Third studio album from UK mod rockers The Jam. All Mod Cons was originally recorded in 1978 after front man Paul Weller had returned to his hometown of Woking and immersed himself in the music of The Kinks. This gave Weller a renewed interest in writing music and led to the creation of much of the material for the album. It was the first time that Weller built upon his influences rather than falling back on them. The lyrics are rife with the inventive storytelling that was employed by The Kinks' Ray Davies as a way to make piercing social commentary. Highlights include the cover of The Kinks' classic "David Watts" that sees Weller trading vocals with bassist Bruce Foxton; "'A' Bomb In Wardour Street" in which Weller curses the violence that plagued the punk scene at the time; and the tragic recounting of a man being mugged by right wing thugs in "Down In The Tube Station At Midnight." Twelve tracks in all. Released by Polydor on 180 gram vinyl.

• 180 gram pressing
• music label: Polydor 1978 / 2014

reviewed by pinball wizard 09/2015