The Jam - Sound Affects

Unhappy with the slicker approach of Setting Sons, the Jam got back to basics, using the direct, economic playing of All Mod Cons and "Going Underground," the simply brilliant single which preceded Sound Affects by a few months. Thematically, though, Paul Weller explored a more indirect path, leaving behind (for the most part) the story-song narratives in favor of more abstract dealings in spirituality and perception -- the approach stemming from his recent readings of Blake and Shelley (who was quoted on the sleeve), but more specifically Geoffrey Ash, whose -Camelot and the Vision of Albion made a strong impression. Musically, Weller drew upon Revolver-era Beatles as a primary source (the bassline on "Start," which comes directly from "Taxman," being the most obvious occurrence), incorporating the occasional odd sound and echoed vocal, which implied psychedelia without succumbing to its excesses. From beginning to end, the songs are pure, clever, infectious pop -- probably their catchiest -- with "That's Entertainment" and the should-have-been-a-single "Man in the Corner Shop" standing out. ~ Chris Woodstra, All Music Guide

Name Credits Alan Douglas Engineer Andrew Douglas Photography Bill Airey Smith Cover Design, Design Bill Smith Sleeve Design Bruce Foxton Vocals, Bass Dennis Munday Reissue Coordinator, Reissue Coordination George Chambers Engineer John Reed Liner Notes John X. Reed Liner Notes Martyn Goddard Photography, Cover Photo, Cover Art Paul Cox Photography Paul Weller Guitar, Vocals, Keyboards Pennie Smith Photography Rick Buckler Drums Roger Wake Digital Remastering Simon Halfon Sleeve Remix The Jam Producer Vic Coppersmith Producer Vic Coppersmith-Heaven Producer