Paul Weller
(Yep Roc)
As the self-ordained Mod Father, Paul Weller has frequently reinvented himself over the course of his career, from a young manic Pete Townshend wannabe at the helm of the Jam to the cocktail jazz stylist of the Style Council and, in a spiraling and ever-prolific solo trajectory, a refined elder statesman whose muse parallels the whole of British Rock. With Wake Up The Nation, Weller looks back to his beginnings, revving up his rock ‘n' roll instincts with undiluted enthusiasm. Initial listens suggest Weller's ready to shed added embellishment, and old school entries such as "Moonshine," "Wake Up Nation: and "Up the Dosage" offer all indication that he's embarking on yet another new direction. Likewise "No Tears To Cry" and "Andromeda" find him crooning soulful ballads spun from a classic template, yet another hint that he's intent on retooling his retro technique.
Still, psychedelic influences weigh heavily here, especially as the album approaches its peak. The added haze confuses matters to a certain extent, causing Wake Up The Nation to come across as more of a bewildering brew than a straight set of songs. Still, with 16 tracks in just over 40 minutes, Weller's as restless as ever, making this one of Weller's most kinetic sets yet.
Standout Tracks: "Moonshine," "Wake Up The Nation," "No Tears To Cry" LEE ZIMMERMAN
