I’ve expressed my love of this band before on this blog and this record is one of the many reasons why. Released in 77’, this single tends to get overlooked considering that there was a ton of other Jam stuff put out that year and this is one of the very few that had zero album songs on it.

“All Around The World” has everything you loved about “In The City” but with more of an R&B vibe creeping in and Paul Weller’s already cynical lyrics about the limits of the punk scene. I’ve always found the chorus’ refrain of “All Around The World I’ve Been Looking For New” clever and even with all the song’s “OOOoooos” it still comes across as incredibly pissed off. One of my favourites.

Side B brings us one of the better songs Bruce Foxton brought to the band. I mean, the lyrics are absolutely fucking retarded but musically the song is just great and so violently percussive. All of the pulses are just pounding bursts of energy and Paul seems to be taking advantage of not singing by playing some of the best rhythm shit on any Jam record. I always loved his rhythm and lead at the same time style of playing and this song really showcases that.

All in all.. a classic 45.

After you listen to the songs check out this complete 21 song set from Germany in 81’ by clicking here!

My favourite Devo release. This single was released on Stiff Records in 1978 but was recorded in the same session as ‘Are We Not Men?’.

“Be Stiff” sounds like a Classic Stones song played by robots. But really rad robots!

The flip is “Social Fools” and always makes me think that this should have been a double A-side record because it’s also fucking amazing.