The Jam - Smithers-Jones

Here's an underrated song from, if you live in America, a very underrated band, the Jam. Bruce Foxton wasn't the principal songwriter for the Band, Paul Weller was, but this tune, "Smithers-Jones," ranks among the best of the Jam's portfolio.

Foxton tells the sad story of Smithers-Jones, a middle manager who is not only laid off by his aloof boss, but then he learns his career is over as well.

Sadly, I know some people who have received the Smithers-Jones treatment.

This is the original version of "Smithers-Jones" was a B-Side to the British hit "When You're Young."

It was recorded for the Jam's Setting Sons album, with strings and vocals only, along the lines of "Eleanor Rigby." 

The first cut works the best. Never out-Beatle the Beatles.