There is a new collection of stray Paul Weller tracks called "Will Of The People" and I am really digging it. The first collection of Weller oddities "Fly On The Wall" had plenty to love, but this new set plays miraculously like a real record, albeit an epic 3-LP record, whereas "Fly" had a few too many covers, and a live cut or two, making the ride just a tad bumpy.
I'm a big fan of solo Paul Weller, though I do recognize that he does occasionally put out shite. But as a fan, I was surprised by how much of this just released set was new to me.
I particularly love the arrangement of "How Sweet It is," which is apparently a live take with some overdubbed piano. "The Piper" is a wonderful leftover from "As Is Now" and "Big Brass Buttons" is a jam with Bobby Gillespie of Primal Scream recorded during 2008's "22 Dreams" sessions. And speaking of occasional shite, "A Kind Revolution" was a record that initially left me cold, but I gave it enough chances to finally win me over. There is a remix of the track "Hopper" that has a fantastic vibe. Even Weller mentions in his notes that he wasn't sure how good the original track was but he loves the remix. I feel the same way.
"Will Of The People" is three LPs and there really isn't a bad track in the lot.
(Okay, maybe two or three out of thirty-two tracks are questionable. But they won't hurt too much. )
6 comments:
Modfather......Always turns on something great
just started listening but Big Brass Buttons certainly has that Primal Scream feel. Back to listening.
Back for more and wow that is sorta weird yet interesting take on How Sweet. At first I thought oh same tile different song and then I realized the lyrics where How Sweet. I've got this nagging feeling that the vive/groove is some other song. Very cool.
"How Sweet" reminds me a little of Elvis Costello's arrangement of "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood".
-Glenn
On first listen to disc 1, the only track I didn't like was Super Lekker Stoned (Richard Fearless Mix). Not that it was unlistenable, but I've rarely heard a DJ remix that improved the original mix. Weller is certainly prolific and usually delivers something worthwhile. Looking forward to spinning the rest of the set.
- Paul in DK
This is a lot better than I thought an odds-and-sodds collection would be. It's very consistent and very solid. One of my favorites of the year so far!
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