The Jam - That's Entertainment - 1980
The Jam - "That's Entertainment" (1980)
The Jam was a prominent British band that rose to fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s. One of their most iconic songs is "That's Entertainment," released in 1980. This song is a vivid portrayal of British life, encapsulating the mood and social landscape of the time.
Background of the Song
- "That's Entertainment" was written by Paul Weller, the frontman of The Jam.
- It was released in the UK as a single from the album Sound Affects.
- The song is known for its acute social commentary, reflecting the realities of urban life in Britain.
Musical Composition and Style
- The song features a mix of punk rock and mod revival styles, typical of The Jam's music.
- Acoustic guitar riffs and a minimalist arrangement characterize the song.
- Lyrically, it juxtaposes mundane and somewhat grim aspects of daily life with the idea of 'entertainment.'
Impact and Legacy
- "That's Entertainment" is often cited as one of The Jam's greatest songs.
- It resonated with a wide audience, becoming an anthem for youth disillusionment in Britain.
- The song's influence extends beyond music, impacting British culture and fashion.
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the song
What album features "That's Entertainment"? (Sound Affects) (!In the City) (!All Mod Cons) (!Setting Sons)
Who wrote "That's Entertainment"? (Paul Weller) (!Bruce Foxton) (!Rick Buckler) (!David Watts)
What style is "That's Entertainment" primarily known for? (Punk rock and mod revival) (!Heavy metal) (!Progressive rock) (!Synth-pop)
In what year was "That's Entertainment" released? (1980) (!1978) (!1982) (!1976)
What is a prominent feature of "That's Entertainment"? (Acoustic guitar riffs) (!Electric guitar solos) (!Synthesizer melodies) (!Heavy drumming)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
What is the nationality of The Jam? (British) (!American) (!Australian) (!Canadian)
Which member of The Jam wrote most of their songs? (Paul Weller) (!Bruce Foxton) (!Rick Buckler) (!Steve Brookes)
What musical movement was The Jam associated with? (Mod revival) (!Punk rock) (!New Wave) (!Britpop)
In which decade did The Jam gain prominence? (1970s) (!1960s) (!1980s) (!1990s)
Which instrument was Paul Weller primarily known for playing in The Jam? (Guitar and vocals) (!Bass guitar) (!Drums) (!Keyboards)
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
What does "That's Entertainment" juxtapose? (Mundane aspects of life with the concept of entertainment) (!Love and heartbreak) (!Political ideologies) (!Historical events)
The lyrics of "That's Entertainment" describe scenes from what setting? (Urban life in Britain) (!Rural countryside) (!American cities) (!Historical battles)
What is a recurring theme in the lyrics of "That's Entertainment"? (Disillusionment and social commentary) (!Romantic relationships) (!Fantasy and escapism) (!Travel and adventure)
Which element is not prominently featured in "That's Entertainment" lyrics? (Optimistic views of life) (!Grim aspects of daily life) (!Juxtaposition of mundane activities) (!Commentary on social realities)
The song's lyrics paint a picture of life in which time period? (Late 1970s and early 1980s Britain) (!1950s America) (!Medieval times) (!Future dystopia)
Memory
| Paul Weller | Frontman and songwriter of The Jam |
| 1980 | Year "That's Entertainment" was released |
| Sound Affects | Album featuring "That's Entertainment" |
| Mod revival | Musical movement associated with The Jam |
| Acoustic guitar | Prominent instrument in "That's Entertainment" |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Explore British Punk and Mod Revival: Research the British punk and mod revival scenes of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
- Lyric Analysis: Analyze the lyrics of "That's Entertainment" and discuss what they reveal about British society at the time.
- Create a Playlist: Compile a playlist of songs similar in style and theme to "That's Entertainment."
Standard
- Write a Song Review: Write a detailed review of "That's Entertainment," focusing on its musical style, lyrics, and impact.
- Compare and Contrast: Compare "That's Entertainment" with another The Jam song in terms of themes and musical style.
- Music and Society: Explore how The Jam's music, particularly "That's Entertainment," reflects the social and political climate of its era.
Difficult
- Creative Writing: Write a short story or poem inspired by the themes in "That's Entertainment."
- Music Video Concept: Develop a concept for a music video for "That's Entertainment" that captures the essence of the song.
- The Jam's Influence: Research and present on the influence of The Jam on later British bands and musicians.
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Oral Exam
- Discuss the Relevance: Discuss how the themes in "That's Entertainment" are relevant to contemporary society.
- Musical Analysis: Analyze the musical composition of "That's Entertainment" and its contribution to the song's overall impact.
- Cultural Significance: Discuss the cultural significance of The Jam in the context of the British music scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
- Comparative Analysis: Compare and contrast "That's Entertainment" with a contemporary song that also comments on social issues.
- Evolution of Music Genres: Examine how the genres of punk rock and mod revival have evolved since the time of The Jam.
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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