Search - From the Jam: A First Class Return on DVD

Saw their first U.S. show, incredible

Chris bct | San Diego, CA USA | 04/05/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I will modify this review once I've ordered this dvd. In the meantime, I saw them in San Diego at the House of Blues and they just killed. Been a fan of the Jam since maybe 1978 but never smart enough to go see them when they played in L.A. area back in that period.

No idea what to expect from this reunion of 2 of 3 members of the Jam and a different singer. Turns out there was a 4th guy sorta off to the side adding more guitar. It was total great. What I liked best besides that Bruce Foxton didn't seem to have aged a day, he was as trim as ever, wore like the same silver suit and even jumped around, was the full passion of the band. And even better, they didn't mess around with the later 'I think I want to play more Motown influenced songs now'. They just focused on the lst 2 or 3 albums, the classic Jam material. I was on my feet virtually the whole show and having seen a number of reunion shows (Buzzcocks, great, Wire nuttin' much, Fear fantastic, Vibrators horrid, Black Flag with a drum machine actually killed punk at the Paladium about 4 years ago (or it was so bad it coulda) but From the Jam were spectacular, energetic, the vocals were full and sincere and not an embarassment as one might think they could have been and, heck, I really didn't miss Mr. Weller a tall. I'm just glad he didn't get so bent outta shape that he somehow got in the way of this band being around and touring. Well done Mr. Weller. I think they honored your songs with gusto. I can't wait to get this 2xDVD set."

A first class dvd that shall not dissapoint Jam fans one bit

Ward Young | Portland, Oregon usa | 12/06/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I saw F.T.J. when they played Portland in 2007... As a huge fan of The Jam I wasn't sure what to expect from a reunion without Paul Weller. I had waited 25 years to see them and this would "have to do", or so I thought... Well, from the moment the band started playing, my jaw hit the floor and stayed there for the next 90 minutes. They were tight, energetic and the Foxton/Buckler rhythm section(one of the best ever in my opinion) was as solid as a rock. Russell Hastings manages to pull off the impossible(replacing PW) and exceeds any and all expectations. He had big shoes to fill - he did - and now owns them. He plays and sings so much like Weller it's astounding... if your eyes were closed you might not even be able to tell the difference.
Now about this double dvd set - disc one is a sold-out London show and is extremely well done. The sound is especially good, with Bruce's bass coming through like it should. The video is great too, thankfully lacking that all too prevalent "short attention span" quick cutting that has marred too many live dvds, such as the last SLF dvd. Great set choice, although I really would have loved to see "Funeral Pyre" included. Disc two contains interviews, and while I have not watched all of them, It's good to see the sincere love and respect expressed from all involved for The Jam's music, legacy, and fans... especially in light of the somewhat dismissive tone Weller tends to take regarding the band that made him famous. Gorgeous packaging as well, including a full color booklet of photos. I cannot recommend this dvd enough... for Jam fans it's absolutely mandatory."

Good to see Buckler & Foxton again

Sawney Beane | Glasgow | 12/12/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Alot of people dont like the idea of The Jam without Weller ,But it is good to see these guys again and the singer does an excellent job. The interviews are well worth checking out on this disc."