Tube Station

The Jam’s classic single reviewed by Danny Baker in the NME, 7 October, 1978.

The Jam: Down In The Tube Station At Midnight (Polydor)

Handsome! At last some rock singles after last week’s pitiful turnout against the ever-present, effervescent spears of Disco. Hardly any of the ‘soldiers’ of ’77 now have anything near a 100 per cent vinyl record of success but this band is the exception. This is THE JAM… “All Around The World”, “In The City”, “David Watts” and now (so soon!), a new screamer, incisive and tear-arse, tempered and taught.
Like “Wardour Street” it’s a shout against that cowardly scuttling creep, mob-handed random assault. Anyone who’s stood waiting for the last one – be it at Whitechapel or Wood Green – knows the tightening of the chest when that rabble of football froats starts howling in from the station stairs. You’re on your jack, and all the trains are going the other way.
“Hey boy, they shout, have you got any money?”