Something very unexpected has cropped up and I'm now going to be out of the UK and over in Florida for the best part of two weeks. It's not a holiday as such, but it is a break away from the old routine. I'll explain a bit more at a more appropriate time.Rather than close down TVV for the duration, I've called in some favours from Comrade Colin, shuffled today's intended Top 5 to next Friday and cobbled together, rather hurriedly, a short series of other posts some of which will feature fantastic singles from days gone which, in my very humble opinion, have more than stood the test of time. Hopefully you'll continue to enjoy the blog in my absence.
The Bitterest Pill (I Ever Had To Swallow) was not, I confess, a real favourite when it was released in September 1982. It was just all a bit too soppy for this adrenalin-driven 19 year-old dedicated follower of The Jam. But as I've grown older and my tastes have matured, I see it for what it is. One of the best things Weller has ever penned. Killer tune.
mp3 : The Jam - The Bitterest Pill (I Ever Had To Swallow)
I always loved the two tracks that made up the b-side, with its medley of an original and a cover
mp3 : The Jam - Pity Poor Alfie/Fever
The single reached #2 in the Uk singles charts on its release and #30 in 1997 when it was re-released by the record company moguls.
And from Disc 5 in the box set, Direction, Reaction, Creation, here's a couple of bonuses for you:-
mp3 : The Jam - The Bitterest Pill (I Ever Had To Swallow) (First Version)
mp3 : The Jam - Pity Poor Alfie (Swing Version)
Happy Listening.
7 comments:
Safe travels, pal. Make it a time to remember, for all the right reasons.
'Pity poor Alfie' - so, are you on the Team Jude camp then?
;)
Number 2? And what ket this from the top spot? I think it was Eye Of The Tiger, by Survivor. Although there's an outside chance it was Pass The Dutchie by Musical Youth. Either way, a bitter pill to swallow.
.... although 'Pass The Dutchie' wasn't THAT bad all in all, Pip. Surely much better than 'Eye Of The Tiger' ... Jesus, this tune really was nightmarish ... still is, in fact!
And to you, JC: have fun over there, okay?
This has always been one of my favourite Jam singles - vastly underrated. Was kept off no 1 by both Survivor and the Youth. And I have to agree with Dirk's assessment of those two.
Have a good break, JC.
I've been meaning to grab this for years - but never have until now. Cheers JC
Ah, September 1982, beginning a second year at university, The Jam breaking up, The Clash getting too big for their own good, definitely a year of transition and change.
Don't get me wrong, I seem to recall buying Pass The Dutchie too... but I still would have rather had Bitterest Pill at No.1...
The less said about Eye Of The Tiger the better.
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