Stanley Road [Deluxe Edition]

Paul Weller

This 3-disc Deluxe Edition includes a bonus CD featuring demos and alternate versions from the recording of the album, plus a 30-minute short film featuring promo clips and previously unseen home-movie footage. This album has class and it sees Paul Weller once again firmly in control of every aspect: he wrote all the songs bar a cover of Dr. John's "I Walk on Gilded Splinters"; he co-produced it and, apart from his earthy vocals, he plays guitar, piano, organ and percussion. All the tracks are special, but it's the three hits--"Changingman", "Broken Stones" and the truly wonderful "You Do Something To Me"--that really stand out, as does "Porcelain Gods", which has something of the old Style Council about it. Soulful, the style is underlined by Carleen Anderson's rich backing vocals on five of the tracks. Weller is also joined by some of his other musical chums: Noel Gallagher, Steve Craddock and Steve Winwood. On the bonus DVD: "Broke 'n' Stoned: Stanley Road Revisited" reunites the album's original cast to reflect on its making. It also features new interviews with Weller and his band, Peter Blake (who designed the sleeve - seen here in its first original form), Noel Gallagher (who guests on the album) and producer Brendan Lynch. The 30-minute film also includes promo clips and previously unseen 'home movie' footage. --Carina Trimingham