All Mod Cons
The Jam
1978
Album Summary
All Mod Cons is the third studio album by the British band The Jam, released in 1978 by Polydor Records. The title, a British idiom one might find in housing advertisements, is short for "all modern conveniences" and is a pun on the band's association with the mod revival. The album reached No. 6 in the UK Albums Chart.The album was reissued in the United States in 1979, with the song "The Butterfly Collector" replacing "Billy Hunt".
WikipediaI have no idea what this might be… “All Mod Cons” is ok, like a smoothed-out punk song or something. I can’t quite get into the stuttering tempo. But there are promising elements here. “To Be Someone” appeals to me quite a bit more. I’m warming up to this. Love the lyrics about a fallen rock star. Really good! “Mr. Clean” seems to be how the singer is angry at an office coworker. Interesting and catchy! “David Watts” continues the sort of odd tempos. And the song is intriguing… Is this a be careful what you wish for song? I’m not sure but I do like it. “English Rose” is a surprisingly tender song. I love the singer’s voice and the water and what I think is a great love song for England. I wasn’t expecting this but like it a lot. I love the music and lyrics of “In the Crowd” - and what’s this?! A warning about the government and media?! Interesting… and goes all psychedelic guitar at the end. This is a contender for my favorite track of the album. “Billy Hunt” is another catchy song with more cleverly descriptive lyrics. A threatening bionic man reference?! I like this. “It’s Too Bad” is a great little breakup song that’s quite happy sounding. Very enjoyable. “Fly” is a really great love song! The tender parts intersperse with exuberant outbursts. I love this song. There seems to be some hints of The Who or something in here. Wonderful! “The Place I Love” I love! ‘Not within a yard of those trendy do’s.” Is this song about hiding out with your pets? Really good song. “‘A’ Bomb in Wardour Street” seems to be protest song with a beat you can dance to. Clapping! I can get into this. “Down in the Tube Station at Midnight” is a great song. Terribly disturbing about a poor guy getting attacked in a tube station. Really good, and disturbing… I think I’m on the verge of loving this album. A second listen is in order but I find The Jam’s lyrics so vivid and the disjoints in the music held together with such great talent that I think I may love this album… …………………………………. My second listen really did cement my love of this album. After the third listen, I’m loving every song - even the first track which took me a few listens to warm up to. These lyrics have depth and paint vivid pictures. The Jam takes on class and society… with a sound blending dashes of new wave, The Who and The Kinks into something pretty special. I love this album!
The Jam were in love with the Who, and influenced the Police and the Clash. This 3rd album was the first of three brilliant 5 star albums, culminating with Sound Effects, with Setting Sons sandwiched in between.
Never listened to a full album by The Jam before (only greatest hits) and it did not disappoint. Very much a coming of age album and craft wise very much where Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were with Damn The Torpedos. English Rose is superb, David Watts also. The best track for me is Down At The Tube Station at Midnight. Weller’s lyrics are outstanding and bassist is so underrated. Always been a massive fan of Weller’s. One of of best artists around, always evolving.
They were pretty decent before this one as well, but this is where it really took off. It's the start of a brilliant run of albums with Setting Sons and Sound Affects coming after this. Especially love the last tracks on here; A' Bomb in Wardour Street and Down In The Tubestation At Midnight.
really like this. 60s/70s brits are the best. just look at those outfits!? gives me jam in a field vibes. dope guitar work.
Down In The Tube Station At Midnight's not only a fantastic finale but a useful reminder that most of the preceeding songs compare unfavourably. The big tumbling beat is there, as are Weller's sandpaper vocals and featherwight punk politics for city types--but the hooks, urgency or clarity to turn them into songs to remember are a rarity.
ett riktigt bra album. Down in the tube station at midnight är en av de bättre låtarna jag hört på länge.
Some fantastic songs and something of a ‘coming of age’ album given their less than impressive second album ‘this is the modern world’. Stand outs include ‘to be someone’ and the classic ‘English rose’. Loved Billy Hunt live too
Love the mod revival movement. Cool mix of punk and early rock. Strong album start to finish
Like a combination of punk and pub rock interspersed with some very pretty tunes. Thoroughly enjoyed this album.
There is cowbell, and I really enjoyed this album. I never heard of this band so its been a pleasant surprise.
Sounds like something Jess and Rory would have liked. I enjoyed it. Would listen again.
#79 - The Jam - All Mod Cons Apparently this album catapulted Paul Weller into the consciousness of the UK. Despite not having any major hits it's got bite, anger, class issues and is a great listen. This is how I imagine London in 1978 (sorry Woking).
The Jam (and Paul Weller) is a band I know about; but don’t really know their music aside from a few songs. I mostly know them from influencing most of the bands I grew up listening to. Hearing this now you definitely hear where every Oasis song is ripped off from, but also the stems of New Pornographers and Paraquet Courts. For good reason too. This album absolutely rips. A little over half an hour and doesn't overstay it’s welcome. Killer tracks David Watts English Rose
My favorite Jam album and one of my favorite albums, period! The 3 album run of All Mod Cons, Setting Sons and Sound Affects, is as good a three album run of any band, ever. This is the album where The Jam sound and Paul Weller's song writing reached their zenith. To Be Someone, Mr. Clean, In The Crowd, "A"Bomb in Wardour Street and Down in the Tube Station at Midnight are all incredible songs that alone would make this album worthwhile, all together they make for one of the best albums of the 80s, indeed of any decade. No band ever communicated more vividly what it was like growing up British. Maybe that kept North American fans at arms length, but for me if their lyrics and themes ever became TOO British, the musical interplay is universal and these three kids were the epitome of tight. A no-brainer 5 star album from my perspective.
It's The Jam m8. Clear Beatles influences dotted which I'd not noticed before. Down In The Tube could well be the best British track of all time.
One of my all-time faves. I bought this at the time and played it constantly so of course it gets maximum stars. I guess it's aimed at predominantly young angry men in 1978 but it's still fresh and poetic, raucous and rocky even now. It has real classics - 'Down in the Tubestation' and 'English Rose' which are suprisingly poles apart but even the 'fillers' are gold: 'Fly' is the least listened track in Sp*tify but again IMO one of the best tracks on the album.
This band is “The Beatles” if they were punks, and I have no problem with it. None at all. 5 Stars
The Jam: great singles throughout but also a real album band who made a string of 5-star albums including this one.
Un dels discos més creatius en un dels períodes més creatius. És la sublimació del so de The Jam en la seva primera etapa. I aquesta sublimació és d'una excel.lència i exuberància gairebé màgica
This is a brilliant album, not a bad song in the lot. What I enjoy about it is seeing how the Jam is evolving musically, to a more nuanced and sophisticated sound. The punchier style the band developed on their first two albums is still in there, but it has matured, with confident, melodic hooks, and surprising forays into psychedelia and jazz-pop. Paul Weller's ability to craft a lyric has developed tremendously here too, with vivid imagery and sly social commentary. I could listen to this all day. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): Down in the Tube Station at Midnight, It's Too Bad, In the Crowd, Fly, To Be Someone (Didn't We Have a Nice Time), English Rose, Mr. Clean, All Mod Cons, David Watts, 'A' Bomb in Wardour Street, The Place I Love, Billy Hunt
I had never heard them before and it is awesome! It’s like, in between the clash and cars. It’s great.
Love this album. Inventive musicians playing great songs with Smart lyrics.
This is such a snap shot of late 70's English life. Weller's story telling is backed up by a very tight band. Song after song - it sounds like a Best Of.
Heard this plenty of times, so another easy 5 from me. David Watts, Down in a tube station, Bomb in wardour street are highlight tracks LOVE THE JAM AND PAUL WELLER <3
I’ve never really understood what the whole “mods and rockers” thing was, but maybe you had to be there at the time. As far as I know, the only song by The Jam that I already knew is A Town Called Malice which doesn’t appear on this album. And my dad will take any opportunity to tell anybody that he once smoked a joint with Paul Weller when he used to work festivals. Songs I already knew: none Favourite after listening: To Be With Someone (Didn’t We Have A Nice Time), Down In The Tube Station At Midnight Overall: 9/10 I might not understand the whole mod scene, but the album definitely stands out as great many years on. It definitely doesn’t feel like an album from 1978 as many modern indie bands still sound very similar to this. Down In The Tube Station At Midnight certainly sounds like it could have been released within the last decade. Bruce Foxton has some excellent bass riffs throughout, and I absolutely intend to learn some of them myself to play at home, and maybe pretend that I’m in the know and totally understand what a mod is.
1978?! Wow - the audio quality on this is sublime. And the songs are really catchy! New fan of the Jam.
4/13 Some great melodies coupled with an interesting lead vocalist, plus the raging edge of British youth. Standout Tracks: Mr. Clean, English Rose, It's Too Bad, Fly, Down In The Tube Station
Why don't my notes save???? Anyways, I like this! Got some post punk elements to it and sounds very reminiscent to parquet courts
I really enjoyed this album and look forward to checking out more of their work.
Awesome melodies and catchy harmonies. Snotty punk feel at times with smooth vocals. Very enjoyable. Best songs: In the crowd, it’s too bad, down in the tube station at midnight.
Some solid jams here. Nice classic rock feel without a lot of cliche. Hard to give it a 4 when I've given the Beatles some 4s, but I think I'm here for it.
Big fan of The Jam. I like when bands don't try to hide their Britishness.
I've never gotten too deep into the Jam, but this is an outstanding album. Down in the Tube Station at Midnight is an all-time classic. 4 stars.
Ok, this was great - not really what I was expecting - more melodic and with greater depth. Loved the Kinks cover! Fave track - either "To Be Someone (Didn't We Have a Nice Time)" or "Down in the Tube Station at Midnight", but more listens might bring out other contenders...
Good British rock, but that's about all I can say: it didn't stand out to me as anything too unique or interesting
Muy buen album, en el que el grupo se sacude el punk de los primeros, notándose el cambnio de Weller. Pero molan más los primeros
Wow this was good and fun. I couldn’t define Mod, but this is that. I like it.
Listening to this album made me listen to "decent days and nights" by futureheads for the first time in 15 years. Love that song. Love the sound..... all started by The Jam
All Mod Cons plays like an update of the early Who with a side of early Kinks for the punk era, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing. The music here is stripped down to the essentials, like the cover photo of the album. The arrangements are highly specific and well thought out, without any extra fillagree. It's mostly guitar, bass and drums, with the occasional keyboard part. The band is super tight. The overall effect is like an army made bed--you could bounce a quarter off of it. So much so that when the band incorporates field recordings of the subway or the beach into the music, it's a bit jarring. Still, songwriter Paul Weller manages to work an impressive variety of grooves and moods into these songs. The level of craft here is so high and the arrangements and performances so careful, that it almost feels wrong to call this punk. It feels more like classic rock with the energy of punk. I guess the other think that makes it punk is the lyrical content. I was only half paying attention, but it struck me that the songs were mostly about the sort of alienation and anger that was common in late 70s Britain. Anyway, even if this isn't my thing personally, I have to give credit where credit is due. 4/5
This is the music my dad grew up on, OG English punk. Down In The Tubestation At Midnight is a nostalgic tune for me cos dad played it and would sing it when I was a kid. 4/5
Good album, I hadn't ever really listened to them before. Favorite song- English Rose
All Mod Cons - 6 To Be Someone - 7 Mr. Clean - 7 David Watts - 7 English Rose - 8 In The Crowd - 8 Billy Hunt - 7 It's Too Bad - 7.5 Fly - 6 The Place I Love - 8 'A' Bomb in Wardour Street - 8 Down In the Tube Station At Midnight - 8
Gefälliger pop/rock hybrid, mit interessanten Soundeffekten und einer top Stimme.
David Watts - English Rose - Guitar Balad When I heard this album, I immediately wanted all of their albums.
Io qua vado di impulso ma alla fine a me sto disco mi ha stupito positivamente. Suona a modo suo punk e alcuni pezzi come David Watts me li risentirò spesso. È un 3 molto abbondate che mi sento di premiare con il 4.
Classic British punk/new wave/mod. Arguably their best album. Best Tracks: All Mod Cons, Billy Hunt, Down In A Tube Station (At Midnight)
No hot takes here. It's pretty good. I definitely don't feel like I wasted time listening to it.
Getting the obvious out of the way, this album is like London Calling's older cousin. For all the similarities that may come from the both of them, The Jam jogged and paved the way so that The Clash could run full sprint. The music is high energy like most punk, but the production is pretty clean so that you get the full effect of all the instruments, especially that groovy bass. I know some punk fans prefer dirtier and unpolished sounds, but you can't deny that the production on this makes it a GREAT sounding record. It's not constantly in your face either, the band knows when to sit back and let certain sections breathe and play out (English Rose, In The Crowd). It holds up as some of the best punk to come out of 70's Britain, but unfortunately it will always have to live in the shadow of London Calling. Favorite Song: Down In The Tube Station At Midnight Least Favorite Song: Mr. Clean
The Jam is a band I had heard spoken of as an influence many, many times but had never listed to. I enjoyed this record each one of the 3 times I listened to it. I found it interesting to hear just a little bit of punk sensibilities as punk was winding down. I felt a softening of the sharp edges of that punk scene. I also heard it's later resurgence that would be played by Green Day and Blink 182. I'm glad I spent some time with it, but it's not really my jam (sorry). While I enjoyed it for a day, it will not have a place in my regular playlist.
I've only listened to The Jam's Greatest Hits and frankly I'm surprised we're listening to this album instead of whatever album Town Called Malice is on. I will be equally surprised if we eventually listen to more than one album by The Jam. (Side note: My husband said he knew of this album before he knew what "all mod cons" means and he thought it was something much cooler than it actually is.) I only recognize a couple of these but this is a fun album. The bass and the drums stand out a lot to me in an interesting way. Favorite songs: the cover of The Kinks' David Watts (oooooh, when do we get to listen to The Kinks?), Billy Hunt, Fly, The Place I Love, and Down in the Tube Station at Midnight.
I don’t really have a clue what “All Mod Cons” means. Modified Converse Chuck Taylors? Stylish conservatives? I gotta get hip with this Brit street slang, bruv. Anywho, I liked this! Makes me think of like a cuddlier version of The Clash or something. Which isn’t something I thought I wanted, but maybe - just maybe - is something I needed.
Went in with low expectations. Only knew them by "Town Called Malice." This album is the one that led the mod revivalist subculture that competed with punks and other fashion nuts. It's mostly a punk album but heavily inspired by Kinks and The Who. Album starts out weak but really picks up in the 3rd song. You can hear the Tommy influences in "Mr Clean" and "David Watts." The next song "English Rose" is a nice soft track that grows on me with each listen. The next track "In the Crowd" is probably my favorite. It's catchy and melodic and lots of fun from start to finish. Love the talking instruments and the psychedelic 2nd half. Two more lighter catchy songs then things tone down slightly but they're all great tracks that flow super well. Looking back on it, the only tracks I didn't like were the first two.
Weller writes some decent songs in the tradition of The Who and The Kinks in a modern mod /new wave mood delivering a quality album which builds to the masterful Down in the Tube Station at Midnight.
Best balanced album by the Jam - gets better with every listen so far. On the lines of London calling by the clash
I have listened to plenty of The Jam but weirdly enough not many of the actual albums, although I am familiar with and have heard this album before
Lots of Beatles and Who lifts, actually pretty good, would listen again
I had no clue what this was going to be, but I was pleasantly surprised. That's always the best case scenario when going through this generator. It's a short, but sweet record full of fun rock/pop tunes. I'm still not quite sure what "Mod" means, but I dig it! I'll definitely revisit this one.
This has actually been on my to-listen list for a while. Carrie Brownstein, guitarist and singer of Sleater-Kinney (and a hero of mine) cites this album as the gateway to her punk and alternative music fandom. Needless to say, my curiosity was piqued; if Portlandia girl states that something was influential to her, you best believe I'd be checking it out faster than you can say "Put a bird on it". Recommendation aside, it does feel ingratiating to know that you share the same tastes as your musical idols (I knew we'd totally be friends!). The songs are simple, upbeat, punchy and sung with attitude. Much like the Ramones...BUT! They are more dynamic than those Stalwarts of '77. 'English Rose' features soft guitar plucks and gentle ambient wave sounds, while a usually vitriolic singer has a rare moment of tenderness. Meanwhile, the more typical Jams songs feature jangly, distorted guitars that are equal parts The Who and The Sex Pistols. Considering that fact that the members share instrument duties, one can't help but be impressed with the level of proficiency on display; one that isn't self serving, but only aids in the art of songcraft. Tracks like In The Crowd are not afraid to feature guitar solos, but not in a way that compromises the straightforwardness that is synonymous with the punk credo. I definitely enjoyed this, enough to have this on semi-regular rotation. Thank you, Ms Brownstein<3
The crosspoint between the Beatles, power pop and punk. Angry but righteous. English Rose is still rubbish, though.
I was quite impressed with this record, and the combination of the good parts of Britpop with post-punk sounds and a diverse array of sonic effects. It's not obviously perfect, but it does play precisely to my biases and I want to hear the rest of the band's output, stat.
No real stand out tracks, unfortunately, but this thing was fun and super catchy, and I loved getting a glimpse into a subculture I know nothing about.
Great album even to a casual The Jam fan like myself. While never a stalwart fan of Weller, I can see the appeal of this album and the perfect blend of punk, new wave and sixties mod aesthetics. Give or take the rest of the album it is worth just for Down in the Tube Station at Midnight which to me is the best Jam song and worth listening to the album to get to.
It was really new way of rock for me. I had to read about mod subculture and stuff, it is really interesting part of rock history. David Watts is great but as I read it is a cover. The other songs are only 3 or 4 stars for me. I give it a four.
I'd never heard a lick of this band before, although the name was familiar. The sound is halfway between The Police and XTC, with some excellent and innovative guitar and bass. But the real star is Paul Weller's voice and insightful lyrics.
“All Mod Cons firmly established Paul Weller (and the Jam) as a major talent (and band).”
In the USA they're known as The Jelly. What's the difference between jam and jelly? Well, I can't jelly my cock up your ass...
Oh man. I love this. I have to listen to their entire library now. amazing.
Really enjoyed this album and will be listening to more by The Jam soon. Edge of 5.
You can hear the precursor to what The Clash would later perfect. Jam is the operative word as these dudes are jamming and making excellent late-70s rock n roll. Punk infused but lacking the authentic attitude.
I remember not being super into this when I first listened a few months ago but errrrr it's pretty damn great actually
The Jam is one of my favourite bands from this time. A stellar album, though I prefer Sound Effects.
Some cracking tunes on this album, thought it is not up there with their best (Setting Sons onwards) due to a couple of duds. Top tunes - A-Bomb, and Down in the Tube Station. Great cover of David Watts too.
catchy R.E.M. vibes and gruffer vocals. an unusually modern sound. one of the few albums on this list that could actually be longer
Another in the list of "Great early album by a band that went on to be a bit cringe" New-wave/punky short tunes that nip along without sacrificing musicality.
I wish I liked the Jam more, I unfairly have an issue with Wellers estuary accent. The album is solid though... little to actually dislike. Much like Sound Affects there some strong songs. Think I prefer this one. 3.75 rounded up to 4.
Solid album, but maybe a little too straightforward for me to give 5 stars.
Another band I've always liked but it occurs to me I've never listened to their albums. I've listened to more Style Council albums it turns out. Not really a fan of any of Weller's solo work. First impressions are that this is nowhere near as immediate, or spiky as I would expect from The Jam. So will it reveal itself from repeated listens, maybe so. After the first 3 fairly nondescript tracks, the following three are terrific, I'm really settling into this, In The Crowd a brilliant closer to side 1. The lyrics are predictably interesting. Musically not much arrests me on side B until the big single that sends us home. Probably a grower.
I listen to it several times and it never really grab me but I can understand and hear the talent and it’s musical influence
This is a band I had overlooked earlier in my music listening. I have really been enjoying recently.
22nd June 2022 Listened on the Thursday as I’m still in bed all day with illness. Gave me a new appreciation for the Jam. The drumming is perfection and some of the songs are slinky and soft which you wouldn’t traditionally associate with them.
Another seemingly generic Brit-pop-rock album, but these guys had some great melodies on here. A handful of tracks I'll enjoy returning to. Again though, there are so many bands like this on the list that I've never heard of, how deep does this well go? Anyhow, I'm feeling kind today and calling this one solid. Easy to listen to, that's for sure. Favorite tracks: Down in the Tube Station at Midnight, English Rose, The Place I Love, Mr. Clean. Album art: Three boring looking chaps, sitting in a room. I like the guy standing in a white suit, at first glance I thought he was a doctor about to give me some terrible news. 4/5
Quite enjoyed the album tbh. I felt kinda eh around the first half of the record, cause even though I love Britpop and its sound, the first few track didn't quite do it for me. But the second half was hit after hit, loved so many of those melodies. Favourite songs are To Be Someone, English Rose, In The Crowd, Billy Hunt, It's Too Bad, The Place I Love (fav), 'A' Bomb in Wardour Street (fav), and Down In The Tube Station At Midnight (fav). Never heard of these guys before, but I am looking forward to hearing more from them cause they are sick!
4.5/5. This is some really great stuff, the working class are the only people that have made good music from Britain #hottake
The Jam borrows lightly from punk and introduces interesting melodies and tempos to some of their songs along side with tried and true melodies and lyrics of the era, making this an enjoyable and interesting album, bridging the gap between the 70s and 80s music scene. Thoroughly enjoyable, if you find yourself not bobbing, air drumming or faux guitar playing along with each track then I suggest you check your pulse because you clearly are returned from the dead here only to eat brains and have somehow gotten a pair of headphones stuck on to your head while this album was playing, I assume it probably happened while munching on someone with good taste for music, probably why you found their brain so tasty.
Not quite five stars on this but pretty close. Becoming a big fan of Paul Weller as a result of this list.
-"To Be Someone (Didn't We Have a Nice Time)" has a nice strong, catchy chorus that was giving me Cheap Trick vibes -They like writing songs with people's names, like "Mr. Clean," "David Watts," and "Billy Hunt" -"Billy Hunt" is quite catchy, probably because they say "Billy Hunt" about 1000 times. Also the end jame with the drums going is fun -Bass-groovy bridge in "It's Too Bad" is fun -"'A' Bomb in Wardour Street" has some nice distorted guitar and is a nice jam -"Down In A Tube Station At Midnight" is giving me punk vibes and it also has some sweet bass riffs backed up by flying high hats -Overall very nice rock album. A bunch of short, strong tracks
It's the Jam.. It's going to be good. Though this one is not one of favorites, I like Sound Effects and the Gift a bit more. The problem is when I listen to this album I think as good as this the Clash perfected this sound so much better.
Liked this quite a bit and want to hear more from them. Feels like a softer more laid back punk. Favorite: David Watts
Really cool album. I thought the guitar work in particular was really cool.
Not my favourite album by The Jam. But still a pretty damned good album.
Good British rock n roll, would listen again. English rose my favourite song
Just some all round great punk-rock. A British classic! Favourite: Down In The Tube Station At Midnight
Ahh I love this album. Aggressive yet extremely melodic (and very British) songs - has an early Police meets angry early Who vibe and I just love the mix. The bass fits in so perfectly (Elvis Costello-ish) and Bruce Foxton's playing propels so many of these songs, it might be my favourite individual aspect of this album. Sound Affects is their most-lauded album and it's good but this is my favourite Jam album from top to bottom - no filler. 8/10 4 strong stars.
Slumped my shoulders when I got this album. The other one was mediocre at best and I wasn't looking forward to the struggle. This was way better. I listened to it twice to be sure, and yep - still fun. Best track: To Be Someone (Didn't We Have A Nice Time)
Cool album, upbeat and fairly interesting. Definitely ahead of their time, and appeals to alternative/indie/punk fans.
I had listened to this before, however its the only album by The Jam I've listened to in full. I enjoy it and think the songwriting is very solid, it's not one I listen to very often though.
Pretty cool, like early punk and singer sounded a bit like a cleaner Lemmy
I enjoyed this a little more than the previous Jam album, but still very "eh" overall. I enjoyed the more lively performance on this record. Favorite tracks: "David Watt", "Billy Hunt", "In the Crowd"
This one sounds more 80s than '78. The beginning of Mr. Clean is kinda rocking, but otherwise the rest of the album is just alright.
This album has a fun sound to it, with some nice harmonies. Ultimately it leaves me feeling a bit flat. Like I feel like I should be more into it, but I'm not. It's not bad, it's just okay 3/5