Timeless Classics (Modern Classics - The Greatest Hits - Paul Weller)

Member Name: NikkiH

Product:	Modern Classics - The Greatest Hits - Paul Weller
Date:	20/05/01 (86 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Weller, His songs, The lyrics

Disadvantages: None

I am a very big Paul Weller fan, I even had his tunes playing instead of the wedding march when I got married!! I love all of his CD's as I do not see any of the songs as being weak which is the norm for most artists. Then in 1998, he released "Modern Classics" which is a collection of his music from 1991-1998, and proves what we all know deep down, that he is one of the best songwriters we have ever seen.

Essentially as a fan of Weller, I tend to remember songs as they were played live, as I think studio recordings never give the songs what they deserve. On stage, Weller lets rip, and the passion for his music is evident to see.

The first song on the CD is "Out Of The Sinking", and many of you may not recognise the title, however for a long time it was the music that Sky Sports used when they went to an ad break while showing live football. It is not one of his most commercial tracks, but still very strong, and played live this is a powerful guitar based rock song.

Next song is one of my personal favourites, "Peacock Suit". I think the lyrics are pure genius, and Weller's voice is at it's powerful best, and you get more of the same with the next track "Sunflower".

Next is my all time favourite song by Paul Weller. "The Weaver" has all the elements to make it a classic, and it has been criminally ignored by a lot of people. The lyrics are great, (If you wanna shoot the moon, make sure that you know why!), the musicians are at their best, and it all comes together to make a song that is so uplifting, I have found nothing to compare to it.

"Wild Wood" is probably one of his more mainstream releases, and it is a laid back ballad, with great lyrics (but that goes without saying). It is what I call a haunting song, it can be playing in the background, but you cannot ignore it. "Above the Clouds" is next, and is much of the same, although this is
a great chill out background music.

"Uh Huh Oh Yeh" was the song that converted my husband to a Weller fan. It has a great hook, and it makes me tap my feet and nod my head, well and generally act quite foolish, but it is very very funky.

"Brushed" was an unusual song, because it took 4 or 5 listens for me to decide if I liked it, which is normally not the case, bu tin case you wondered...I do like it. My favourite line in this song is, "So you walk a broken mile, for a worn out smile that you found on the ground, somebody else threw it down". Don't know what that says about me!

"Changing Man" is the song that Weller has opened with so many times that I have seen him live, and the opening line seems to sum him up. "Is happiness real, or am I so jaded?". He always seems so glum, but he truly loves what he does.

"Friday Street" is a lesser known track, and I do not think it will appeal to the less devoted fans. It is a song that you wait to get going, and become the usual guitar based rock, but it does not. This is not a bad thing, and on the second listen, you appreciate the song for what it is.

My wedding song is next. "You Do Something to Me". Most couples have a song and this is ours. The words are just so apt, and the melody gives me goosebumps. This songs seems to follow us around, as there have been so many times that we have had a row, and it plays on the radio, or the TV, and brings us back to reality. "You do something to me, somewhere deep inside"...oooh I have a lump in my throat. I really still come close to tears each time I hear this. Pure class and an endless classic. Then another classic ballad "Brand New Start". There is so much passion and emotion in every word that he sings, albeit a touch hoarsely, you cannot fail to be affected by his music. There is a beautiful guitar solo on this track.

"Hung
Up" is another song that affects me!! (I know you all think I am sad but at least I am honest!!). It is all about the lyrics with this song. I first heard this song sung acoutically, and it has stayed with me ever since.

Coming to the end of the CD with another lesser known track, "Mermaids", and this is as sing a long as you will ever get with Weller. There are huge sections of Shah la la la la, and yet it still sounds great.

The penultimate song is the popular "Broken Stones". Even if you hate everything he has ever done, you will love this song. The tune is pure foot tapping excellence. This is my motivational song, whenever I need a boost, this does it everytime.

The CD ends with "Into Tomorrow", which was Wellers debut as a solo artist. It is a great finish, and just leaves you wanting more. In my eyes this is the sign of a good CD. If you do want more, try "Stanley Road", it is a great place to start.

The songs all fit together so well, and some of the credit must go to producer Brendan Lynch, who has been Wellers producer for so many years now. A huge credit also to drummer Steve White, as his drums are a major part of the songs.

Paul Weller is also very misunderstood. He is so unaffected by the showbiz world. He prefers to get respect from his fans, and does not care what the industry thinks of him.

If you are lucky enough to be going to T In The Park this year, Weller will be there, but not on the main stage. He will be playing in one of the acoustic tents, which will be an experience of a lifetime. I will be seeing him 2 days before that at Newcastle City Hall! Hopefully he will be back to full fitness after damaging his thumb in a fall down some stairs.

I would recommend this CD to people who love real music, not the manufactured music that is everywhere now.

Please leave nice comments, I cannot help but be biased, this man's music was
the soundtrack to my adolescence, and sad as it may seem, it is now part of my day to day life.

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