JOE JACKSON CHART TOPPING & GIRL WATCHING

The hands spell nerves: balled into fists and rammed into the pockets of the pinstripe jacket. The elbows jerk and the knees twitch, the face is contorted into a frown of concentration; Joe Jackson is making sure the set starts off right.

Around and behind him, his band rampage through "One More Time" with the fierce economy that characterizes Jackson's music; a lesson learned from reggae and Dr. Feelgood, everything taut and mobile.

"Spiv Rock" say the buttons and stickers: a Jackson joke that A&M Records took seriously. "Look Sharp!" says the album cover: a Jackson joke that I took seriously. Thursday night at Dingwall's: pay attention! Joe Jackson is the name on 1979's first great first album. A tall thin man with a truculent baby face, a domed forehead and a short coxcomb of hair, a Leo (you can always spot Leos: they all look as though they ought to have their pictures stamped onto eggs), a mod.

ALL RIGHT, I've had it! Will the yobbo who put gum on my shoes step up here?

"After all, you gotta look sharp."

, my name son me cover or ims vary sharp magazine. The lady's not bad, either.