The Jam – Sound Affects (30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)
Friday, 29 October 2010
Written by Rob Sleigh
For those of you that may be relatively unfamiliar with the Jam’s music and history, ‘Sound Affects’, the fifth and penultimate album by the trio, has become known by many as one of their most experimental. Thirty years on and, if you haven’t yet been fortunate enough to give this gem a proper listen, the album is out again - remastered, repackaged and re-released.
Arriving somewhere in between the punk rock of their debut ‘In The City’ and the soulful stylings of their final effort ‘The Gift’, ‘Sound Affects’ is probably remembered for being the Jam album that is their most influential. In terms of the band’s own influences, the album appears to be inspired very much by the post-punk bands of the time. For this reason, it could almost be considered as being somewhat timeless, with a lot of the sounds being heard still amongst today’s indie upstarts.
‘Sound Affects’ begins with ‘Pretty Green’ – a name that may be more familiar to people now for being Liam Gallagher’s fashion label. The track was also covered by Mark Ronson on his album ‘Version’, which already provides a perfect example of how this album is still seen as being hugely relevant. As the opener kicks things off with the attention-snatching bass intro and quickly turns into a melodically punk pop song, it becomes clear why Paul Weller recently confirmed that this was his favourite Jam album.
The 24-page booklet, included with this Deluxe Edition, features an essay by Guardian writer John Harris and an interview with Weller. The frontman talks about his musical influences at the time of ‘Sound Affects’ in 1980. This helps to give a clear indication of where the band were coming from when they came up with the music and the ideas for this classic album.
Listening to the album’s lyrics, you can hear how Weller was trying to commentate on the social climate of the day on tracks such as ‘Scrape Away’, ‘Man in the Corner Shop’ and the classic Jam single ‘That’s Entertainment’. The songs prove how this was a powerfully political album as well as a musical delight. Their second ever Number One ‘Start!’ also features on ‘Sound Affects’ and perfectly illustrates how the Jam have become so fondly remembered as one of the best British bands of the 70s and 80s, despite being so short-lived. The track’s rhythm, which paid homage to the Beatles’ ‘Taxman’, helps to mark this album as one their most musically enjoyable as well as their most experimental.
For the die-hard Jam fans, the Deluxe Edition includes a second CD filled with extra tracks, including a number of demos and alternative versions of their best songs. It also features several well-played cover versions such as ‘Rain’ and ‘And Your Bird Can Sing’ by the Beatles and the Kinks’ classic ‘Waterloo Sunset’. So, whether you’re a newcomer to the Jam’s music or not, there’s plenty to be had here from this 30th Anniversary edition of ‘Sound Affects’.
Stereoboard Rating: 8/10
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The 24-page booklet, included with this Deluxe Edition, features an essay by Guardian writer John Harris and an interview with Weller. The frontman talks about his musical influences at the time of ‘Sound Affects’ in 1980. This helps to give a clear indication of where the band were coming from when they came up with the music and the ideas for this classic album. 
