The Jam Snap

Aside from the Direction Reaction Creation box set, Snap! is the most comprehensive mix of UK singles, album tracks, B-sides and rarities by UK modfathers The Jam — especially since this 2006 edition comes with 12 bonus songs. Originally released in 1983 following the band's breakup, Snap! boasts such essentials as the anthemic "In the City," the subcultural paean "The Modern World," and the angular power pop of "Going Underground." But it also offers fan favorites like a punk-fueled cover of The Kinks' "David Watts," and working-class, fist-pumping songs like "All Around The World" and "The Eton Rifles" as well as more fetching ballads including "English Rose.” This update adds such standouts as an acoustic demo version of "That's Entertainment" and songs hinting at the more smoothed-out, suave direction frontman Paul Weller would carry over into The Style Council — most notably "Absolute Beginners" and the soul steeped "Town Called Malice." Whether you're a longtime fan or new to The Jam's legacy, Snap! is an essential overview of the band that got the British bulldog barking again before influencing Brit pop's third wave of mod (Blur, Elastica, etc.)