The Jam – The Gift (LP)

Album Info Hide Show Artist: The Jam Album: The Gift Released: Europe, 2014 Tracklist: A1 Happy Together Written-By – Paul Weller A2 Ghosts Written-By – Paul Weller A3 Precious Written-By – Paul Weller A4 Just Who Is The 5 O’Clock Hero? Written-By – Paul Weller A5 “Trans-Global Express” Keyboards – Pete Wilson Written-By – Paul Weller B1 Running On The Spot Written-By – Paul Weller B2 Circus Written-By – Bruce Foxton B3 The Planner’s Dream Goes Wrong Written-By – Paul Weller B4 Carnation Written-By – Paul Weller B5 Town Called Malice Written-By – Paul Weller B6 The Gift Keyboards – Pete Wilson Written-By – Paul Weller Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store We are a small independent record store located at 211 High St, Preston in Melbourne, Australia (North of Northcote, between Thornbury & Reservoir) We buy and sell new and used vinyl records – if you have a collection you’d like to sell please click here . We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post. Free Shipping for orders $150 and over. You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout. We also ship internationally – prices vary depending on weight and location. We ship vinyls in thick, rigid carboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records. In stock vinyl is usally shipped next business day, please check the availability field at the top of the product page to see whether the record is currently in stock or if it is available from the supplier as well as estimated shipping times. If you order an in stock item together with a pre order or back order (listed as available from supplier rather than in stock) then the order will be shipped together when all items arrive. If you would like the in stock items shipped first please place two separate orders or contact us to arrange shipping items separately. We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn’t arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record. If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store. You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at [email protected] Happy Listening! Description Hide Show The Jams final studio album, *The Gift*, released in 1982, stands as a remarkable testament to the bands evolution and a poignant farewell to their fans. By this point, Paul Weller, the bands frontman and chief songwriter, had already established himself as a formidable force in the British music scene, and *The Gift* showcases his growth both musically and lyrically. The album is a rich tapestry of influences, blending punk, mod revival, and even hints of soul and funk, which reflects Wellers desire to push boundaries and explore new sounds. From the opening track, Happy Together, its clear that *The Gift* is not just another Jam album. The song, with its infectious groove and catchy hooks, sets the tone for whats to come. Its a celebration of love and togetherness, but with a twist of irony that Weller often weaves into his lyrics. The track features a prominent brass section, a departure from the bands earlier, more guitar-driven sound, signaling a willingness to experiment. This willingness to embrace new styles is a recurring theme throughout the album, making it feel fresh and innovative even today. One of the standout tracks, Town Called Malice, became an anthem for a generation. Its upbeat tempo and danceable rhythm mask a deeper commentary on the struggles of working-class life in Britain during the early 1980s. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of disillusionment and the desire to escape, resonating with many listeners who felt trapped in their circumstances. The songs infectious chorus and driving beat helped it become one of The Jams most beloved tracks, and it remains a staple in their live performances. Its no surprise that it reached number one on the UK Singles Chart, solidifying its place in the pantheon of classic British pop. Another notable track is The Gift, which showcases Wellers lyrical prowess. The song is a heartfelt reflection on the complexities of relationships and the importance of communication. The instrumentation is lush, with strings and a prominent piano line that adds a layer of sophistication to the track. Wellers ability to convey deep emotions through his lyrics is on full display here, and its moments like these that remind listeners why he is often regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of his generation. The production of *The Gift* is also worth mentioning. Recorded at the legendary Townhouse Studios in London, the album features contributions from a variety of talented musicians, including the addition of a string section and backing vocalists. This richer sound palette allows for a more expansive listening experience, and its clear that Weller was keen to explore new sonic territories. The production, handled by Weller himself alongside the band, captures the energy and spirit of the time while also pushing the bands sound into new realms. Critically, *The Gift* received a warm reception, with many praising its ambition and the bands willingness to evolve. Publications like *NME* and *Melody Maker* lauded the album for its innovative approach and Wellers insightful lyrics. It was a fitting conclusion to The Jams career, as they disbanded shortly after its release, leaving behind a legacy that would influence countless artists in the years to come. In retrospect, *The Gift* is not just an album; its a reflection of a time and a place, capturing the essence of early 80s Britain. Its a bittersweet farewell from a band that had already made a significant impact on the music scene. The Jams ability to blend catchy melodies with poignant social commentary is what sets *The Gift* apart, making it a timeless piece of art that continues to resonate with listeners today. As we look back on this album, its clear that Weller and his bandmates left an indelible mark on music history, and *The Gift* remains a shining example of their brilliance. Product Reviews Hide Show Write a Review