Search - Paul Weller :: As Is Now

As is now not as great as as he was

Elan Bodwick | las vegas | 09/10/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Im a big weller fan and supporter and have been along for the whole ride- and by track three on this album i thought wow- really well done Sir Weller(its bound to happen). But then came the tired "heres the good news" which sent this album into a spiral. ALL the energy sapped out in a set of songs with the same dry lazy vocal and the same production chords and bland lyrics. And From The floorboards up despite its little burst of old "jamlike spunk" is quite simply a dud- i really dont know how people could like this silly song that sounds like a knack bside. Lyrically and production wise the modfather is suffering- its the same old thing- wetten those vocals alittle bit- weller has a fine voice but he sings all the acoustic numbers dry with no real character yeah its earthy but thats not really wellers strength(wildwood got it right). And whats with the baby's mamas and other cliche old dog tricks. This being said atleast five songs are excellent- blink- paper smile-cmon lets go- roll along summer and the stunning pebble and the boy rank among pauls best solo works. Pebble is pure style council(confessions era) recorded right with a very morose feel- something weller doesnt do to often- and blink is just the biz- great hook great lyric- perfect weller. These 5 songs saved this from being wellers worst record in years in my opinion. At 47-48 years old i guess weller has found a formula he can rely on- i prefer when he was the changing man!!! Still love you Weller and ill be there in line when the new one comes out- i just hope its a step up!"

Weller is now

David Everett | Providence | 03/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Modfather has done it again. This, the seventh consecutive fine record from Mr. Weller (after a somewhat musically lost period dating back to the Style Council), sees (hears) him covering all the bases. From the straight-ahead punk rock of "From the Floorboards Up" to funk ("Bring Back the Funk" to the olde folk stylings of "All on a Misty Morning," it's quite an assemblage of soulful musical stylings. If you haven't heard him in a while, you'll be surprised at how good this stuff is - and his band on this and the previous couple of records is a juggernaut, with Steve Craddock and Damon Minchella borrowed permanently from Ocean Colour Scene, and longtime drummer Steve White still expertly plying his craft. For the first time ever as far as I know, PW is listed as the rhythm guitarist, testimony to his maturity and his band's greatness.



"Come On, Let's Go.""

This is Why You Buy Records

K. Woodbury | the air conditioned heat | 08/24/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a big Paul Weller fan- have been for years- but I have had trouble "getting into" some of his more recent records. Not so with "As is Now"- this is an incredible record with intense guitarwork, fantastic production, and poignant lyrics. All of those things that we love Paul Weller for in the first place.



Weller mixes intense songs like "Floor Boards Up" - reminiscent of The Jam and and songs off of "Town Called Malice", with more thoughtful orchestrated pieces like "Misty Morning"- evoking a sense of his more recent, contemplative work. Not only is every song a great tune in it's own right, but the entire record works well as a cohesive work of art.



Rarely these days do artists manage to pull together a collection of diverse songs musically that fit together so well lyrically- when it happens it's like magic, and this record is "magic". It reminds me of a time when albums were released that told a story, at the very most giving us compelling narrative, at the least giving us a glimpse into the psyche of the artist. This record gives us a BIG peek at what Weller has on his mind these days and what he feels compelled to write and sing about, loss, regret, atonement, yet coupled with tenacity. All on the same record. All from the same voice.



Buy it - it will be the hipest thing you do all year, Weller is a 'cat' in the true sense of the word and deservedly so, he's worked hard to get where he is at - "As is Now" is his climax artisically in my opinion. Not to mention he is still one of the hottest old men in Rock and Roll- and the fashion! Don't even get me started on the fashion- look at the cover!"