Twelve overlooked but excellent live albums from the 1980s

The Jam - Dig The New Breed

 When Paul Weller announced in 1982 that he was leaving The Jam it stunned fans, but also fellow bandmates Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler. The pair didn't speak to Weller for years afterward. That must have made the final dates of their 1982 tour interesting! One day before their last ever gig in Brighton on December 11, 1982, this live album Dig The New Breed was released. 

The album collected various live performances together from the early days of 1977 through to nearing the end in April 1982. As such, it shows some transitions, but also has plenty of the raw energy the trio brought to their songs and live act. The sound quality throughout is really clear too.

There were some mixed reviews at the time, perhaps still shocked by the breakup. Largely they are over song choice, so many great tunes to select from and limited space on just a single disc album. There is a good mix of the classic “In The City” to kick things off and probably the best-ever song from the band, in my view anyway, “Going Underground”. Alongside are many other excellent hits and album tracks.

It was in the end a short-lived five-year spell of the Jam overall, captured live on this record and well worth hearing.

Continued on next slide