paul weller

[Thraak]

THE UNRELEASED ALBUM:

THE STYLE COUNCIL "modernism:a new decade" 1991(japan).

this was the lowest point of Weller's career without a doubt!
this album was scheduled to be released in 1989, but Polygram Records refused to release it due mainly to declining album sales and a musical change that would not sell in the quantities that were expected of Paul Weller.
the music for this one is based on the garage/chicago house dance sound that had filtered its way across the Atlantic to hip upmarket clubs in London and Weller wanted to get on board before it became popular, the result is an eight track album that for the most part sounds as lame as the 'cost of loving' flop of 1987,the lyrics are simplistic in nature...as most dance music is/was and the whole thing bar two tracks is uninspiring to say the least....its a nothing album written by a man who's music career was at a crossroads,several of the tracks were played live to unsuspecting European audiences on TSC final tour and were not recieved well. however Japanese audiences loved it, so much so that in 1990 TSC reformed for a TV aired concert in Japan watch by a million people.
you can either pay over the top prices on the internet to get this one as a single disc import from Japan or get it as part of the 'complete adventures' 5cd boxset, the latter was my choice as it's on the final disc and all the great TSC songs are on the other four discs.

IM A WELLER FAN AND I CANT LISTEN TO THIS RUBBISH!

worst track: take your pick and youve got it
best track: sure is sure

tracks:

1. a new decade*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbkYd4aa61c audio
2. can you still love me*
3. the world must come together*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzN96SjWRqg audio
4. hope(feelings gonna getcha)**
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IZjbl8W6vk audio
5. that spiritual feeling*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKgXG3OsM...A&index=60 audio
6. everybody's on the run*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzqTkuKNSpQ audio
7. love of the world*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGUnbIqOjP0 audio
8. sure is sure**
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ilHDq5s9TE live

3s=0
2s=2
1s=6

rating 1.25

to be continued,next...the solo years,1991-present.

Contrary to what you've posted above, I actually like this album quite a lot. It's interesting to hear the Style Council branching out into the likes of House music. It ain't their best work by any means but another sign of their diversity. I have heard select tracks from the albums over recent years but never heard it in full.

I noticed someone on youtube commented that this sounds very much like Bill Nelson's 'Orchestra Arkana' from around the same period (another one of my favourite artists). Perhaps this is why I like it so much!

Looking forward to solo years! Don't forget his hard-touring as 'Paul Weller Movement' from the 90/91 period and the influence on which his late father John Weller had upon that happening. I have a very old VHS of him in concert at Brixton Academy in '91 prior to releasing any solo albums and it's fantastic!