Still sounds fresh 'n soulful after 18 yrs
Stefan Busse | vancouver, bc | 02/28/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"18 years after its first release this soulful album still sounds fresh and stands the test of time. In my humble opinion, it marks Paul's finest effort to date. It came out of nowhere and did receive the attention it deserved. It is great to have all the demo versions and previously unreleased tracks on CD no. 2. Great value and a must-have item for collectors and those who have recently discovered one of the greatest British songwriters. You will love the album if you enjoyed his last record '22 Dreams'."
Great start to the return of the king!
Elan Bodwick | las vegas | 02/25/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"First i could not disagree more with the first reviewer who gave this 1 star. While everyone is entitled to their opinion , Paul Wellers solo debut was and still remains a very solid effort with some great songs. Into tomorrow- the first single proved to be catalyst for his eventual reconquering of the uk and europe. Combining elements of The Style council with a litle fire from The Jam, Weller came back from his "disappointing" late 80s period with songs in hand. Quite simply Lenny Kravitz wishes he had half the song writing ability and knowledge of the era-no doubt Paul's big nods to Mayfield and Gaye but also pastoral english folk- a little funk and some trippy pschedelic and perhaps some prog if you listen to Kosmos. A year later Wild Wood would follow and Weller would once again be the Uks best songwriter by miles.(Winner of the Novello award for songwriting) To this very day Weller continually tops most of the european charts into his 50s. But back to this album- great lyrics reflecting Pauls own doubts and fears which are universal- great guitarwork and horn arrangements- Steve White's drumming never sounded better. To me this album is what the Style Council could have been without all the cheesy 80s synths and bad production. This album was basically the council going raw and earthy- many of these songs could have been council tunes and some were apparantly held back until Weller felt he could get them right. This album does have a 70s feel but thats exactly what it was going for and in fact thats what gives it more lasting power as it reflects a time when tunes and production were top notch( not the bad production of the 80s and early 90s). The only song on here that i didnt like was clues. As far as this version with all the bonus material- demos and bsides will either be an added bonus or a distraction depending on how you feel about Weller as an artist. I happen to think that most of his bsides and demos are better than most of other artists output but to be fair it doesnt all shine but as a fan im glad i have access to them. Coupled with the acoustic oriented Wild Wood this represents a golden period in Wellers solo years. This album is where Weller found himself again as in (Uh huh oh yeah)-"And in my mind i saw the place as each memory returned to trace Dear reminders of who i am The very roots upon which i stand". Exactly Mr Weller!!!"
