'Got The Time,' Joe Jackson
From 1979's 'Look Sharp!'

Throughout the course of his career, singer-songwriter Joe Jackson has evolved into an urbane musician who has also explored areas of jazz pop and classical music. But there was a time thirty years ago when he was once a New Wave rocker who delivered songs that had punkish aggression along with his trademark lyrical bite and wit. That's particularly true of songs such as 'Sunday Papers,' 'I'm the Man' and 'On Your Radio.'

If you only think of Joe Jackson for hits such as 'Is She Really Going Out With Him?' and 'Steppin Out,' then check out 'Got the Time,' the last song off of his 1979 brilliant debut album, 'Look Sharp!' Clocking in at less than three minutes, 'Got the Time' is highly charged rock 'n' roll. The musicianship from his original band is superb, highlighted by Graham Maby's impressive bass playing, Gary Sanford's slashing guitar and Dave Houghton's steady yet exciting drumming.

The song is further accentuated by Jackson's manic 'rapping' of lyrics that seems to be a commentary about the fast-paced times we live in: "There's a ringing on the telephone/Oh no, got to write a little later/No such day as tomorrow, only one two three go!" They don't sound dated but rather prophetic.

It comes as no surprise that the New York band Anthrax covered 'Got the Time' on their 1990 album 'Persistence of Time.' Who'd ever thought Joe Jackson could also be a speed metal pioneer?

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