As you probably know by now, The Analog Kid lives for b-sides and non-album cuts. In this continuing series, I will share some of my favorite EPs and 12″ singles from over the years in their entirety. And since it’s digital, you don’t have to worry about correctly setting the turntable speed to 33⅓ or 45!
My wife often laughs at me because I’ll hear a song and say, “That one’s in my all-time top ten.” She thinks that statement is hilarious, as that “all-time top ten” list includes at least 1,434 songs (by her last count).
OK, OK, perhaps I do get a little over-exuberant (and over-inclusive!) when I talk about my top ten. However, I can state now and for the record that I am not bullshitting when I say that The Jam’s “Town Called Malice” has a guaranteed spot in that top ten. Really. I promise.
The version of “Town Called Malice” on this U.K. 12″ single is actually a live track that was recorded at the Hammersmith Palais on December 14, 1981. The flip side of this double a-sided single is an extended version of “Precious,” another standout track from 1982’s The Gift. That album was The Jam’s final LP before Weller left to form The Style Council, and to say that the band went out on a high note would be a huge understatement.
By the way, Paul, one of the reasons I don’t have any kids is so that I won’t have to cut down on beer. One more thing: we all know that you and Bruce stole the bass line on “Town Called Malice” from “You Can’t Hurry Love,” but it’s so awesome that we forgive you.
![Town Called Malice [U.K. 12_] [320 kbps]](https://analogkidblog.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/town-called-malice-u-k-12_-320-kbps.png)
The Jam: Town Called Malice [U.K. 12″]
Polydor Records, 1982
Vinyl rip courtesy of the Analog Kid
1. “Town Called Malice” [Live] (Paul Weller)
2. “Precious [Extended Version]” (Paul Weller)
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Bonus Tracks!
The first rule of The Analog Kid blog is that if you write about a song on the Analog Kid blog, you share the song on the Analog Kid blog.
The Jam: “Town Called Malice” (Paul Weller)
The Jam: “Precious” (Paul Weller)
From the album The Gift
Polydor Records, 1982
The Supremes: “You Can’t Hurry Love” (Holland/Dozier/Holland)
From the album The Supremes A’ Go-Go
Motown Records, 1966
The Analog Kid 
I’m a “this is one of my favorites” obsessive too. I’m forever telling my wife that when and IF I ever kick the bucket, “this” song – the song playing on my Ipod at that moment – has to be on my Irish Wake Playlist. At this point, my funeral will last longer than Woodstock.
I came waaay late to The Jam, late ’80s, but God were they killer. Never got the love or the airplay in the States that they deserved, but I know they are legend in the U.K. (Pete Townshend once said a reunion concert of The Who in England might fill a decent-sized hall, but a reunion of The Jam would pack Wembley Stadium.) Visited relatives in London in ’89 and that was the first time I heard THEIR FM staple, which is never played in the U.S.: “Going Underground”. A tune that blew my head off and remains one of my “all-time top ten songs.” You’re the best, Kid!