hard lived times (I'm also a daily reader of obituaries checking on recently passed people, good or bad, trying for some perspective in this wacked out stew of life : )
Thank you for your kind coments. I get slightly alarmed that after nearly three and a half decades I still get so wound up about the way politicians forget about decent hard working people. I really need to get a grip of myself!
Cheers ScottishWillie!!! Best wishes : )
Love the comments as a history board for strong music, often made during hard lived times (I'm also a daily reader of obituaries checking on recently passed people, good or bad, trying for some perspective in this wacked out stew of life : )
Thank you for your kind coments. I get slightly alarmed that after nearly three and a half decades I still get so wound up about the way politicians forget about decent hard working people. I really need to get a grip of myself!
However when I look at the new breed of politicians on both side of the Atlantic I get more worried that the cures they claim to bring may be worse than the illnesses of a political class bought and paid for by the establishment.
Is the status quo better than what they promis?
I was flying from Auckland to San Francisco last month and they had great hour long documentary on the Jam. I need to find out if it has come out here in the US so I can get a copy.
On_The_Beach wrote:
I wonder if both labels used the same designer. This album came about a year before Synchonicity.
I wonder if both labels used the same designer. This album came about a year before Synchonicity.
Saw Weller a few months ago at Hardly Strictly (the whole reason I went) and he was so on. Pity the set was abbreviated, as they all are there. Great stuff.
ScottishWillie wrote:
Cheers ScottishWillie!!! Best wishes : )
Love the comments as a history board for strong music, often made during hard lived times (I'm also a daily reader of obituaries checking on recently passed people, good or bad, trying for some perspective in this wacked out stew of life : )
For many years I was devoted to The Jam. Much of this came from my belief that they reflected the fury I felt at my life in Thatchers Britain. Yuppies boasted about their money while all the people in my life worked all the hours we could, in shit dead end jobs, just survive. The Jam was about anger, mine and the other victims of Thatcherite economics. While I feel Billy Elliot was an entertaining feel good movie I, to this day, feel it misrepresented what The Jam was about.
Bill this song has become tainted, play any of the songs in 'oppositelock' list and feel the bands anger at the injustice of what a powerful and greedy elite can do to decent hard working people.
Bill this song has become tainted, play any of the songs in 'oppositelock' list and feel the bands anger at the injustice of what a powerful and greedy elite can do to decent hard working people.
Cheers ScottishWillie!!! Best wishes : )
Love the comments as a history board for strong music, often made during hard lived times (I'm also a daily reader of obituaries checking on recently passed people, good or bad, trying for some perspective in this wacked out stew of life : )
ScottishWillie wrote:
Very nicely done!
For many years I was devoted to The Jam. Much of this came from my belief that they reflected the fury I felt at my life in Thatchers Britain. Yuppies boasted about their money while all the people in my life worked all the hours we could, in shit dead end jobs, just survive. The Jam was about anger, mine and the other victims of Thatcherite economics. While I feel Billy Elliot was an entertaining feel good movie I, to this day, feel it misrepresented what The Jam was about.
Bill this song has become tainted, play any of the songs in 'oppositelock' list and feel the bands anger at the injustice of what a powerful and greedy elite can do to decent hard working people.
Bill this song has become tainted, play any of the songs in 'oppositelock' list and feel the bands anger at the injustice of what a powerful and greedy elite can do to decent hard working people.
Very nicely done!
For many years I was devoted to The Jam. Much of this came from my belief that they reflected the fury I felt at my life in Thatchers Britain. Yuppies boasted about their money while all the people in my life worked all the hours we could, in shit dead end jobs, just survive. The Jam was about anger, mine and the other victims of Thatcherite economics. While I feel Billy Elliot was an entertaining feel good movie I, to this day, feel it misrepresented what The Jam was about.
Bill this song has become tainted, play any of the songs in 'oppositelock' list and feel the bands anger at the injustice of what a powerful and greedy elite can do to decent hard working people.
Bill this song has become tainted, play any of the songs in 'oppositelock' list and feel the bands anger at the injustice of what a powerful and greedy elite can do to decent hard working people.
Stranglersfan wrote:
Indeed the Jam wrote dozens and dozens of unbelievable songs.
Town Called Malice is not one of the greats, however it did obviously get some commercial recognition.
It would be nice to hear some tracks from "Sound Affects".
Indeed the Jam wrote dozens and dozens of unbelievable songs.
Town Called Malice is not one of the greats, however it did obviously get some commercial recognition.
It would be nice to hear some tracks from "Sound Affects".
I like most Weller, but not much Jam. This however, is a 10 without any doubt.
A little thin for me.
aspicer wrote:
WOW?!?!?!? That is a bit pathetic - several CLASSIC tunes here. Bill?!?!?!?.....
Going Underground and That's Entertainment are now on RP, thankfully.
WOW?!?!?!? That is a bit pathetic - several CLASSIC tunes here. Bill?!?!?!?.....
Going Underground and That's Entertainment are now on RP, thankfully.
Only 5 songs uploaded for the Jam. There are so many more.
I do not like this song.
it is played much too often 
Paul Weller played here last weeked and per a friend it was a great gig.
Such a great bassline!
Remember buying this on 7 and 12" the day it came out....still have them....most excellent.
We need more of The Jam
dancing in my chair here... good way to start the day...
tiler wrote:
ba ba baba ba ba ba ba
Jam on it I know I'm missing a few ba ba bas.
Jam on it I know I'm missing a few ba ba bas.
The Modfather at his best
ba ba baba ba ba ba ba
Jam on it
Jam on it
aspicer wrote:
WOW?!?!?!? That is a bit pathetic - several CLASSIC tunes here. Bill?!?!?!?.....
Indeed the Jam wrote dozens and dozens of unbelievable songs.
Town Called Malice is not one of the greats, however it did obviously get some commercial recognition.
WOW?!?!?!? That is a bit pathetic - several CLASSIC tunes here. Bill?!?!?!?.....
Indeed the Jam wrote dozens and dozens of unbelievable songs.
Town Called Malice is not one of the greats, however it did obviously get some commercial recognition.
TJS wrote:
Bill only includes the songs HE likes, methinks.
oppositelock wrote:
WOW?!?!?!? That is a bit pathetic - several CLASSIC tunes here. Bill?!?!?!?.....
Bill only includes the songs HE likes, methinks.
oppositelock wrote:
Rejected: The Jam - Absolute Beginners
Rejected: The Jam - Beat Surrender
Rejected: The Jam - Down In The Tube Station At Midnight
Rejected: The Jam - English Rose
Rejected: The Jam - Ghosts
Rejected: The Jam - Going Underground
Rejected: The Jam - Little Boy Soldiers
Rejected: The Jam - Private Hell (Live)
Reviewing: The Jam - So Sad About Us
Rejected: The Jam - Start!
Rejected: The Jam - Start!
Rejected: The Jam - Tales From The Riverbank
Rejected: The Jam - That's Entertainment
Rejected: The Jam - That's Entertainment (Live)
Rejected: The Jam - The Bitterest Pill (I Ever H..
Rejected: The Jam - The Dreams Of Children
Rejected: The Jam - The Eton Rifles
WOW?!?!?!? That is a bit pathetic - several CLASSIC tunes here. Bill?!?!?!?.....
and the volume hast been cranked up... all the way up!!!
The Modfather earned his cred. Classic tune!
I have always LOVED this track. An instant classic, though The Jam had better songs from earlier in their career. A band that was so full of angst, aggression, intelligence and love. The Jam was one of my absolute faves from the early 80's.
oppositelock wrote:
Sad result--I like all those cuts a bunch except The Bitterest Pill (where Weller seemed to start dabbling into his Style Council sound, which didn't work for me as well).
Rejected: The Jam - Absolute Beginners
Rejected: The Jam - Beat Surrender
Rejected: The Jam - Down In The Tube Station At Midnight
Rejected: The Jam - English Rose
Rejected: The Jam - Ghosts
Rejected: The Jam - Going Underground
Rejected: The Jam - Little Boy Soldiers
Rejected: The Jam - Private Hell (Live)
Reviewing: The Jam - So Sad About Us
Rejected: The Jam - Start!
Rejected: The Jam - Start!
Rejected: The Jam - Tales From The Riverbank
Rejected: The Jam - That's Entertainment
Rejected: The Jam - That's Entertainment (Live)
Rejected: The Jam - The Bitterest Pill (I Ever H..
Rejected: The Jam - The Dreams Of Children
Rejected: The Jam - The Eton Rifles
Sad result--I like all those cuts a bunch except The Bitterest Pill (where Weller seemed to start dabbling into his Style Council sound, which didn't work for me as well).
Bill only includes the songs HE likes, methinks.
oppositelock wrote:
Rejected: The Jam - Absolute Beginners
Rejected: The Jam - Beat Surrender
Rejected: The Jam - Down In The Tube Station At Midnight
Rejected: The Jam - English Rose
Rejected: The Jam - Ghosts
Rejected: The Jam - Going Underground
Rejected: The Jam - Little Boy Soldiers
Rejected: The Jam - Private Hell (Live)
Reviewing: The Jam - So Sad About Us
Rejected: The Jam - Start!
Rejected: The Jam - Start!
Rejected: The Jam - Tales From The Riverbank
Rejected: The Jam - That's Entertainment
Rejected: The Jam - That's Entertainment (Live)
Rejected: The Jam - The Bitterest Pill (I Ever H..
Rejected: The Jam - The Dreams Of Children
Rejected: The Jam - The Eton Rifles
From Wikipidea:
Released as the first single from the album on 29 January 1982, it entered the chart at number one on the British music charts, staying at the top for three weeks, and preventing "Golden Brown" by The Stranglers from reaching number one.
Released as the first single from the album on 29 January 1982, it entered the chart at number one on the British music charts, staying at the top for three weeks, and preventing "Golden Brown" by The Stranglers from reaching number one.
Dear Tiny,
To get some sense of perspective in your comments, could you please let us know where you live? Actually, please be more specific by telling us where you lived in the early 80's?
For many of us, there was an abhorrence at the actions of a government who not only supported the idea of destroying any kind of kinship to socialist ideals, it picked up the cudgel and gleefully charged into the fray. Not what I would call true representation of the electorate.
The lyrics tell the tale of this destruction of the social fabric. But the music speaks to both the fervent anger at this destructive and corrosive attitude of Thatcher politics, and the real intent to not sink into melancholy but remain proud of our thirst for justice and compassion. Thus the tempo of the sound.
Please understand that music speaks very clearly to the artist's very soul. Music of any genre is not trivial or an irrelevance.