Joe Jackson – Look Sharp (1979)

This album landed soon after punk was dying and the ‘New Wave’ was still beginning to break.  It seemed like a breath of fresh air at the time, and the songs still sound fresh today.  There are hints of punk and reggae and soul and of course, Joe’s unique voice – but as always it is the songs that make the album great….oh, and a really great cover illustration of a pair of cool white dancing shoes.  His first single from this collection was a huge hit too ‘Is She Really Going Out With Him’ and is possibly his best song too.  I loved the album – especially ‘Sunday Papers’, ‘Fools In Love’ and the title track.  For what ever reason I didn’t buy any more of his records, except a Greatest Hits selection (who knows why we follow some artists to the grave and others get by with just one purchase?)– but I still love the energy and raw sound of this one.