Chris Pope & Chords UK / Len Price 3 / Block 33

 A tale of 3 Mod albums:

• Chris Pope & The Chords UK - Big City Dreams
• Len Price 3 - Ip Dip Do
• Block 33 - The Day The World Stood Still

All recently released, all independently/self-funded, and all steaming with energy.

"Mod" may actually be the wrong term, but it's an apposite catch-all for the attitude and sounds spewing forth from the grooves of these 3 albums (or more correctly the collection of 0s and 1s flying from the silvery 5" disc)

Chris Pope & The Chords UK

First up, the old stager of the bunch - Chris Pope was the guitarist and songwriter of The Chords - one of the recognised leading Mod Revival groups of 1979.  In truth, there was more to The Chords songs than merely "Mod" but it was a convenient, relevant tag and alignment.
The Chords fell apart in the early 80s after a clutch of (sadly underperforming chart-wise) singles and a single album 'So Far Away'.  Chris Popes keen songwriting continues, and now with a re-configured Chords UK, he continues to deliver quasi-folk tales from South London with a biting (and sometimes resigned) edge.
This album is the third Chords UK release, and ranks happily alongside previous (plus the 3 solo Chris Pope albums), and contains many songs that are likely to become mainstays of live outings.
"Listen To The Radio", "Last Great Rock Star" and "Hey Kids Come The Revolution" fire open proceedings with a burst of 60s RnB meets Punk meets Power Pop (I'm being constrictive there, the music is a wider church than I'm suggesting).
"Down And Out In New York City" has an autobiographical edge recounting the final days of The Chords, before the reflective and rousing closer "Great Expectations".
"Keep Calm & Carry On" is sage advice, so I'll keep calm and carry on listening to this album.

Len Price 3 - Ip Dip Do

Similarly, the Mod tag may not be 100% true for Len Price 3, but again it just fits.  They blend 60s Garage, The Who, Psychedelia, The Clash, The Ramones, and a short, sharp kick and lush, infectious melodies.
The songs are there for listening to and being entertained by - not for looking deeper for a message.  Some of the titles are worth the entry fee alone - "Chav Squad", "Mr Spongs Miraculous Leap", "Billy The Quid", "Raven At My Window" - and then the songwriting and playing delivers on the top.
Seven albums in and the quality and energy remains at the highest level.  It might all be over in just half an hour which gives enough normal listening time to play it again ... and again, and again.

Block 33 - The Day The World Stood Still

New boys Block 33 are still waiting to play their showpiece debut album launch gig at the 100 Club.  The debut album came out just as the world went into lockdown, meaning the launch gig was delayed to MAy 2021, and then further delayed until after the release of their second album.
Annoying, but now they've got an even bigger set of songs to draw on, and these new ones are every bit as vital as their charged debut.
Take all them lazy references above, and add a bit of Oasis-ish Britpop and a touch of Arctic Monkeys into the mix, and Mod (and Block 33 definitely identify as Mods) is in rude health.
From instrumental opener "Battle Cry" through "Better Tell The Devil", "Away Day, "Broken By Design" and "Changes" the energy and commitment rarely subsides.  And this is tempered by a change of pace in tracks like "The Devils Silhouette" and "Escape Route".  On first hearing, lead single "The Girl In The Yellow Jackie Dress" is ripe for 6Music - I have let Steve Lamacq know on their behalf (but he never replies)

In summary, if there was a festival bill featuring those 3 (ModFest?) alongside From The Jam, Ocean Colour Scene, Secret Affair and The Purple Hearts, then I would be (to misuse a similie) as happy as Jimmy.

Chris Pope & The Chords UK - Keep Calm And Carry On

Len Price 3 - She Came From Out Of The Sun

Block 33 - The Girl In The Yellow Jackie Dress

Mattiel - Georgia Gothic

This is the third Mattiel album, and the first where Mattiel Brown and Jonah Swiller have directly collaborated face-to-face in building a  collection of 11 songs.  And that collaboration has added more diversity and experimentation into the mix, where before they were perhaps aiming for a template or soundscape or atomosphere.
And it is the diversity of influence and delivery that wins for this record.  At times introspective, the next moment is joyous and bristling with a euphoric pop-ish sheen.

Retro garage sound takes (slight) a back seat in favour of broader styles including Country and Spaghetti Western moments - both of which showcase Mattiel's vocal abilities.
Too simplistic perhaps - there are many influences going on in here, and not always easy to divine.  But combined together it just seems to weave into a very fine whole.

And continuing to be simplistic, it's a bit like Siouxsie Sioux meets Goldrapp with bit of First Aid Kit and Ennio Morricone thrown in for good measure.

"Jeff Golblum" stomps along like a Glam Infused Indie Rocker, "On The Run" drips with Country, and "Lighthouse" is infectious euphoric pop with a massive hook of a chorus - and that's just the first three tracks.
Admittedly not everything works - "Wheels Fall Off" sounds like the wheels might be falling off, and I'm not sure if "Subterranean Shut In Blues" is an update/re-write of (can you guess which Dylan track?) "Subterranean Homesick Blues", or what it's trying to achieve.  Nice enough, but for me (based on 3 listens) not essential.
In spite of that, there are enough varying style highs to warrant repeated listening and repeated enjoyment - pick of the other tracks are the brooding "Blood In The Yolk" and the psychedelicy "You Can Have It All" which most definitely are essential listening.

Lighthouse

You Can Have It All

Blood In The Yolk

Bryan Ferry - Dylanesque

The first few Bob Dylan songs I heard were probably "Mr Tambourine Man" by The Byrds, "This Wheels On Fire" by Julie Driscoll and Brian Auger, "The Mighty Quinn" by Manfred Mann, "Knocking On Heaven's Door" by Eric Clapton, "All Along The Watchtower" by Jimi Hendrix, and "A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall" by Roxy Music.
Thing is, I didn't register these as Bob Dylan songs until a bit later.  I liked the songs, and others I'd hear with the writers name of "Dylan", but never really felt the need to dig in further.
The first Bob Dylan album I bought was 'Greatest Hits' - a CBS Nice Price re-issue of the 1967 album.

The Dylan Door opened and I stepped through.  One of the first purchases was 'Blonde On Blonde' - which may not have been a great place to start as I stepped out of the door again.
Over time though, more Dylan albums have arrived and over time been greatly enjoyed - they seem to worm there way in, rather than give an instant hit.  Still not sure about 'Blondes On Blonde' though.

Much as I like the collected works of Mr Zimmerman, I can't help thinking that the works of Dylan may be more palatable when delivered by other voices.
(although I've never found better versions of "Tangled Up In Blue" or "Shelter From The Storm" than the originals on 'Blood On The Tracks').

Bryan Ferry takes that (personal) truism, and delivers an album of 11 tracks in familiar surroundings, but different enough to go "yup, that's a cracking version".  The histrionics of Roxy Music's "A Hard Rains Gonna Fall" are stripped away, and the track choices are delivered with a certain Ferry-ish Lounge Lizard, Velvet lapels, Dinner Suited chic.

It may not be challenging,and you the listener may think "The Byrds did that better", "nah .. the Jimi Hendrix version is definitive", "I still prefer the Sisters Of Mercy version" (OK, not everyone will agree with that last one).
But what Bryan Ferry does it not try to top previous versions, merely add to the legend (of possibly both himself and Bob Dylan).

In summary:

• If you like Bob Dylan than you'll probably enjoy the album to hear these songs rendered in a new way.
• If you only have a passing acquaintance with Bob Dylan, then this album acts as a way in to some of the perhaps lesser known works.
• If you don't like Bob Dylan, but want some un-challenging background soundtrack for whatever un-challenging activity you are doing, then this album might just fit the bill

The Times They Are A Changing

Knockin On Heavens Door

Positively 4th Street

Hmmm ... I wonder if there a series to be had here - The Covers Album Project

Yard Act - The Overload

 After a couple of single releases in 2020, and then a couple more in 2021, Yard Act release their debut album.  And there's a lot stuffed into the 37 minutes.

From the start "spiky Post Punk" is a catch-all description - yet does no favours in explaining the breadth of sounds and influence on display.
It's easy to roll out the comparisons - The Fall, Sleaford Mods, even a touch of Parquet Courts due to the melange of styles on offer.  And despite being from Leeds, there's a certain Nigel Blackwell-esque Half Man Half Biscuit tone to the part spoken/part sung (spung?) vocal delivery and lyrical content.
And in a world of reductive comparisons (maybe more in tone and attitude, than sound), I'll also cite another Leeds band who arrived with a seemingly fully formed debut album - The Kaiser Chiefs
But all those (and more) are bound together to become Yard Act.

Whilst there may be a lot going on in some of tracks, it all works and the album is full of confidence, much humour, even a bit of social comment, and a couple of deeply burying ear-worms.

I may only have one new album so far with a 2022 date stamp (this one) so I can confidently say that at this moment it is the Album Of The Year.  In 12 months time though ... I'm sure it will still be up there, if only for containing the perfectly observed rhyming couplet (in response to Brexit):

Are you seriously still trying to kid me, that our culture will be just fine.  When all that's left is knobheads morris dancing to Sham 69?

The Overload

Payday

Tall Poppies

Human League - Dare

 All this pandemic malarkey has got in the way of some landmark anniveraries.
Not least this one - the 40th Anniversary of Human League's 'Dare'.

At the start of 1981, the Human League were basically on their arse.  Half the band had left, the remaining members had a microphone stand and a slide projector between them, and they were seriously in debt.  Despite high hopes, the early Human League singles - much to Phil Oakey's confusion - had failed to garner commercial success.

Working on the principle that a great pop band has 2 female singers, 2 dancers were recruited from a Sheffield nightclub, and the Tour was fulfilled (maybe not as intended, but fulfilled nonetheless).

Now the re-birth began - the avant-garde stylings of the past were stripped back (although maybe not removed completely), and a pure pop sheen added in the pursuit of commercial success.

Virgin Records kept the faith (and continued financial support) and the breakthrough came with the single "The Sound Of The Crowd".  This was followed by the Top 10 "Love Action".  Off the back of his production work on those couple of singles, The Human League hunkered down with Martin Rushent to create, assemble, and record the album.

What came out was an almost perfect mix of synth-pop, nightclub, and a little bit of avant-garde/Kraftwerk-y brooding from the immediate past.
Oh, and another hit single - "Open Your Heart" to add to the mix

"The Things That Dreams Are Made Of" opens the album pointing clearly to a new start, and what is to come over the next 40 minutes.  "Open Your Heart" jacks up the pop quotient, with Phil Oakey's almost anguished vocals at the top of his range.
Much of the accessibility of 'Dare' is the detailed song construction, lyrics veering to the almost wordy and arty, and the relatively simple memorable tunes.  It's a synthesiser album played by pop folk who are not synth geeks (in perhaps the way original members Martyn Ware and Ian Craig-Marsh were).
An album tooled for the night-club, and as the say in "Sound Of The Crowd" - "dance around!", but also with a touch of menace about it (maybe it's the way Phil intones the lyrics, but there are at times a feeling of confrontation).
There is one cover version - the theme to the film "Get Carter" fits the tone of the album as showing the different facets and moods of the band.  Singles were given a Red or Blue deignation identifying if they were dancefloor ready (Red) or straight pop songs (Blue).  There are elements of 'Dare' ("Get Carter" being one of them, but also "Darkness", "I Am The Law" and "Seconds" which should probably have a Black (or Dark Grey) marker.

It's another of those "witness the 80s being born" moments - and the production from Martin Rushent is a big factor here - his studio was one of the most tooled up at the time.
It says a lot about Virgin Records support of the band to give them a chance to come back from the brink of implosion, and their support to pair them with a producer and studio of some renown.

And the return on Virgin's investment was handsomely rewarded when a single lifted from the album (which originally had no place on the album, and under compromise was tacked on the end of Side 2) sold in droves to become the Christmas Number One.

That single - "Don't You Want Me" - became Human League's signature (and probably millstone around their neck).  It would eventually sell over a million copies, and that success gave new life to Human League's old work (the album 'Reproduction' and 'Travelogue' started to actually sell, and their first single ('Being Boiled' (from 1979)) crept into the Top 10 in early 1982.

Not content with the continuing sales of 'Dare', producer Martin Rushent took the tapes back into the studio.  Tapes were cut and re-spliced, echo and other effects added, vocals stripped, and one of the first re-mix albums was thrown to a ravenous market.
'Love And Dancing' was released under the name The League Unlimited Orchestra, and was retailed at a lower price to ensure fans were not ripped off by buying (nearly) the same songs twice.

If 'Dare' is an essential album (which I think it is), then 'Love And Dancing' is the perfect compliment. 

The Human League stayed on a high with the release of their next single "Mirror Man". and nearly scored a second Christmas Number One.  "Keep Feeling Fascination" followed it to the higher reaches of the chart, but a new album had to wait until Spring 1984.  It sold well, but the departure of Martin Rushent was noticeable in sound presentation, and the sheer time between album releases (despite continuing sales of 'Dare'), did seem to damage their popularity.
Phil Oakey scored a solo success with "Together In Electric Dreams" in late 1984, and the Human League looked to be in hiatus (either chosen or enforced?).
They did return in 1986 with 'Human' and scored a US Number one, but despite a couple of further albums the bands trajectory was turning downwards towards the 80s nostalgia circuit.

'Dare' remains their high watermark, a synth-pop album that ranks alongside other greats, both in terms of sales and influence.

The Things That Dreams Are Made Of

Open You Heart

Don't You Want Me (from 'Love And Dancing')

Paolo Hewitt: Paul Weller - The Changingman

The story of The Jam is probably best told by Paolo Hewitt's 1983 book A Beat Concerto.
The book that appeared 9 months after 23 year old Paul Weller decided to break-up the biggest band in Britain, after 5 years, 18 Top 40 singles, and 5 albums.
And the book is a real "access all areas" affair - Paolo's relationship with Paul Weller ensured he was there for the major events, and had Paul's ear if any gaps needed filling whilst penning the tome.

However, if I'm being critical (which I am at the moment) the story of The Jam told here is really the story of Paul Weller whilst he was in The Jam.
Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler are mentioned, but were not interviewed during the writing, and I'm not sure actually had sight of the draft, or final sign-off of the book.

This fact is mentioned in Alex Ogg's Foxton & Buckler: Our Story book, which also has little time for Paolo Hewitt - who effectively excluded them from A Beat Concerto, the 'Snap!' compilation, and the 'Extras' compilation - and finishes with the line: "There were 3 people in The Jam, and 2 of them weren't Paul Weller (or Paolo Hewitt)"

Bruce Foxton has not published an autobiography, but is busy delivering his life story from a stage near you in From The Jam (even if it is something of an oddity to have an original member appearing in his own tribute band.  Then again, it just adds weight to the performance).
Rick Buckler has published his autobiography a couple of years ago - That's Entertainment.  It's not a bad book by any means, giving some pre-Jam background for Rick, but doesn't really add anything to the known story, relying on well told anecdotes and stories, plus one can detect a little bitterness sneaking through.

There is no official Paul Weller biography or autobiography - the nearest I think you can get is the Into Tomorrow DVD (which is not easily available), The Style Council: Long Hut Summers, and About The Young Idea (the film from the 2015 archive exhibition, which now supplants A Beat Concerto as the definitive telling of the story).
Paul Weller is not one for opening up and sharing his life (and why should he?) so Paolo Hewitt's biog is as close as we can get.

The book opens with the line: "Paul Weller and I were friends for over 30 years.  We're not anymore."
Now I have no doubt about his past relationship with Paul Weller, the access granted, the moments shared, and the mutual respect and tolerance of mood that exists between friends.
But opening a biography with that phrase does seem a bit odd.
As I understand it (specific details are scant), it was the decision to write and publish this book - including some perhaps guarded details and/or embellishments - that drove the wedge between the two.
That opening line also gives the concern that the book is a "kiss and tell" or a running down of the subject in a fit of revenge (or something).

I'm pleased to report it's neither of those things, but I do feel Paolo Hewitt has overplayed his part in the story.  And rather than a factual(ish) biography, it comes over like Hewitt's memoir titled "My Life With Paul Weller"

Two particular passages inspire this belief:

1.  When he is called to Paul Weller's room on the last Jam tour.  Weller is having doubts about The Jam's future and Paolo puts it into perspective:
"I told him I didn't think The Jam would last.  My reasoning was clear: 'The Gift' had proved that he would need an urgent overhaul if he was to follow his dream of making The Jam a soulful agit-prop band.  Something had to give."
2. When The Style Council have disbanded, and in the middle of his first solo outings, Weller expresses concern about his own abilities as a songwriter.  Again, Paolo gives him a pep talk and together they map out his immediate solo future.
"Paul was going through a crisis.  One afternoon he sat in my hotel room and said "I don't think I'm an artist".  I said: "how can you not be an artist.  Look at the musical journey you've been on, the songs you've written, how much you've changed.  You can't do that if you're not an artist"

It was at this point I was half-expecting him to say: "... and then I picked up Paul's acoustic guitar and played him the descending arpeggio chord pattern of "Sunflower" and "The Changingman" riff"

These conversations may have happened (well, not the last one), but I doubt in the detail given, and I also doubt a man of singular vision and belief such as Paul Weller would've needed his career to date summarized and forward planned by anybody but himself (and maybe his old man and manager, John Weller)

That said, it ain't a bad canter through Paul Weller's life story - all early touchstones visited, the rise Of The Jam, the (unwanted) title of Spokesman For A Generation, the decision to start The Style Council, the politically charged Red Wedge days, the opportunity to explore/experiment as much as he could (Polydor were tolerant for a while, but as sales dwindled, the freedoms reined in and the relationship eventually severed), and then onto his ever-changing solo career (up to 'As Is Now' when their ways parted).

Each chapter is framed against a particular song.  This gives a flow and point of reference showing the man in question at a given point - his feelings at the time, concerns, influences, relationships, and at times offering pointers to what came next.
Sometimes the song choice is relevant.  Other times it just seems to be a device to introduce another "Me and Paul ..." anecdote.
As said above, I have no reason to doubt the events shared and it's not a hatchet job (as it could've been after the severing of relations).  But I do think it paints Paul Weller as possibly more difficult and grumpy than he actually is.  Certainly in many interviews that can be apparent, and the book also mentions his great humorous streak ("Are you happy still being called the spokesman for a generation?"  "Don't do it so much now - Weekends only"), but there must've been at least the equal good mood vs bad mood moments in their time together?  It seems not, Paul Weller was mostly in a bad mood.

In summary, as a biography goes I just wish there was more factual detail, but this book serves as an insight to the character and artistry of Paul Weller (albeit from a potentially myopic source).
I don't doubt it's assembly and publication was easy for Paolo Hewitt, particularly as it happened whilst one of his oldest friendships was coming to and end.  And despite all my (apparent) criticisms, I thank him for sharing his story and relationship.
It's doubtful Paul Weller will have a desire to publish an autobiography - he has never felt the need to explain his actions or court publicity and examination of his private life.  And until / if there is ever an Authorised biography, this book is as close to understanding Paul Weller as we're likely to get.
But it does do that "thing" that all good biographies do - make you go back and listen to the music again.  I'm still not totally convinced, but I have been enjoyed digging into The Style Council stuff which remained an unfloated boat for a long long time.
(Bonus Recommendation: the documentary Long Hot Summers: The Story Of The Style Council is worth a look too - it was another 90 minutes that re-piqued my interest in things Style Council-y)

The Jam - That's Entertainment

Style Council - Walls Come Tumbling Down

Paul Weller - Uh Huh Oh Yeh

Charmed Life - The Best Of The Divine Comedy

If someone were to ask (and it might happen) "where does one start with The Divine Comedy?".
My answer would be: start with 'Absent Friends', then jump back to 'Casanova', and then get the rest in any order.

But now the release of this compilation short-circuits that (a bit) - 23 Neil Hannon curated tracks, plus (as is usual with Best Of compos these days) one new track ("The Best Mistakes").

My answer would now be: start with this compilation ... and then get 'Absent Friends', jump back 'Casanova', and then get the rest in any order.

I only have 2 minor quibbles with the set:

1. it's not in chronological order (but as it was chosen, and no doubt sequenced, by Neil Hannon who am I to complain)
2. the absence of "The Pop Singer's Fear Of The Pollen Count" (but I'm sure there are others who will bemoan their own favourite not being here)

But the content here far outweighs any minor quibbles (or the non-appearance of "My Lovely Horse").
From the breakthrough single "Something For The Weekend", through the never over-played or unwelcome "National Express" to the latter day masterpiece "Norman and Norma" this set drips with some of the finest baroque-pop with intelligent lyrics, wry observations, knowing references, no little humour, and character songs that are introduced, inhabited, and resolved inside 3 minutes.

Charmed Life?  Possibly.  According to Neil Hannon himself:

“I’ve been luckier than most.  I get to sing songs to people for a living, and they almost always applaud! So when asked what to call this collection, I thought of ‘Charmed Life’. I like the song and it rather sums up how I feel about my life.”

If you know the world of The Divine Comedy, then this album satisfies allowing access to the best stuff without changing several CDs.
If you're new to the world of The Divine Comedy - here's your chance to jump in.  What are you waiting for?

"The Best Mistakes"

"Absent Friends"

"National Express"