2 LPs on 1 CD: THIS IS THE MODERN WORLD (1977)/ALL MOD CONS (1978). The Jam: Paul Weller (vocals, guitar); Bruce Foxton (vocals, bass); Rick Buckler (drums). The pairing of the two Jam albums on this reissue is a significant one, as it represents a pivotal era in both the group's career and bandleader Paul Weller's life. THIS IS THE MODERN WORLD, the group's 1977 sophomore effort, was much in the same vein as the Jam's classic debut, IN THE CITY--essentially a heady mix of brash, semi-political punk rock and '60s-inspired pop. After the release of the record and a largely unsuccessful American tour, Weller suffered a nervous breakdown. Luckily, the ensuing time off allowed Weller to write the songs that would appear on 1978's ALL MOD CONS, the album that made the Jam superstars in Britain. A fully realized, towering artistic achievement, the record showcases a more mature but no less potent writing style that is bolstered by superb musicianship from the trio. Frenetic, apocalyptic rock ("'A' Bomb in Wardour Street") rubs elbows with soothing acoustic love balladry ("English Rose"), and straight-up power-pop ("It's Too Bad") to form a record that is at once thought-provoking and exciting.