CD Reviews

 

 

Paul Weller

THeliocentric (Island / Universal)

The problem with being a God, is that you always have to deliver. Paul Weller remains one of the most respected musicians in Britain, being deified by innumerable UK bands. Ocean Colour Scene and Oasis are just a couple who consider the man far more than mortal. His work in The Jam was supreme, and The Style Council was a splendid pop delight.

Since concentrating on his solo side he has continued to expand his horizons and has come up with some top CDs (Wildwood) along with some less than sparkling ones (Heavy Soul), but all albums with good tracks even within the more dull offerings. For Heliocentric the man has changed direction again. There's traditional (if rather dull) strumming with He's The Keeper, a mellower, downbeat feel in A Whale's Tale, almost drum 'n bass on There's No Drinking After You're Dead and a jazz jam session feel on Picking Up Sticks.

It's all fresh though, and wonderfully under-produced too; you can hear everything that's going on without too much synthetic gloss. Weller has always had faith in what he does and is seemingly unconcerned by outside criticism. That should be lauded, even if Heliocentric is somewhere on the curious half-way experimental mark of sublime Weller.

This will be over the heads (and ears) of many, but don't give up on the first listen - the Godfather of Brit-pop has earned his reputation for creativity with undoubted staying power. So enjoy the challenge and stick with it.