https://youtu.be/vI8AOkbfgNE?si=GJFruQX6SOuHyA1p
#20-Start! — The Jam
Start! is one of the most famous modern examples of a direct Beatles lift, and in this case the influence isn’t subtle at all. The Jam take the core musical DNA of “Taxman”—the opening track of Revolver—and rebuild it with their own sharp, post‑punk energy.
Start! by The Jam is unmistakably rooted in the Beatles’ “Taxman.” The most noticeable similarity is the main bass riff and the stabbing rhythm‑guitar chords, which closely mirror George Harrison’s iconic opening figure from the 1966 Revolver track. While Start! carries The Jam’s distinct post‑punk punch, crisp production, and Paul Weller’s clipped vocal delivery, the core musical structure is clearly borrowed from the Beatles. The song functions as both homage and reinvention—The Jam channel the spirit of Revolver but push it into a leaner, more aggressive 1980s context.
Why it sounds Beatles‑influenced:
The “Taxman” bass riff — Bruce Foxton’s bass line is nearly a one‑to‑one recreation of Paul McCartney’s original riff, one of the most recognizable in the Beatles’ catalog.
Sharp, percussive guitar stabs — The rhythm‑guitar accents mimic the tight, syncopated chord hits Harrison used in “Taxman.”
Revolver‑era minimalism — The stripped‑down arrangement—bass, drums, guitar, vocals—reflects the Beatles’ mid‑’60s shift toward punchier, more rhythm‑driven songs.
Melodic phrasing with Lennon/McCartney bite — Weller’s vocal line follows the same clipped, rhythmic phrasing style the Beatles used in their more socially pointed songs.
Direct acknowledgment of influence — Paul Weller has openly admitted the similarity, framing it as a deliberate nod rather than an accidental resemblance.
The result is a track that feels like “Taxman” reimagined for the mod revival, proving how deeply the Beatles’ innovations continued to shape British rock well into the late 20th century.
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