Dublin DJ Dave Fanning recently voiced his surprise that the Wellster's recent album "Illumination" seems to have been so roundly panned ('cept round here, of course), as he believes it to be Weller's best in ages. Shame he blotted his copybook by then introducing this single and then playing album opener "Going Places" in a moment rivalling John Peel. Oh well.
Anyway, we concur heartily here, as "Illumination" is surely The Modfather's best work since "Wildwood" and "Leafy Mysteries" is the second cracking single to be lifted from it. Admittedly, it's difficult to relate to hazy, Autumnal lyrics ("In the shady trees I swing") when it's so fuckin' parky outside right now, but Weller's passionate delivery and the way the stinging powerchords provoke Steve White into some furious tubthumping are major reasons to rejoice and enjoy the man's on-going renaissance.
|
Both CDS include bonus live cuts from Hyde Park, but if we may be so bold, can we usher you directly to CD2, which includes a vitriol-dripping take of "Peacock Suit" and even breathes credible life into the normally pedestrian "Broken Stones."
Result, in a word. Whatever his foibles, we're with Fanning on this one.
|
