Well as were in a time of war and for some reason I went and wrote a food op yesterday and a drink op with no music insight. Well normal service is being resumed as I’m now going to do an op on the Mod Father - Paul Weller. Having been in the Jam and The Style Council, Paul decided to go Solo and after a whole host of albums in all these various Guises.

That brings us up to 2001 when Paul Weller decided to do a UK tour and instead of calling in a band to help him he basically set off with his guitar. The result of that tour was this album, which includes songs from his Jam, Style Council and solo artist days.

Well the band is quite self-explanatory, its Paul Weller on Guitar and Vocals and that’s pretty much it.

Track 1: Brand New Start
(Solo Album, Modern Classics 1998)

From the outset I’ll let you know this is a very mellow relaxing album and I’m sure you’ll have heard most of the songs before. The live sound really brings out the best in Weller’s voice and this song sounds fantastic. Recorded at the London gig it’s a superb way to start the album off.

Track 2: The Loved
(B-side, Solo stuff, 1994)

A little bit more up beat than Brand New Start. Well as up beat as you can get with one man and an Acoustic Guitar. A very good B-side, which does deserve to be heard on a wider field this song is great. All the songs really let Paul’s voice shine through and show why he is such a respected artist.

Track 3: Out Of the Sinking
(Solo Album, Stanley Road 1995)

Taken from the album, which has been dubbed his best by music critics and fans alike Out of the sinking is another terrific song that just helps you to close your eyes and relax. In fact he even mentions it in the song. A good rhythm to this song helps it to float along

Track 4: Clues
(Solo Paul Weller, 1992)

A slow echolike start which helps the song get going. Builds up in places then calms back down into a very chilled out song. The song may be a little dragged out towards the end but if you’re a Weller fan then you’ll be expecting this and won’t be disappointed.

Track 5: English Rose
(The Jam, All the Mod Cons 1978)

This has to be one of my favourite Jam tunes and the first track on the album that hasn’t been from his solo albums. This is a very slow meaningful song with a good sound and again Weller’s vocals carry the song very well.

Track 6: Above the Clouds
(Paul Weller 1992)

A bit more upbeat, in fact it sounds a lot different to what has come before it. It’s when an artist sits down with a guitar on his own that you start to realise just quite how talented they actually are. This song is more upbeat again and doesn’t really

Track 7: You Do Something to Me
(Paul Weller, Stanley Road 1995)

Probably one of the most famous tracks from his solo albums you do something to me is a lot of peoples favourite from this album but not mine. However don’t get me wrong it is a fantastic song but my favourite is still to come. Another slow mellow track with superb vocals and lyrics that really get you thinking.

Track 8: Amongst Butterflies
(Paul Weller 1992)

Another Beautiful Weller song that really draws you in to listen to it. Very steady intro as all the songs have and another fine example of what he can do with a Guitar. Another well-written song that I’m sure you will all enjoy.

Track 9: Science
(Paul Weller, Heavy Soul 2000)

This is another fast up beat song with a good feel to it and happy kinda lyrics. A little bit of a sing along if you know the lyrics, as it is a very catchy song. Again it carries along brilliantly without the aid of drums or anything else.

Track 10: Back In the Fire
(Paul Weller, Heliocentric 2000)

A slower start to this song as it is chilling the mood down a little. Another good song lyrically but I don’t think this will have as wide appeal as a lot of the other songs on the album. This is a good song to listen to every now and again but you may want to skip it occasionally.

Track 11: Down in the Seine
(The Style Council, Our Favourite Shop 1985)

The second track which hasn’t featured on a Paul Weller solo album but instead comes from the Style Council. It’s a good track with a gentle intro which carries quite quickly and again good lyrics and the vocals sound superb. The song shows that its from the 80’s with a typically 80’s feel to it, but for once that isn’t too bad a thing.

Track 12: That’s Entertainment
(The Jam, Sound Affects 1980)

This is my joint favourite track on the album, as I just love everything the Jam did. Doesn’t quite sound as good as the original version but it is still a quality song. Very quick song as a lot of the Jam songs were this is another good one for singing along to. This is also where the title of this album comes from.

Track 13: Love-Less
(Paul Weller, Heliocentric 2000)

A lot of this album is taken from his solo stuff but I don’t think it suffers too much from it, although there is a lot of decent Jam tunes missing. Another slower number with the guitars being used for a longer introduction with another echo like vocal.

Track 14: There’s No Drinking after You’re Dead
(Paul Weller, Heliocentric 2000)

When this song came on I realised there were three songs that I really liked on this album that I couldn’t decide a favourite out of. Its another slower very sombre song that fathers pace and sounds better with every listen.

Track 15: Everything Has A Price To Pay
(B-side 1992)

It’s good to see the B-sides make it onto the albums especially when they are as good as the two on this album. A bit faster and again the vocals sound superb and the lyrics are fairly good and again you’re thinking whilst listening to the song and relaxing.

Track 16: Wild Wood
(Paul Weller, Wild Wood 1993)

Why did I have to mention having more than one favourite track. This is my No. 4 joint favourite and I’m sure anyone who knows the song will know why. It’s another song with great lyrics and I personally think it is the best example of not only his lyrical talent but also his vocal talent and musical as well.

Track 17: Headstart For Happiness
(The Style Council, Cafe Bleu 1984)

The final track by the Style Council on the album and the second to last track of the album. Starts a lot happier than most of the tracks that have gone before. The song carries along brilliantly and really makes you want to clap your hands and get involved in it somehow.

Track 18: Town Called Malice
(The Jam, The Gift 1982)

Well here we are finally at the fourth track that I would class as my favourite but this is probably the one I would pick above the other three if forced to pick just one Weller track. A very upbeat song and a superb way to end the album. One of the big hits for the Jam and still a favourite with lots of people to this day.

Well there you go for you’re £8.99 from CD-wow you get 18 superb Live tracks from one of the all time greats. The album lasts for just under an hour and ten minutes.

Highly Recommended