"White Light/Roadmaster" by GENE CLARK – August 1971 US/UK Second Solo LP [ex Byrds, Dillard & Clark] on A&M Records and January 1973 Dutch-Only Third LP on A&M Records featuring Guitarists Jesse Ed Davis and John Selk, Keyboards by Ben Sidran and Michael Utley, Bass by Chris Ethridge with Drums and Percussion by Bobbye Hall Porter and Gary Mallaber – Also Featuring David Crosby, Roger McGuinn, Clarence White and Bernie Leadon of Eagles and many more (May 2023 UK Beat Goes On Records (BGO) Compilation – 2LPs onto 1CD – Andrew Thompson Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

 

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Rating: ****

 

"...Let Your Troubles Fade Into The Sun..."

 

There seems to be a train of thought that places Gene Clark of The Byrds, Dillard and Clark and The Flying Burrito Bros. fame up there with holy men and Godheads when it comes to songwriting genius. I think that's absolute codswallop.

 

Neither of these is his masterpiece "No Other" (from 1974). But it would also be churlish of me not to state the obvious - there is beauty and charm on his second and third solo albums – but just not as much as so many claim. Certain publications assuring us then or now that Gene Clark is among the greatest songwriters of his generation are to me ludicrously over-pushed and over-stated – especially on the strength of what's on offer here.

 

However (and I mean this) - what you do have here is a Quality Reissue CD Compilation that will make many of his Country-Rock and Folk-Rock fans very happy bunnies indeed. In fact – you could say that waiting until May 2023 for this 2LPs-onto-1Disc has seemed a long time coming. 

 

But typical of Beat Goes On Records (BGO of England) – they've done his legacy proud and presented these August 1971 and January 1973 albums (both on A&M Records – the second out of Holland only) with a pretty card slipcase, liner notes that reprouduce all original details and draws on research of old, and sports newly Remastered Audio (care of Andrew Thompson) that finally makes for the best listen of this material that I have ever heard. Here are the Misty Mornings...

 

UK released Friday, 26 May 2023 - "White Light/Roadmaster" by GENE CLARK on Beat Goes On Records BGOCD1494 (Barcode 5017261214942) features 2LPs issued 1971 and 1973 Remastered onto 1CD (no Bonuses) that plays out as follows (75:00 minutes):

 

1. The Virgin [Side 1]

2. With Tomorrow

3. White Light

4. Because Of You

5. One in A Hundred

6. For A Spanish Guitar [Side 2]

7. Where My Love Lies Asleep

8. Tears Of Rage

9. 1975

Tracks 1 to 9 are his second solo album (after The Byrds, Dillard & Clark and The Flying Burrito Brothers) "White Light" aka "Gene Clark" – released August 1971 in the USA on A&M Records SP 4292 and A&M Records AMLS 64292. All songs written by Gene Clark except "With Tomorrow" – a co-write with Jesse Davis – and "Tears Of Rage" by Bob Dylan and Richard Manuel (of The Band). Produced by JESSE ED DAVIS – the band consisted of Gene Clark on Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar and Harmonica, Electric and Slide Guitars by Jesse Ed Davis, Acoustic Guitar by John Selk, Keyboards by Ben Sidran (Piano) and Michael Utley (Organ), Bass by Chris Ethridge with Drums and Percussion by Gary Mallaber and Bobbye Hall Porter. Both Bed Sidran and Gary Mallaber are from The Steve Miller Band.

 

10. She's The Kind Of Girl [Side 1]

11. One in A Hundred

12. Here Tonight

13. Full Circle Song

14. In A Misty Morning

15. Rough And Rocky

16. Roadmaster [Side 2]

17. I Really Don't Want To Know

18. Remember The Railroad

19. She Don't Care About Time

20. Shooting Star

Tracks 10 to 20 are his third solo album "Roadmaster" – released January 1973 in Holland-only on A&M Records 87 584 IT. It received its first British VINYL LP release August 1988 on Edsel ED 198 in different artwork and subsequently on CD June 1990 on Edsel ED CD 198 (again with the different artwork – Gene in the front seat of a car).

 

The card slipcase and 20-page booklet certainly lend this release a feel of event and that both albums have transferred in their entirety onto 1 CD (75:00 minutes exactly) is pleasing too. Long-time contributor to BGO liner notes JOHN O’REGAN name-checks web sources and does a full career overview and not just on the two presented. Perusing the notes, I've read some of this stuff before - Clark's life being the stuff of abuse and misuse legend. 

 

Missouri born in November 1941 – Gene Clark was gone by May 1991 - not even making his 50^th birthday – yet he left a musical thumbprint we're still flicking through to this day. One of the Byrds founders – we're told of a hasty departure in 1966 (Roger McGuinn taking over) and thereafter hooking up with Chip Douglas and other Country-fied types. Columbia Records signed Clark as solo act and his 1967 debut with The Gosdin Brothers hit the shops as his first solo album. What you're getting here is solo albums two and three - both studio efforts - the second a sort of half-done patchwork recorded 1971-ish in the USA that was released by A&M Records anyway in early 1973, but only in Europe. And while the music press were generally favorable even fawning, because of its seriously limited nature on Vinyl, the buying public barely got a look in on "Roadmaster" let alone sung its praises.

 

The booklet provides musician credits for both albums (no new photos) and the Remaster by ANDREW THOMPSON accessed original master tapes. The Harmonica and strummed Acoustics on "White Light" is lovely and warm while the Production values on "Because Of You" is gorgeous – those soft Congas by Bobbye Hall Porter and that lingering Mike Utley church organ. Many love "One In A Hundred" – Jesse Ed David and Mike Utley giving it a fantastic one-two on Slide Guitar and complimentary Organ – Clark warbling the vocals. No less than Dylan called "For A Spanish Guitar" a masterpiece he wishes he'd written himself – the laughter of children employed – a very sweet Remaster as the instruments wallow around your speakers. And "Where My Love Lies Asleep" could be whipper-will J.J. Cale on "Magnolia". But I can't say I have much truck with either "Tears Of Rage" or "1975" (there is something lacking in the guitars, even the Remastered sound feels off). Still - totting up what I do like - "White Light" is such a strong album.

 

Clark had left A&M Records in late 1972 for a reunion with the five others in the Byrds. Their self-titled "Byrds" reunion album (of which much was expected and not a lot delivered) was released on Asylum Records in March 1973 – so few even noticed the bits and pieces 1972-recordings solo album by Gene Clark issued in Holland-only in January 1973. In fact "Roadmaster" famously received a release in 1974 in Japan before Reissue Specialists Edsel Records gave it a wallop in the UK in 1988 (and in different artwork). In truth – both albums have remained cult singer-songwriter touchstones ever since and it is well cool of Beat Goes on (BGO) to finally pair both of them on one compilation with quality presentation.

 

Gene Clark sings Lead Vocals on all "Roadmaster" songs and Plays Acoustic Guitar on Tracks 14 to 20. Guest Musicians included Bud Shank playing low-key Flute on the album opener "She's The Kind Of Girl". Guitars from ex Byrds men David Crosby and Roger McGuinn on "She's The Kind Of Girl" and "One In A Hundred" – while Clarence White provides Lead Guitar on tracks 14 to 20 including the remade version of "One In A Hundred" (original version on the "White Light" album). Both Spooner Oldham of Muscle Shoals and Fame Studios and Byron Berline of The Flying Burrito Bros play Keyboards and Fiddle (respectively) on Tracks 14 to 20 - while ex Byrds drummer Michael Clarke plays on all. Rick Roberts of The Flying Burrito Bros and Firefall plays Acoustic Guitar on "Here Tonight" alongside Bernie Leadon of Eagles who plays Electric Guitar on the same song. "Rough And Rocky" is a Flatt & Scruggs cover version while "I Really Don't Want To Know" was popularized in 1953 by Les Paul and Mary Ford and has been covered many times since including by Elvis Presley, Brook Benton and even John Travolta.

 

With Crosby and especially McGuinn playing that pinging guitar sound of the Byrds on "She's The Kind Of Girl" and a more attacking "One in A Hundred" – the LP opens like its an actual next-stage Byrds LP. But we return to a more Country-Rock vibe with the Pedal Steel driven "Here Tonight" – the suitcase is over there – not being used – only want to be with you tonight. Far more moving in my book is the simple yet epic acoustic-strummed forlorn of "In A Misty Morning" – our hero eyeing the tall buildings of the city – police cruisers whizzing by – street lights changing – memories of days left behind – hoping for better times ahead as he walks – lost in reverie.

 

Muscle Shoals legend and fab-songwriter in his own right Spooner Oldham starts making his complimentary presence felt with Funky Keyboards on the title song – the truck-stop/ladies tale "Roadmaster". But it also Clarence White letting rip with treated Guitar Funk that catches the ear – a travelling picker literally making you feel what it is like to be on the road.

 

"Just to laugh through the columns of trees...to soar like a seagull in the breeze...to stand in the rain if you please...or to never be found..." Clark sang with a mournful longing on "For A Spanish Guitar". 

 

Gene never did find that peace in this world – but fans of his Big Star jangle and Byrds-like Sunshine Country-Rock can console themselves with the melodies and presentation here. Another clever and smartly presented CD compilation from England's BGO...fans will have to own it...

"Infected" by THE THE – November 1986 UK Second Studio Album on Epic/Some Bizarre Records featuring Matt Johnson and Dave Palmer with guests Zeke Manyika, Tessa Niles, Warne Livesey, Anna Domino and Neneh Cherry on Backing and Duet Vocals (July 2002 UK Epic/Lazarus Records CD Reissue and Remaster - Howie Weinberg Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

 

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This Review and 229 more like it are in my E-Book

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LET'S GO CRAZY - 80ts Music On CD

Your All-Genres Guide To Exceptional CD Reissues and Remasters

Classic Albums, Compilations, 45s

All In-Depth Reviews from the Discs Themselves

Over 1,885 e-Pages of Info

(No Cut and Paste Crap)

 

 

Rating: ****

 

"...Slow Train To Dawn..." 

 

Technically, Matt Johnson's ex-Gadgets solo offering "Burning Blue Soul" from August 1981 on England's 4AD Records is often cited at the real THE THE debut album (in all but name). October 1983's "Soul Mining" followed and was the first LP to bear that famous THE THE moniker and my starting point with MJ and his difficult releases.

 

I say difficult – but like so many – I have no difficulty with the epic "Infected" – the kind of mid-80ts album that invented the word cult/masterpiece/must own to readjust sanity and street cred etc.

 

And what we have here is the 2002 barebones CD Reissue/Remaster from Epic/Lazarus Records (album only) with its altered Matt Johnson's Face outer slipcase artwork. His own original painting artwork is on Page 3 and folded back on itself - the booklet will allow fans to display that on the inner jewel-case if they prefer. This CD Remaster has also stripped away the Three Bonus Twelve-Inch Single Mixes that came with original 1986 CDs for "Infected", "Sweet Bird Of Truth" and "Slow Train To Dawn". So some might say, you are getting less. But the audio is a huge improvement - big and ballsy. Let's get to the Angels of Deception...

 

UK released July 2002 - "Infected" by THE THE on Epic/Lazarus 504466 2 - 5044652000 (Barcode 5099750446621) is a straightforward CD Reissue and Remaster of the original 1986 8-track album that plays out as follows (41:08 minutes):

 

1. Infected [Side 1]

2. Out Of The Blue (Into The Fire)

3. Heartland

4. Angels Of Deception

5. Sweet Bird Of Truth [Side 2]

6. Slow Train To Dawn

7. Twilight Of A Champion

8. The Mercy Seat

Tracks 1 to 8 are their second studio album "Infected" by THE THE - released November 1986 in the UK on Epic/Some Bizarre Records EPC 26670 and February 1987 in the USA on Epic BFE 40471. Produced by WAYNE LIVESEY and MATT JOHNSON – it peaked at No.14 in the UK album charts and No.89 in the USA on the Billboard Rock album charts.

 

I like the outer card slipcase and its tinted new facia, while the 16-page booklet does its functional best (lyrics, that original artwork, album/reissue credits, small Discography alongside the 51^st State photo and the This Is The The Day website - Re-Infected Times Article produced). But you can't help thinking that the absence of any kind of historical appraisal or liner notes or the Twelves or Videos is a bit cheeky – but I suspect Johnson wants posterity and fans to concentrate only on the core album and not extended-play distractions.

 

What do we have...some fans have complained that the 2002 HOWARD WEINBERG Remaster is almost too clean - I get that but I also disagree. The Audio is incredibly detailed now - take the opening infect-me-with-your-love echoed lyrics and those drum whacks – Dan Brown on Bass - all of it HUGE. The subtle duet backing vocals by Zeke Manyika and Tessa Miles are just that bit more lifted (nurse me back to health) to the point where I can actually hear their contributions. Then that Trumpet solo from Guy Barker just rips across your speakers too...infect me with your love indeed... 

 

A super-clean "Out Of The Blue (Into The Fire)" slinks across the panned speakers – a man without a Soul in a den of thieves talking dirty and thinking even worse (a tad too macho for me actually). Speaking of which, Matt Johnson's all-encompassing moody misery will admittedly not be for everyone wanting to get up and party baby. But the intelligence of the lyrics, his knack with a hook that gets under your skin and just won't let go have all earned him legions of devoted followers. That is shown come slot number three – "Heartland" – a song he has said himself is one of his best. And it has fantastic arrangements (Astarti String Orchestra) and again Tessa Niles giving that backing vocals chorus – another winter of long shadows and high hopes in the 51^st State (love that Judd Lander Harmonica solo just when the big piece needed some commoner balls).

 

The Gulf War loomed large at the time and obsessed Johnson – so expect acidity and rage aplenty in "Sweet Bird Of Truth" – a US fighter pilot giving it some Napalm payload and G.I. Joe banter as he blasts someone's home below courtesy of his surgically oblique cockpit equipment. And who among fans will be able to resist the real brilliance in "Slow Train To Dawn" – for me the best track on the album and the one I return to most – Neneh Cherry being the perfect vocal foil (that sweaty train video – now that would have been a genuine bonus).

 

For sure 1986's "Infected" is an acquired taste in 2023 and the lack of Bonus Material on a supposedly upgraded reissue/remaster kind of lets an important side down. But this is probably everyone's favourite THE THE album – and is so for a reason – the toil and bubble within that produced such powerhouse results...

"GOODY TWO SHOES - 2CD Deluxe Editions, Expanded Reissues and 2CD Compilations" - All Genres, 340 In-depth Reviews, Huge Range of Artists, a huge 2,550 e-Pages - Entry No 32 in my 'SOUNDS GOOD MUSIC BOOKS' Series Available on Amazon...Reviews by Mark Barry....

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GOODY TWO SHOES
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- Best CD Remasters - All Genres - 2024 Version

 

* A Huge 2,550 e-Pages of info on Remasters, CD Box Sets from all genres
* 340 in-depth entries featuring a wide range of artists and genres
* Details, track lists etc from the discs themselves, no cut and paste crap
* Best Independent Reissue Labels highlighted...

Ace Records, Bear Family, Cherry Red, Demon, Edsel, Esoteric Recordings, Grapefruit, Hip-O Select, Light In The Attic, Repertoire, Rhino and Rhino Handmade, Salvo, Trojan and Panegyric (to name but a few)

* Major Label Box Set Retrospectives from – EMI, Sony/BMG/Legacy, Universal and Warner Brothers/WEA

* Technical data (total playing times and more)

* Release Date, Catalogue No and Barcode to locate the correct issue

* CD Track lists and Details on Bonus material (if any)

* UK and US catalogue numbers and release dates for original vinyl albums, 45-singles and EPs within each review

* Remaster/Tape Transfer Engineers highlighted

* Packaging descriptions, size of booklets, what’s contained within, who wrote the liner notes, repro artwork explained

* Reference to the Audio Quality of the CD - analysis of songs

* Guest Musicians highlighted – Cover Versions noted

Having worked for RECKLESS RECORDS in London for over 20 years as one of their principal Vinyl and CD buyers (one of the best secondhand record shops in the West End) and having been a Hall Of Fame Reviewer on Amazon six times - as you can imagine I have come across a huge number of reissues - some far more worthy than others.

To that end I've collated together these SOUNDS GOOD Music Books as guides to Exceptional CD Remasters offering up in-depth reviews on a wide range of titles. And it doesn't have to cost the earth to Sound Good either – you just need to know which CD is the right issue to buy (see My Index below and Side Adverts for the entire 32-Book Series).

The twofer reissue/compilation has been a feature of CD reissues closing on 35 years now and the truth is that this e-brute could probably contain 500 entries - but you have to draw the line somewhere (and when newbies arrive worthy of inclusion, I will update to accommodate).

 

Downloadable on any Amazon site, many entries in this large and unique e-book can cost less than £5 (you're getting big dids for small quids) - others sell regularly for under ten and imports a bit more (there are a few Japanese SHM-CD entries - new additions include "1962-1966" and "1967-1970" by THE BEATLES from November 2023). Here in 2024 for instance, Amazon UK has the gorgeous and revealing "Let It Be: 2CD Edition" Remaster by THE BEATLES from 2020 on sale for £5:12! It will undoubtedly rise sooner rather than later - but that's the kind of deal you want to grab. And that's where my e-book comes in - advising on what to seek out from the jaws of one that already did. 

 

And even if some Major Label or Independent Label limited editions have acquired a nasty price tag since deletion - because they're the best - I've included them along with other artists/titles that deserve your attention…

Enjoy the reads - MARK BARRY (2024)

 

Spines of some of the titles reviewed in-depth in my e-Book

"Stanley Road" by PAUL WELLER – May 1995 Third Solo Studio Album (After The Jam and The Style Council) on Go! Discs featuring Steve Cradock, Dr. Robert, Mark Nelson, Yolanda Charles and Steve White with Carleen Anderson, Noel Gallagher (of Oasis), Helen Turner, David Liddle, Mick Talbot (of The Style Council), Steve Winwood (of The Spencer Davis Group, Traffic, Blind Faith and Solo Career fame) and more (May 2005 UK Universal Music Catalogue (UMC)/Island 10th Anniversary 3-Disc Deluxe Edition (2CDs and 1DVD) featuring The Album Remastered, B-sides, Previously Unreleased Demos And Visual Content) - A Review by Mark Barry...

 

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This Review and 317 Others Like It 

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"...You Do Something To Me..."

 

Who would have Woking believed it! 

Well, most of us surrendered hairlines to start with!

 

Paul Weller's musical solo career was always going to be rollercoaster ride without a barf bag – and after two superb outings post The Jam and The Style Council – the Modfather hit that stride we all knew was one day a-coming good sir with Door No. 3.

 

I can still remember going into HMV on Oxford Street on that May 1995 Monday morning (28 years ago now in 2023) to see the huge displays of Peter Blake's iconic photograph montage that graced the LP-Sized Box Set version – our hero's third studio album named after a street the young Weller grew up on in the North West Surrey town of Woking – Stanley Road. Preceded three weeks earlier by the killer Rock-Soul riffage of "The Changingman" EP – we fans were pumped and primed and once the beast got home – it did not disappoint.

 

Hardly surprising really then that a DELUXE EDITION emerged a mere ten years later and almost to the day. Here are the never jaded George Bests and Wilfred Owens...light the fuse...

 

UK released 30 May 2005 - "Stanley Road" by PAUL WELLER on Universal Music Catalogue (UMC)/Island 9828401 (Barcode 602498284018) is a 10^th Anniversary 3-Disc Deluxe Edition (2CDs and 1DVD) with a Remastered Album, Single B-sides, Previously Unreleased Demos and New DVD Visual Content. It plays out as follows:

 

CD1 (77:12 minutes):

Original LP

1. The Changingman [Side 1]

2. Porcelain Gods

3. I Walk On Gilded Splinters

4. You Do Something To Me

5. Woodcutter's Son

6. Time Passes...

7. Stanley Road [Side 2]

8. Broken Stones

9. Out Of The Sinking

10. Pink On White Walls

11. Whirlpools' End

12. Wings Of Speed

 

B-Sides

13. Sexy Sadie

14. I'd Rather Go Blind

15. It's A New Day, Baby

16. I Didn't Mean To Hurt You (Live)

17. My Whole World Is Falling Down (BBC Radio 1, Evening Sessions, First Transmitted 8 May 1995)

18. A Year Late

19. Woodcutter's Son (BBC Radio 1, Evening Sessions, First Transmitted 8 May 1995)

 

NOTES on CD1:

Tracks 1 to 12 are the album "Stanley Road" – released 15 May 1995 in the UK on Go! Discs 828 629-1 (LP) 828 629-2 (CD Box set) and 828 619-1 (Single CD Non Box Set Version) – Produced by PAUL WELLER and BRENDAN LYNCH – the album peaked at No. 1 on the UK LP charts (it didn't chart in the USA).

 

Tracks 13 and 14 are cover versions – The Beatles for "Sexy Sadie" and Etta James then Chicken Shack for "I'd Rather Go Blind". "Sexy Sadie" was the Non-LP B-side to "Out of The Sinking" (Oct 1994) while "I'd Rather Go Blind", "It's A New Day, Baby" and "I Didn't Mean To Hurt You (Live)" were all Non-LP B-sides to "The Changingman" EP (April 1995). Track 17 (a cover of a William Bell US Stax 45 from April 1969), Track 18 and 19 are on the "You Do Something To Me" EP (July 1995).

 

CD2 (66:25 minutes):

Demos

1. Trident Jam (Take 3, Manor Studio, 4 Jan 1995)

2. Pink On White Walls  (Demo 2, Nomis Rehearsal Room, 21 July 1994)

3. Porcelain Gods (8-Track Demo, Nomis Rehearsal Room, 2 Feb 1995)

4. Broken Stones (Demo 1, Manor Studios, 8 Dec 1994)

5. Wings Of Speed (8-Track Demo, Solid Bond Demo Studio, 9 Sep 1994)

6. The Changingman (8-Track Demo, Solid Bond Demo Studio, 8 Sep 1994)

7. Everyone Must Have A Purpose (Manor Studios, 1 Dec 1994)

8. You Do Something To Me (Demo 3, Manor Studios, 1 Feb 1994)

9. A Year Later (Demo 1, Manor Studios, 20 Jul 1994)

10. Whirlpools' End/Stream (Alternative Version – Solid Bond Demo Studios, 25 Jul 1995)

11. Gtr + Moog Jam (Demo, Manor Studios, 7 Jan 1995)

12. Corrina, Corrina (Manor Studios, 7 Jan 1995)

13. Out On The Weekend (Manor Studios, 10 Dec 1994)

14. Time Passes (Demo 2, Manor Studios, 10 Dec 1994)

15. Time Passes (Demo 3, Manor Studios, July 1994)

16. Wings Of Speed (Demo 2, Manor Studios, 10 Dec 1994)

17. Stanley Road (Demo 1, Manor Studios, Dec 1994)

18. Woodcutter's Son (8-Track Demo, Nomis Rehearsal Room, 2 Feb 1995)

19. Porcelain Gods (Instrumental, Manor Studios, 15 Feb 1995)

 

DVD – Stanley Road Revisited – A Short Film by Simon Halfon

NTSC Region 0 (All Regions), Aspect Ratio 4:3, 5.1 and Stereo Sound

1. Broke 'N' Stoned (Stanley Road Revisited) – 30:12 minutes

2. Out Of The Sing – Promo Video – 3:58 minutes

3. The Changingman – Promo Video – 3:29 minutes

4. You Do Something To Me – Promo Video – 3:33 minutes

5. Broken Stones (Promo Clip) – 3:22 minutes

 

Far from being a re-hash or tenth anniversary cash-in – you can hear and see that effort was made to make this celebration of his first great solo moment a wee bit of a fan-fest (both Paul Weller and his album-collaborator Brendan Lynch overall producers of the DE). True devotees (or which there are many) would of course have had all the Weller B-sides as they bought the sevens and CD singles on release throughout 1994 and 1995 (Peter Blake of Sgt. Peppers Beatles fame even did the artwork). But the 19 Demos on Disc 2, the 30-Minute Short Film and New Interviews in the 32-page booklet are new and more than worthy of inclusion.

 

The over-sized 32-page booklet features a superlative overview by long-time Mod Disciple PAULO HEWITT (Spring 2005 in London) who tells it as it was. THE JAM fans are a seriously fanatical bunch (THE SMITHS the same) and after a poll pasting by them for the Cod-Soul vibe of the whole Style Council period (something they tolerated as a sideshow) – Paul Weller’s Solo Career was to heal all and restore the faith. And it did. Armed with fellow conspirators and devotees in Rock-Soul like guitarist Steve Cradock – Weller switched moods on the LP with fabulous effect – Smalls Faces London one moment – English Shires Nick Drake delicacy the next – American Gospel influences on the last track – the amazing "Wings Of Speed". Drugs are discussed, the gorgeous artwork, the sense of event even. Brendan Lynch types some notes on the non-perfection of the Demos – but does quite rightly point out that the running order gives you an eardrop on the recording process (tempo too fast here, one bar short there). You get lyrics, outtake photos from the period, re-issue credits – a very tasty and satisfying read.

 

GARY MOORE of Universal Soul and Jazz CD Reissues fame handled the Remaster and sure "The Changingman" is chunkier, but I don't know if the album needed any kind of tweaking realistically. The stuff on CD2 feels amplified – like definite uplift has taken place – overall a sweet job done and an impressive overhaul. 

 

The core band features co-producer and musician Brendan Lynch (who had worked with Weller on the September 1992 debut "Paul Weller" and its follow-up in September 1993, "Wild Wood"), Steve Cradock of Ocean Colour Scene on Guitar and Vocals with Bassists Dr. Robert, Mark Nelson and Yolanda Charles and one-time Style Council Drummer Steve White. The guest list impressed too - Vocalist Carleen Anderson (daughter of Soul Legend Vicky Anderson - Carleen's Godfather was James Brown!) sings on "The Changingman" and alongside Dr. Robert (Bruce Howard of The Blow Monkeys) on "Woodcutter's Son". Speaking of the same – both "Woodcutter's Son" and "Pink On White Walls" feature Keyboards from the legendary Steve Winwood of The Spencer David Group, Traffic, Blind Faith and Solo Career fame – the kind of ace 60ts geezer Weller would worship at the feet of (and rightly so). Carleen also contributes vocals on three others - "Broken Stones", "Out Of The Sinking" and "Wings Of Speed".

 

Noel Gallagher of Oasis provides Acoustic Guitar on the Dr. John cover "I Walk On Gilded Splinters" aided by Galliano Vocalist Constantine Weir. His old mucker with The Style Council Mick Talbot plays keyboards on "Broken Stones" and the LP finisher "Wings Of Speed". His long-time collaborator and Co-Producer Brendan Lynch (worked with Primal Scream and Ocean Colour Scene too) co-wrote the big anthem "The Changingman" and turns up on lots of tracks playing all manner of instruments – Mini-Moog, Finger Cymbals and a Cyremin. Weller also collaborates with Keyboardist and String Arranger Helen Turner – her arrangement influence all over the record.

 

The Funking-Soulful-Bluesy-Rock New-Crew-meets-Old-World sound of "Stanley Road" produced four cracking singles the populace of Blighty took to big time – somehow sensing a major released was unfolding (it was Weller's first UK No. 1 album). "Out Of The Sinking" pre-empted the LP (24 October 1994, peaked at No. 20) followed by "The Changingman" EP (24 April 1995, peaked at 7) and then into the ballad "You Do Something To Me" (10 July 1995, peaked at 9) and "Broken Stones" (18 September 1995, peaked at 20) - each with an array of Non-LP B-sides - seven of which are on CD1.

 

There is an improvement in Audio for the tingling "Porcelain Gods" – the atmosphere lifting and falling with guitars and drums and cymbal crashes – not disappointed when it falls – become shattering when it goes into that guitar crescendo half way through. That guitar lick cleverly sets up the one cover version on an album of originals – the Dr. John debut album masterpiece perfectly suiting Weller in almost every single way – segue into "I Walk On Gilded Splinters". Walk on pins and needles with the king of the Zulus – I have always loved how the grungy guitars pay no heed to audiophile – just riffage raw and pure. Time to mellow and contemplate - "You Do Something To Me" – a great Paul Weller love song beautifully executed. And just when you had settled back to wallow and drink your whiskey deep – Weller slams you with the most fantastic Rock-Funk chugger ever – the cut you down with a glance "Woodcutter's Son". Give this Remaster a bit of welly on the Volume Control and you will be mainlining Steve Marriott and Humble Pie absolutely tearing it up like the great band they were. And then he ends a perfect Side 1 with another genuinely moving Rock-Ballad in "...Time Passes..." – a tune that bears more than a passing resemblance to the Faces circa their 1971 ramshackle masterpiece "A Nod's As Good A Wink To A Blind Horse..." on Warner Brothers before a weird "Tomorrow Never Knows" type backwards tape fade out.

 

Piano-Funk punches "Stanley Road" into life as we enter Side 2 – another head-shaker with sloppy guitars and dreams of days on the road that went on and on. About as commercial as he gets, "Broken Stones" was always going to be a single at some time – his hurt at the future wrapped up in a jaunty electric-piano plink. Like something out of the guitar rawk sections of "Abbey Road" via "I Want You (She’s So Heavy)" – his London Mod's Love Song "Out Of The Sinking" comes a swaggering and shaping out of your Small Faces speakers with hugely confident riffs and a solo that George Harrison would have declared an economic winner (Carleen Anderson making her vocals heard). And on the album goes to the superb acoustic strum vs. wild electric guitar and Farfisa organ sound of "Whirlpools' End" – surely one of the LPs great unsung-tracks. Weller closes proceedings with a piano ballad that reminds you of Ronnie Lane melodies - "Wings Of Speed" – moving into clever almost church-like girly vocals. And you are left with a feeling – the whole album is good – not just parts – all of it. And that Rocks.

 

Come the B-sides, a strangely deflating "Sexy Sadie" is followed by something far more exciting and suitable to the great man – the Etta James (initial) and (covered by) Chicken Shack classic "I'd Rather Go Blind". Weller gives it a funeral paced Faces-meets-Del Amitri sloppy going over and it feels and sounds fabulous (Christine Perfect/McVie – then with Chicken Shack - would have smiled and Etta would have nodded approval at a kindred spirit). But while the cover versions pleased, little could have prepared Weller fans for the 2:02 minute brilliance of "It's A New Day, Baby" – an album studio recorded outtake plopped onto "The Changingman" EP. Many thought it too good to not be on the album as say a CD or MC Bonus Track. We then get a cool William Bell Stax single cover version (from a well-produced BBC session) followed by a tender-heart acoustic/cellos ballad in the Nick Drake lovely "A Year Late". To finish, we go back to riffage, a fantastically ballsy BBC version where the band just lets it rip. It ends a near-perfect CD1 with a wallop.

 

CD2 is a process – each track allowing you to see how the LP was built up – dialogue between tracks – the power of a band on stuff like "Porcelain Gods" where he and the boys rock out experimental and unrestrained. Love the Blues Rock Mick Ronson Guitar-riffing simplicity of "Broken Stones" – again his players getting it as Weller sings of broken things and another piece shattered. The very Let It Be piano of "Wings Of Speed" has its loveliness intact in Demo form – his vocal more gravel than ache. You can so hear why the fantastic riffage of "The Changingman" was brought to the fore and the Sci-Fi squeals of the Cyremin mixed in a less-obtrusive way.

 

We then get a genuine moment of Paul Weller gorgeousness recorded at the Manor Studios in December 1994 – the band suddenly slipping into a Ronnie Lane Slim Chance vs. Mercury Years Rod Stewart vibe with the lilting "Everyone Must Have A Purpose". It may only last 2:37 minutes and have some mutterings at the end – but it is so damn good. That's followed too by a very sweet "You Do Something To Me" – the song already classic in all its keyboards swirls. Beautiful continues with "A New Year" – even in Demo form of acoustic and piano and voice – it feels like eavesdropping on a take of "English Rose" from "All Mod Cons" by The Jam in 1978. In fact I would argue that there is something in this early 4:11 minute take of "A New Year" that is even more touching than the released version – real heartache taped.

 

And just when you think all the demos are going to descend into an interesting but not-needed flow - you get a fab run of goodies I turn to more than I do my overplayed LP. A mad slightly Psych instrumental variant of "Whirlpools' End/Stream" followed by a seriously great 1:25 minutes of acoustic Gordon Lightfoot guitar goofing where some brilliant melody is trying to fight its way out. Then he does his best Richie Havens on a cover of "Corrina, Corrina" and more slide acoustic with Harmonica lonesomeness on the Neil Young gem "Out On The Weekend". There is a delicate Acoustic version of "Time Passes" first that is followed by a Piano and Band version where the band goes all ramshackle-but-musical Faces circa "Long Player" in 1970.

 

The DVD film might be short but it covers every base – Co-Producer Brendan Lynch mucks in with Guitarist Steve Cradock and Drummer Steve White while guests Noel Gallagher (witty and self-deprecating) and Weller himself explain that after three-four years honing songwriting skills through the self-titled debut and the follow-up Wild Wood. In short, even though his personal life had horrors, career-wise, everything had slipped into place. They had finished a Phoenix Festival – the band was hot – his tunes were banging and with Cradock and White on board – the public hooked into the album too. Weller decries the Press pigeonholing everything in 1994 and 1995 as Brit-Pop. The video clips are so period it hurts – but they only hammer home the greatness of the record and the time. Very, very cool...

 

I guess the ultimate accolade is that "Stanley Road" – his third and probably most famous platter - like beloved albums "Revolver" or "Innervisions" or The Strokes and Libertines debuts – is now looked at with the same misty-eyed affection as they are. Is there any of us who would look at "Marquee Moon" or "Hounds Of Love" or even "The Lexicon Of Love" for that matter, and not smile. Not happening, not now, not ever - my scooter crew. And "Stanley Road" achieved that in 1995 and is still doing so to this day...