REVIEW: Paul Weller, Modern Classics (Island)
- Bob Gajarsky
When a man who has compiled two of the most popular greatest hits albums in his native land speaks, people listen. Unfortunately for Paul Weller, his huge success in Britain as the leader of the Jam and Style Council never translated into American popularity.
After the Council disbanded in 1990, a revitalized Weller set about to prove the critics wrong - that once again, he would rise for the ashes. And so it did; while Paul Weller didn't set the industry on its ears, the soulful 'Dadrock' - as Weller's new music was called - provided the spark for groups such as Ocean Colour Scene to catapult to the top of the British charts and newcomers such as Oasis to worship at the shrine of Mr. Weller.
Songs such as "Out Of The Sinking" and "Peacock Suit" harken back to days-gone by of Cream and Joe Cocker. Given Weller's musical leanings in his previous bands (Jam - mod look of the United Kingdom, circa mid 1960s; the Style Council's love affair with Motown), it's not unexpected that his solo efforts would also take the past and throw a decided twist on it for modern listeners.
Other tracks follow the pattern; "Sunflower" nips from Hendrix' "Purple Haze" (not the guitar riff, of course), "Above The Clouds" from Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On", even a bit of Springsteen's "Fire" in "Broken Stones". One new track, the raspy yet touching ballad "Brand New Start", is a wonderful addition to an already outstanding history.
Many in the United States have not heard Weller's music, but those who have almost immediately succumb and return for repeated listenings. With Modern Classics, Weller provides a compelling reason for those who haven't purchased his four solo albums to run out and buy just one. TRACK LISTING: Out Of The Sinking, Peacock Suit, Sunflower, The Weaver, Wild Wood, Above The Clouds, Uh Huh Oh Yeah, Brushed, The Changingman, Friday Street, You Do Something To Me, Brand New Start, Hung Up, Mermaids, Broken Stones, Into Tomorrow
