The Jam - The Complete Jam

Amazon.com One of the most exciting live bands to emerge from Britain's new wave, the Jam are deservedly immortalized on this two-disc set. A visual record of the neo-mod group's prime years, The Complete Jam begins with 1977-1979 concert appearances on U.K. television and ends with a muscular, 1982 set originally broadcast on Granada's The Tube. The Jam's topnotch musicianship, naked pop influences, and fierce cultural criticism (offset by a disarming whimsicality) are all here: "In the City," "All Around the World," "Beat Surrender," as well as vital covers (Curtis Mayfield's "Move On Up"). Rounding out the ragged but compelling live footage are creaky promotional films and music videos, all fun to see. The jewel here, though, is a 1980 concert at Newcastle City Hall, showcasing the Jam's incendiary, Who-like brilliance marrying power, passion, and sonic exploration. All the historical mystique of this band is here. --Tom Keogh