The Jam Classic Album Selection: 6 Albums in One Box To Be Released on 3rd December

27.11.12

Universal are to release a set of all The Jams classic albums in one nifty little box. Packaged in individual vinyl-replica CDs with rigid slipcases, and would fit nicely into any music fans Christmas stocking, the albums featured are:

1. In The City: Debut LP from May 1977. Influenced by The Who & Dr Feelgood. Includes hit single 'In The City' and Wellers most ambitious early song 'Away From The Numbers'

2. This is the Modern World: Follow up, released a few months after debut in late 1977. Includes hit single 'The Modern World'

3. All Mod Cons: Landmark album from 1978 that marked a turning point in The Jam's career, Weller's more melodic, complex, and lyrically incisive song-writing heavily influenced by The Kinks. Includes the classic hit singles 'Down In The Tube Station At Midnight', and double A-side 'David Watts / 'A' Bomb in Wardour Street'.

4. Setting Sons: Released at the end of 1979, number four in the U.K. and their first charting album in the U.S. Loosely conceived as a concept album, with a distinct link between key songs - 'Thick As Thieves', 'Little Boy Soldiers', 'Wasteland' and 'Burning Sky'. Includes hit singles 'Eton Rifles' (one of David Camerons favourites, bizarrely) and 'Smithers-Jones'.

5. Sound Affects: The ambitious, experimental Sound Affects followed in 1980, moving away from the classic Jam sound it made number two in the U.K. At the time Weller considered the album a cross between Off the Wall and Revolver and cites it as his favourite Jam album. Includes no. 1 single 'Start!' and one of the bands most cherished songs 'That's Entertainment' .

6. The Gift: The bands final studio album from 1982 and first number 1 album, a departure from the harder Jam sound, including more soul and funk influences that would preface Wellers next project - The Style Council. Includes the double A-side number 1 single 'Town Called Malice' / 'Precious', the band became the first group since the Beatles to play two songs on BBC's Top of the Pops.

This complete studio album collection is released to mark the 30th anniversary of the bands startling split in 1982 at the height of their success and fame, and when principal singer and songwriter Paul Weller was just a mere 24 years old! The Jam were one of the most popular bands to emerge from the British punk rock scene in 1977 (although not technically a punk band); along with the Sex Pistols, Clash, Buzzcocks.They had the most impact on pop music in their short career with 18 consecutive Top 40 singles in the UK (including 4 number 1s). The Jam had a fanatical following and their gigs would sell out within minutes. Still beloved of original fans and new supporters through Wellers solo career he still plays many of the Jam songs in his live sets today.

Add it to your Christmas list today :)

Dallas Legend Larry Hagman Passes Away at Age 81

24.11.12

Waking up to the devastating news that the wonderful Larry Hagman has passed away is truly sad as we are huge fans here at Everything 80s.

Larry Hagman, who arrived on our screens in the 1960s starring in I Dream of Jeannie, then became a worldwide star in the 1980s starring in the top soap Dallas, playing evil oil baron J.R. Ewing, has passed away aged 81.

Warner Bros. Dallas executive producers Cynthia Cidre and Michael M. Robin, and the show's cast and crew released the following statement today: "Larry Hagman was a giant, a larger-than-life personality whose iconic performance as J.R. Ewing will endure as one of the most indelible in entertainment history. He truly loved portraying this globally recognized character, and he leaves a legacy of entertainment, generosity and grace. Everyone at Warner Bros. and in the Dallas family is deeply saddened by Larry's passing, and our thoughts are with his family and dear friends during this difficult time."

Dallas, which debuted in 1978 on CBS and ran for a lengthy 13 years, centered on the Ewings with Larry playing the evil villain JR, Hagman was superb in his role and made JR a soap legend.

TNT revived the program earlier this year and it was clear that he was still the ultimate villain.

"All of us at TNT are deeply saddened at the news of Larry Hagman's passing. He was a wonderful human being and an extremely gifted actor," TNT officials said in a statement. "We will be forever thankful that a whole new generation of people got to know and appreciate Larry through his performance as J.R. Ewing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time.

Mr Hagman passed away surrounded by friends and family and we offer our deepest condolences to all. A true gent and a TV icon, we hope you RIP Sir.