The Jam made nary a dent here in the US. Our loss. They were best band to come out of UK punk rock not named The Clash. The 2-LP Snap! compilation was originally issued as the band's swan song in 1983, but was sadly abridged in it's CD issue (as Compact Snap!). But now Hip-O Select has released a limited edition version which restores this brilliant compilation to its full glory. It covers the Jam's UK hit singles, including all four number ones. But the masterstroke is the selection of B-sides, albums tracks, and alternate versions. "Funeral Pyre" is remixed nicely (the instruments sound more balanced and less harsh). "That's Entertainment" is presented in a demo version, which strips it down to its emotional core. B-sides like the romantic ballad "English Rose" and slice-of-life rocker "Smithers-Jones" stand up to the quality of the hits. The chronological sequencing allows us to enjoy the band's growth, from raging punks to simmering R&B/pop-sters. They got more refined without losing one iota of intensity and commitment. While there's a lot more to The Jam than just what is here, for most people this can serve as a definitive overview. As an additional bonus, the limited edition version includes an excellent live EP from their farewell tour. 10 out of 10. (In the UK, an unabridged, remastered version of Snap! is set to be released on Feb. 13, 2006. It looks to be priced a lot less than the Hip-O Select limited edition, even on import.)
Singles Going Steady has long been considered the best Buzzcocks compilation. In its original version it covered their flawless first 8 singles (with the A and B-Sides neatly arranged). The more recent remastered version adds 8 more single A and B-sides to cover the tail end of the first incarnation of the band. However, the new tracks are more of a mixed bag, featuring a couple of classics, but mostly weaker songs. The compilation remains excellent, but I think the new tracks dilute some of the all-killer/no-filler aspect that made the original version so appealing. However, neither the original nor the remastered Singles Going Steady can be considered definitive since they both entirely miss the debut EP Spiral Scratch (w/Howard Devoto on vocals) as well as essential later tracks like "I Believe". EMI UK decided to have a go at a definitive singles compilation, even including material from the reformed Buzzcocks (who have by now released more albums than the original group!). The Complete Singles Anthology spans 3 CDs and covers 1977-2003. The first disc is jaw-droppingly good -- it gathers their best work on a single disc. The second and third discs vary in quality from excellent to mediocre, but unearth several less heralded gems. I personally think "Thunder Of Hearts" (from 1999's Modern) stands with their best work and "Sick City Sometimes" (from 2003's self-titled album) isn't far behind. In the US, the compilation is available on import via several online vendors for less than $25. If you are a newcomer, this serves as a thorough introduction. If you are a longtime fan who didn't check out their post-reunion albums (like me), this cherry picks many of the better tracks from those in addition to including the classics. The one thing that would have improved the compilation would have been to change the "singles only" idea and include the best album tracks in place of the long interview that concludes the final disc. That would have earned full marks from me. As it stands, it's still 9 out of 10.