Search - Paul Weller :: Illumination [Limited Edition w/ Bonus DVD]

Illumination [Limited Edition w/ Bonus DVD]
Paul Weller
Illumination [Limited Edition w/ Bonus DVD]
Genres: Pop, Rock
 
  •  Track Listings (16) - Disc #1
  •  Track Listings (5) - Disc #2

While Paul Weller veered from the Mod-obsessed, early-Who-inspired successes of the Jam to further explore the R&B and Motown roots of those influences with Style Council, his solo career has continued down that restle...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Paul Weller
Title: Illumination [Limited Edition w/ Bonus DVD]
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Yep Roc Records
Release Date: 1/14/2003
Genres: Pop, Rock
Style: Adult Alternative
Number of Discs: 2
SwapaCD Credits: 2
UPC: 634457205321

Synopsis

Amazon.com
While Paul Weller veered from the Mod-obsessed, early-Who-inspired successes of the Jam to further explore the R&B and Motown roots of those influences with Style Council, his solo career has continued down that restless creative path with wildly disparate results. This 2002 collection strives to both showcase that diversity and further focus Weller's voice and songwriting sense to the spare, forceful vehicle that's brought him back to the top of the U.K. charts. There's an echo of the savory rootsiness of Rod Stewart's "Gasoline Alley" on tracks like "Going Places," the title track, and "Now the Night Is Here," but the album's back-to-the-future R&B sense (exemplified by the single "It's Written in the Stars") is often a deceptive tease. Weller's guitar-driven conscience tears into "A Bullet for Everyone" and "Leafy Mysteries" with the abandon of old, and his muse leads him as far a field as the wordless, raga trance of "Spring" and the acoustic folk of "Bag Man." Throughout it all, Weller's pop instincts remain strong, if prickly, as the music-hall-inspired "Push Button" and Mellencamp-esque "Talisman" (two of the album's three bonus U.K. B-sides) well attest. --Jerry McCulley

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CD Reviews

Just keeps getting better
01/25/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is a huge accomplishment, a diverse and brilliant collection of songs. Paul Weller plays most of the instruments himself, and doesn't waste much time with studio work. I was a little thrown at first listen, expecting something more Stanley Road-like, but I keep having to hear it again and again. Buy it now, then go to ticketmaster and check him out live on his US tour in February. Twenty-five years of making music, and he's still one of the greatest out there. All hail the Modfather!"
Consistently fine quality
Daniel Friedman | Harrison, NY USA | 05/13/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've followed Paul Weller from The Jam to Style Council and through his solo career and the thing that astounds me the most is that not only are his records almost always completely listenable but also that he was able to switch styles and genres so effortlessly and still put out a quality product. Illumination is a very good album. I wouldn't put it in the same category as Wild Wood or Stanley Road, my two favorite Weller solo discs, but it's got some great hooks, catchy melodies, thoughtful lyrics, and excellent production. I like Leafy Mysteries, Bag Man, It's Written In The Stars, and the bonus track Push Button, Automatic the best myself.Paul Weller always seemed to fall into that great underappreciated songwriter category, like Neil Finn, Peter Case, or Chris Isaak and once again he doesn't disappoint. The biggest mystery to me is how still relatively unknown he remains to the U.S. audience but I get the feeling that is gradually changing and all it will take is one breakthrough song to remind former Jam and Style Council fans that Paul is alive and well and recording."
A Great CD!
AN Other | Parts Unknown | 01/16/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Why is it reviews of Weller always mention The Jam and Style Council? They were great bands, and I'm certainly a fan of them. Regardless, it's 25 years on, and let's listen to Illumination for what it is rather than the what it's not. I'll also applaud Mr. Weller for making music on his terms rather than cashing in on past glory.



Mr. Weller is a rare musical talent. His songwriting on Illuminatin reflects universal thoughts and emotions. It is recorded with minimal technological interference. This gives it a very laid back vibe, and an almost live feel. In a time where music recording electronically modifies pitches so everything is perfectly in tune, this is a welcome change.



Mr. Weller doesn't like to revisit old material. He challenges the listener to go with him. Most of his albums are growers. This is no exception. I've probably changed my favourite song off this CD 25 times.



I intended to write a song by song analysis, but my comments were all sounding the same. I'll just say I have an emotional connection to every one. Mr. Weller expresses his thoughts extremely well, and I've shared the same feelings. It's a that's-what-I-was felling perspective. Or a I've hoped for that too thing. There are several guest appearances. Each guest leaves you with a happy to play with Paul emotion. It's rare you have collaberations like this which are focused on music not dollars. For listeners not familiar with Brit music, you'll be enticed to investigate the Stereophonics due to Kelly Jones' collaberation



The bonus dvd is a wonderful extra. As a US fan, chances to see Weller live are minimal. The DVD illustrate the power, beauty, and passion in his songwriting.



A must buy for any music fan."