To get you “started” on tonight’s journey …
I guess it’s no surprise that someone with a deep affection for the relatively obscure movie “That Thing You Do,” not to mention a nom de blogue of “stands for decibels,” would have a deep appreciation for music, particularly music of a particular era. From what little we know of him from his postings, he is also a fan of Rachel Maddow and Eric Blair, and one of the calmer voices on an often cacophonous blog.
He is also tonight’s guest host. Ladies and gentlemen, sfd:
“I’d been thinking about some pretext to recommend a tune by a band whose song “Start!” is one that’s somewhat familiar to American ears, and while it may not be my absolute favorite ever-ever by the Jam, I gave it another listen last night and heard some elements I hadn’t previously considered.
For starters, it’s not necessarily specific to the “start” of any particular kind of relationship–it might be about connecting with a potential lover, or a friend, of maybe just a fan. (Given that I was as big a fan as one could be when they recorded it, I wanted to believe that last one.) Musically, when you consider bandleader Paul Weller’s unabashed love for mid-60s rock, it’s kind of a one-song homage to all three composers of the Revolver lp–the opening riff is lifted from George’s “Taxman,” the solo could’ve been part of John’s “Tomorrow Never Knows,” and the bit of horns is a nod to Paul’s “Got to Get You into My Life.”
I could regale you with personal connections to this band, but suffice to say this tune appeared on an album that was released whilst I was sharing a house with a bandmate, wherein we rehearsed in the basement, and we covered more of the Jam’s tunes than we should. I loved their sound, dug the look, and I envied the massive following they had in Britain while being dumbfounded as to why they couldn’t get more of an audience here in the states. (as to that last bit: now it’s obvious. 1) they were just too English for most Americans to digest, and 2) the Jam likely didn’t give enough of a crap to adjust their sound, and tone down their accents, to make themselves more marketable here.)
If you’re not familiar with their catalog, they did six albums–all have some classic nuggets within, but you can’t go wrong with the 3rd, 4th, or the 5th album (Sound Affects), from which “Start” is a part.
And back, for just a bit, to the sentiments expressed? I think it’s true of what we try to do at your blog, with one another. We don’t always really understand each other, we get p–ed off and fight over the silliest of reasons, but it’s different sides, talking to each other, sort of. And at least it’s a start.”
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1,112 comments Add your comment
getalife
July 6th, 2012
4:34 pm
Firsty?
carlosgvv
July 6th, 2012
4:37 pm
“they were just too English for most Americans”
“didn’t give enough of a crap to adjust their sound”
Oh really? Does that mean that American bands popular in England “adjust their sound”?
And, just for the heck of it, how do you know what “most Americans” were thinking? Do “most Americans” all think alike”?
Jay, your “calmer voice” has really muddled thinking on this one.
Granny Godzilla - Union Thugette
July 6th, 2012
4:40 pm
stands and Jay
as to the sentiment….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tEH_YYqEH0
Love to all
getalife
July 6th, 2012
4:41 pm
The is jam db:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9j5xjw2EbY
Thanks to the real Joe Walsh.
Granny Godzilla - Union Thugette
July 6th, 2012
4:42 pm
oh and what the hell…
same artist also to the sentiment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faBq36pNEYM
his na na nas make me melt.
josef
July 6th, 2012
4:42 pm
SFD
Here ya go….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXmPEsuipUw
They BOTH suck
July 6th, 2012
4:45 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuN6gs0AJls
getalife
July 6th, 2012
4:46 pm
For those who like to rock:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNf7NMbd6vc&feature=related
The new Metallica is out.
josef
July 6th, 2012
4:47 pm
SFD
Was poking around looking for a cut, found this…some things are timeless and cut across all genres, eh?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mEGwnfeGaM&feature=related
They BOTH suck
July 6th, 2012
4:49 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zelVvrgcK_g&feature=related
Joe (Strummer) the Plutocrat
July 6th, 2012
4:51 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1V7fYeBAkc
when would be the appropriate time to investigate the impact of the new wave mullet?
JamVet
July 6th, 2012
4:55 pm
sfd, great song! I dig their punkish Fab Four sound…
getalife, great cover of a great song.
Groovy Granny, you KNOW how completely addicted I am to Todd Rundgren’s music. And that Robert Palmer version of Can We Still be Friends is an incredibly sweet one.
You may or may not have read this story that I’ve shared here before, but one day back in 2004 I was at the gym and got talking to this young black fellow that I didn’t know and the conversation turned to music. He shared with me how sad he was that Palmer had died so young.
I always love it when my construction of the world and the people in it gets blown away.
One world.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NK1_7eKtkDg
josef
July 6th, 2012
4:55 pm
BOTH
Well, if that’s the decade and its English you want…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FG1NrQYXjLU
They BOTH suck
July 6th, 2012
4:56 pm
scout
inside and out……..
Matti
July 6th, 2012
4:59 pm
stands,
I can dig it!
They BOTH suck
July 6th, 2012
4:59 pm
josef
Good one. Hope Billy’s hand and wrist didn’t get too tired
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOgCjTXVnWk&feature=related
Tom Middleton
July 6th, 2012
5:00 pm
Couldn’t decide if I should post here or two comments back, Jay, so if I’ve chosen wrong, I apologize and just delete it.
But given we’ve created 4.4 million jobs under President Obama in 28 straight months of growth, we need a gentle-but-serious reminder that under Mitt Romney this would stop.
If the austerity measures being proposed by the Republicans would work for us in the future, they would be working for Europe now and they’re not, not even close.
So from the Hatfields and McCoys, here’s “It’s a Long Road Down,” featuring the great Lisbeth Scott. What a magical, incredible voice of a wonderful musician and singer!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xfa_NhevjM&feature=relmfu&noredirect=1
Like your song, sfd! I grew up during “the invasion” and wouldn’t have missed it for the world. It was the start that’s never stopped for sure!
That Black Guy
July 6th, 2012
5:00 pm
Enter your comments here
Jay
July 6th, 2012
5:00 pm
carlos carlos carlos ….
Soothsayer
July 6th, 2012
5:01 pm
Always liked this RP song.
Richard
July 6th, 2012
5:01 pm
I probably would have gone for Tube Station at Midnight or Going Underground.
They BOTH suck
July 6th, 2012
5:04 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DC-nmyVEmRw
carlosgvv
July 6th, 2012
5:05 pm
Jay – 5:00
It’s clear that, oftentimes, I’m the only one here willing to state the obvious.
Why that is I do not know.
They BOTH suck
July 6th, 2012
5:06 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQdaSpEeBvQ
They BOTH suck
July 6th, 2012
5:08 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I3S8lPM6qM&feature=related
Thomas Heyward Jr.
July 6th, 2012
5:10 pm
Its all about evolution.
.
Some people do…some people don’t.
.
The Clash , Po0gues, Pixies…….maybe some New york Dolls……….ultimantly to the Jam.
.
Democrat,Republican..then the Lefty/Righty Progressive………then ultimantly Ron Paul Libertarianism.
.
Some people never do evolve fully.
.
Anyhow…….good tune SFD…and good band.
.
In the same purple vein.
.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wun5Cg-xr-s
.
Thomas
July 6th, 2012
5:10 pm
Hey- what happened. There we all were having an extremely cordial pro life/choice debate, solving the world’s problems one issue at a time over tea and then this-
I am truly pissed and refuse to pay my July dues.
RL
July 6th, 2012
5:12 pm
Jay – don’t agree with you much but if you are a Jam fan, there is hope for you.
They are great.
Bet they are right-wingers!
They BOTH suck
July 6th, 2012
5:12 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6siGKxcKol0
Jay
July 6th, 2012
5:13 pm
Fine, Carlos. We all agree — you have a flair for the obvious.
Oscar
July 6th, 2012
5:14 pm
Tom Middleton – English folk songs are good. Here is the best.
Baraba Allen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFHTJ08U_Fg
They BOTH suck
July 6th, 2012
5:15 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UOpZg77LKg&feature=related
josef
July 6th, 2012
5:16 pm
BOTH
That’s one of my all time favorites from the decade…here’s backatcha on Brit 80s Angst…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3j2NYZ8FKs
JAY
What would FNM be without our t*rd in the punchbowl…TRADITION!
They BOTH suck
July 6th, 2012
5:16 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7HNJVnn9Ms&feature=related
They BOTH suck
July 6th, 2012
5:18 pm
josef
nice call on the Pet Shop Boys
Never was a “fan”, but always thought that was a cool tune
Soothsayer
July 6th, 2012
5:18 pm
I’d like to go a concert that was a 3-hour jam by this guy!
Native Atlantan
July 6th, 2012
5:19 pm
Late to the party…did we do this one yet? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1Gn0e7kvTA
They BOTH suck
July 6th, 2012
5:22 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1IiPkQa2iY
Tom Middleton
July 6th, 2012
5:22 pm
Oscar
An oldie but goodie for sure, Oscar – almost an antique. And was she young there or what? And let’s don’t forget Fairport Convention with the great Richard Thompson. “Matti Grove” comes to mind immediately!
JamVet
July 6th, 2012
5:22 pm
Arguably the greatest American band of that decade…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNw8mC5wT30
godless heathen
July 6th, 2012
5:22 pm
sfd: but it’s different sides, talking to each other, sort of. And at least it’s a start.”
That’s so true. Some of us must learn something, even if it’s by osmosis.
They BOTH suck
July 6th, 2012
5:24 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVJXOOAfvIo&feature=related
They BOTH suck
July 6th, 2012
5:25 pm
Joan Jett
she was a rocknrolla
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RAQXg0IdfI
Native Atlantan
July 6th, 2012
5:27 pm
And, in honor of the London Olympics…..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vHvzybkqfo
Native Atlantan
July 6th, 2012
5:27 pm
Oops http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vHvzybkqfo
josef
July 6th, 2012
5:29 pm
ZamVet/BOTH
Yeah, I know it was their “top 40″ but still their best to me…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE5SBE78ZOM&feature=related
They BOTH suck
July 6th, 2012
5:30 pm
josef
Top 40 or not, that is a great song
They BOTH suck
July 6th, 2012
5:31 pm
josef
Speaking of Top 40. This song is a jammn tune
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mu8m8_-tRo
josef
July 6th, 2012
5:32 pm
More good stuff from back then…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CK3uf5V0pDA&feature=related
JamVet
July 6th, 2012
5:34 pm
You might think I’m crazy
To hang around with you (LOL!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8oZZJojROo&feature=player_embedded
They BOTH suck
July 6th, 2012
5:36 pm
josef
back at ya
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKzoXuEkk00&feature=related
They BOTH suck
July 6th, 2012
5:37 pm
Who can forget this one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dc3Sa4n0rS8&feature=related
carlosgvv
July 6th, 2012
5:38 pm
Jay – 5:13
Unfortunately, the obvious seems to make many here very uncomfortable.
I get the impression they feel that if it is ignored, it will just go away.
This gives both you and I pretty good idea of the immaturity of many here.
St Simons
July 6th, 2012
5:38 pm
‘what you give is what you get’
‘You only get what you give’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9bS6JFlueI
yeah, mon, your tribe is starting to get it…
They BOTH suck
July 6th, 2012
5:38 pm
And with this tune, I say to everyone…… have a great night and an even better weekend
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG07WSu7Q9w&feature=related
josef
July 6th, 2012
5:39 pm
BOTH
Unmentionable and I were talking about Phil Collins the other day and how he, well, at the time was just sort of “okay, yeah, not bad…” and now listening in and looking back how much he really does stand out from the crowd…and that’s saying a lot, given the crowd…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qt2mbGP6vFI&feature=artistob&playnext=1&list=TLF5H3j5cFHGY
Paulo977
July 6th, 2012
5:40 pm
Oscar
Joan is just one of the best …….!!!!!!!
Here is???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQhKqlOccHE
They BOTH suck
July 6th, 2012
5:40 pm
The RICHARD is out and about tonight
If you don’t get help at Charter, please get help
Peace
godless heathen
July 6th, 2012
5:41 pm
Happy Friday all!
I’ve been waiting all week to put this one up.
http://youtu.be/2XRXOjllwX4
Bob Loblaw
July 6th, 2012
5:43 pm
Dig the Jam, Jay. Very Talking Heads-ish.
They BOTH suck
July 6th, 2012
5:43 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNIZofPB8ZM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sS6t56U9tBg
They BOTH suck
July 6th, 2012
5:45 pm
and now, I am really really out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2VBmHOYpV8
carlos: try to enjoy your weekend.
josef
July 6th, 2012
5:46 pm
CARLOS
Ignore it and it’ll go away. Nyanh, we’re under no delusions there. We tried it with you and it didn’t work.
G Mare
July 6th, 2012
5:49 pm
They both, THANK YOU for the Joan Jett. Had to sample a few of her others.
St Simons
July 6th, 2012
5:51 pm
I stopped believing for a little while today.
Journey is gonna be so pissed.
josef
July 6th, 2012
5:51 pm
Hey, we gotta get a little Miami Vice in…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4ueaD22hg8&feature=related
Paulo977
July 6th, 2012
5:54 pm
They Both suck @ 5:36p.m
great combination of movement and voice….
So much about life in this next one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maAyfcO-X3k&feature=related
JamVet
July 6th, 2012
5:55 pm
heathen, hysterical.
Early head music…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XFYMjkFYPg
Oscar
July 6th, 2012
5:55 pm
British singers Tom Jones – Welsh
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sI5LWwC-cE8&feature=related
josef
July 6th, 2012
5:57 pm
HEAThEN
godless heathen
July 6th, 2012
6:03 pm
BOTH: If you stand too close these days, you’ll see the Po-lice for sure.
josef
July 6th, 2012
6:10 pm
OSCAR
Nobody quite like him…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn5jihgsY2s
godless heathen
July 6th, 2012
6:13 pm
On this date in 1925, William Clifton “Bill” Haley was born. On this date in 1955, this song reached #1 on the charts and is considered to be the song, more than any other, that brought rock and roll into main stream culture around the world. Also on this date in 1955, the godless heathen came into the world and so I’ve always considered that I truly grew up with Rock and Roll.
http://youtu.be/F5fsqYctXgM
St Simons
July 6th, 2012
6:16 pm
my gwinnett neighbors, back in da dey-o, still very active in
the Ga Democratic party – go Wayne Famous! (from Moultrie)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzZVhwa2sSA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9aSjhOhJvY
godless heathen
July 6th, 2012
6:27 pm
Jam, I had forgotten all about that Titantic song. Hilarious.
Rich
July 6th, 2012
6:47 pm
Too much of a tinnie sound and takes me back to the old sound of the 60s British rock groups. Their sound is like black and white TV. Pretty dull.
G Mare
July 6th, 2012
6:49 pm
Thanks, godless heathen, for the memories. I was 15 when ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK burst upon us, and it still stirs my heart & soul after all these years.
G Mare
July 6th, 2012
6:54 pm
Rich, I also remember black & white tv. It was the only thing available & we loved it. The MICKEY MOUSE CLUB, the Army McCarthy hearings, the ED SULLIVAN SHOW, WHAT’S MY LINE?
Yes, I remember it; what will you remember fondly when you are 71?
Rightwing Troll
July 6th, 2012
6:57 pm
Can’t discuss the Jam without A Town Called Malice…
http://youtu.be/YfpRm-p7qlY
godless heathen
July 6th, 2012
7:05 pm
Yes, I remember it; what will you remember fondly when you are 71?
I hope I am just remembering at 71. Fondly or otherwise.
Paulo977
July 6th, 2012
7:08 pm
josef
Nobody!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QabEgTRFGQ0&feature=related
josef
July 6th, 2012
7:16 pm
GMARE
I may have posted it several times, but when I’m 71…?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LHMTxd5eDw&feature=related
stands for decibels
July 6th, 2012
7:20 pm
Shucks. Thanks, Jay.
stands for decibels
July 6th, 2012
7:21 pm
Was poking around looking for a cut, found this…some things are timeless and cut across all genres, eh?
Nice one, Josef–I’d never heard that one.
stands for decibels
July 6th, 2012
7:22 pm
one of the calmer voices on an often cacophonous blog.
I don’t have to sit here and take that kind of abuse.
josef
July 6th, 2012
7:24 pm
PAULO
One of my family’s nicknames for me is don Quixote… and Tom Jones’ version of my “theme song” is one of my favorites
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3oE8M1XjzI
stands for decibels
July 6th, 2012
7:26 pm
Too much of a tinnie sound and takes me back to the old sound of the 60s British rock groups.
I can kind of see why someone might think that of “Start.”
The Jam had different kinds of sounds on different albums. If you’re looking for something a bit heavier, might I recommend the Setting Sons lp, from which this youthful take on aging is sample…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN9JEXI8adM
(Music kicks ass, but the lyrics are enough to harsh yer buzz.)
stands for decibels
July 6th, 2012
7:27 pm
Can’t discuss the Jam without A Town Called Malice…
from their last lp, which I really wanted to love, but merely respected and–in retrospect–kinda understand why Paul broke up the band and moved on to the Style Council, afterwards.
But that tune’s a classic, of course.
josef
July 6th, 2012
7:29 pm
SFD
Howdy do! Glad to see ya here… nice pick, BTW…
“I don’t have to sit here and take that kind of abuse.”
Well, you can…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKKqLl_ZEEY&feature=related
stands for decibels
July 6th, 2012
7:31 pm
The new Metallica is out.
They didn’t invite Lou Reed to yell at them during a rehearsal again, did they?
stands for decibels
July 6th, 2012
7:38 pm
Oh really? Does that mean that American bands popular in England “adjust their sound”?
I think if you know the Jam and its lead singer fairly well, as I do, and you were listening to pop music a lot in 1977-82, during much of that time yes, a lot of Brit acts would dial it back a bit. And Paul didn’t bother to.
And, just for the heck of it, how do you know what “most Americans” were thinking? Do “most Americans” all think alike”?
of course not. I’m an American, I loved them, so did lots of folks I knew/know.
My point (which, for the record, I knocked out over breakfast before work in about six minutes and maybe could’ve expressed a tad more artfully) is that the Jam could’ve made themselves more marketable here in the US, if they wanted to, but I don’t think they wanted to because–well, maybe because they didn’t especially need to.
F. Sinkwich
July 6th, 2012
7:40 pm
As long as we’re getting “started,” saw this on AJC.com:
“New ID requirements for license renewal irritate many.”
Seems like a lotta peeps are pissed about having to show up with a bunch of ID just to get the ol’ DL.
State brought this aggravation upon themselves. Apparently this has to happen because of the Feds and homeland security and such. It’s obvious had the state staggered applications this all could have been mitigated to a large degree.
Week one: Anyone with “Mohammad” or say “Akmed” as a name and the like would have to show up.
Week two: Anyone with “Jose” or say “Juan” as a name and the like would have to show up.
Maybe more than a week, I dunno.
I am such a genius!
stands for decibels
July 6th, 2012
7:41 pm
when would be the appropriate time to investigate the impact of the new wave mullet?
hee… er… now…Don’t be dissin’ my man Bruce Foxton. He can’t help that his c. 1978 ‘do became adopted by those unworthy of it.
stands for decibels
July 6th, 2012
7:43 pm
I grew up during “the invasion” and wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
I’m old enough to have very faint recollections of Ed Sullivan appearances. I wish I could say I actually remember the Fabs’ American debut, but I don’t. Just remember the ‘mania.
josef
July 6th, 2012
7:44 pm
Oh, dear! Tonight’s punchbowl has two t*rds…
godless heathen
July 6th, 2012
7:45 pm
“New ID requirements for license renewal irritate many.”
My bro works for DDS IT and they knew this nightmare was coming. They were told, “Whatever you do, make sure you can undo it in a hurry.” LOL
josef
July 6th, 2012
7:47 pm
SFD
The Fabs…! I remember the invasion and the mania well… Mama was a big fan…let me and my brother grow our hair out Beatles style and went down to the schoolhouse and dared them to say one more word…
stands for decibels
July 6th, 2012
7:48 pm
I probably would have gone for Tube Station at Midnight or Going Underground.
Oh, if I were going for my favorite ever-ever Jam tune, I’d agree. Tube Station tells and unforgettable story; Going Underground expresses sentiments we’ve all expressed when we’ve grown sick of the political status quo.
But what Jay cut from my poorly-edited email, was that I had intended this to coincide with discussions we were having on the PPACA. “At least it’s a start,” is a phrase I’ve heard literally dozens of people say in defense of the legislation. Hence, this selection.
But a week later, that’s not what we’re talking about, and Jay needed to edit me down to something presentable. (Appreciate cleaning up my little bit of mild profanity, Jay!)
godless heathen
July 6th, 2012
7:49 pm
Oh, dear! Tonight’s punchbowl has two t*rds…
A floater and a sinker?
stands for decibels
July 6th, 2012
7:50 pm
Tonight’s punchbowl has two t*rds…
Man, I HATE the sequel to “Heather Has Two Mommies.”