The Jam: The Gift [Super Deluxe Edition]

The Jam
The Gift [Super Deluxe Edition]
Universal Records [2012]
(3CD / 1DVD Set)








Fire Note Says: A "super" revisit with The Jam's last record The Gift.

Album Review:
The Jam were one of the more notable bands that rose out of the 1977 British punk scene right alongside The Clash, Buzzcocks and The Sex Pistols. What is interesting is that they seem to still be relatively unknowns this side of the big pond. This is mostly because their style was completely different as they had a greater influence on the pop world and always showed their infatuation with American R&B. The Jam mostly kept this influcne in the background but when 1982's The Gift was released it was apparent that the 60's soul of Stax Records had reemerged through the voice of frontman Paul Weller and the ebb and flow of The Jam placed the vibe right out front.

The Gift was the last record from The Jam and in their catalog it is typically ranked near the bottom of their six full lengths. Now don't think it is because The Gift is awful because it is really about the fact that records like In The City [1977] and Sound Affects [1980] are so good. Now after taking The Gift for another several spins I believe the album plays better today than it probably played for fans back in 1982. I say this because "Town Called Malice" is still great but the styling of "Carnation" sounds fresher while the more funky "Precious" does not seem out of place at all in 2012.

All of this back story leads us to the new Super Deluxe Edition of The Gift which celebrates the 30th anniversary of the album and gives the fans 3 CDs with 59 songs that includes the original album remastered, b-sides from the period, demos, alternative takes and a previously unreleased complete concert at Wembley Stadium from the last ever Jam tour. This super set also includes a DVD compilation with tour tracks, promo clips and TV Specials. This may be too much material for the casual fan but for The Jam faithful this is the collection to own. The live show is definitely worth hearing as the band is at the top of its showmanship while the collection gives great insight into the final record when you get a chance to hear many of its demos. All of this should lead you backward into the Jam's catalog if you are new to the party because truly they are one of the greats and you really can never go wrong when you make the decision to spin one of their albums!

Key Tracks: "Precious (Demo)", "That's Entertainment (Live)", "Running On The Spot"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Arctic Monkeys
Small Faces
Super Furry Animals

Universal Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony