Heliocentric [Import]

Paul Weller | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 9, 2000)
• Original Release Date: 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Ume Imports
• ASIN: B00004SD3C
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #186,469 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Japanese version of 2000 release from ex-Jam frontman with an earlier release and 2 unlisted bonus tracks, one up-beatinstrumental track & a cover of the old Cher hit 'Bang Bang'. 12 tracks in all including 'He's The Keeper'. Standard jewelcase. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The best album you haven't heard, May 19, 2000

By 

Kevin Sedelmeier (Louisville, KY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Heliocentric (Audio CD)

As someone who owns all domestic (and nearly all import) Jam, Style Council, and solo music Paul Weller has done, I'm probably not the best person to give an objective review of Heliocentric. That being said, his latest release is the best of his nine year solo career.

It is a record that grows on you. There's a lot that's going on on this record. It's so intricate that it deserves a few listens. It's reminiscent of Beatles recordings, or more recently, layered pop outings like Wilco's Summerteeth. The string arrangements are wonderful, and Weller's talent for melody is in tact throughout.

"Freightened," "With Time and Temperance," and "Love-Less" are all standouts. In fact, "Love-Less" sounds Style Council-esque. This may be the best song you will hear in 2000, period. It soars. His guitar in "There's No Drinking After You're Dead" sounds downright Jam-like. Add to it a unique and powerful orchestral backing, and you've got a song that sounds like nothing else currently in record stores.

The lilt of "Dust and Rocks"; the hummability of "A Whale's Tale"; it's all here. If there are old Jam fans who can't get over the fact that he's no longer in a power trio and won't listen to this new release then it is surely their loss. The angry teenager of The Jam is now a 42-year-old father, coming to grips with middle-age and responsibility. Now he's able to write a catchy, unpretentious song for his daughter "Sweat Pea, My Sweet Pea."

In this music world of slick dance moves and image calculation, I can only hope that Weller gets his due here in America. There are certain artists who's work is innately passionate (i.e. Bruce Springsteen.) Paul Weller is one of those people. When it is released in the US, professional critics will agree with me that this record deserves all the accolades it will receive.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Weller comes full circle with Heliocentric, May 15, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Heliocentric (Audio CD)

I've been a long time Weller listener (through ALL the Jam, Style Council and Weller LPs) and I have to say that I've been pretty dissapointed by his last previous "solo" efforts (yes, even the over-hyped Stanley Road). That said, Heliocentric is absolutely BRILLIANT. Without question, Weller's best effort to date. Full of wonderful melodies and catchy hooks, Heliocentric is impossible not to like. It's reminiscent is some ways of Paul McCartney's "Ram." Heliocentric offers moments of the Jam, the Style Council and Weller solo, all mixed up and served in a brand new way. Paul hasn't been this melodically ambitious since the Style Council; this is GREAT listening. There's even a liner credit for Chris Difford of Squeeze (wonder what part he played in this gem?). Who says Weller is a modernist? This is an excellent album and a MUST HAVE for any Paul Weller fan.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Heliocentric" is my favorite Paul Weller album of them all..., October 5, 2005

By 

C. Hibler "MasterPlan" (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Heliocentric (Audio CD)

I've thought about this album and review quite a bit and feel compelled to just say that this is what I consider to be Paul Weller's finest moment. Period. I've read reviews where people didn't connect with "Heliocentric" or thought he lost a step or whatever. I just don't get it. The melodies on this album and just fantastic and the vibe it produces as a whole is just so comfortable. Maybe it's just where I'm at in life now that I'm 38...I don't know. I don't feel compelled to always need loud, thrashin' energy in my music music like I did as a youth. Now, I find myself playing music that enhances (or changes) my moods more and more. This album does that every time. From the moment I bought "Heliocentric" five years ago to this day it has never left my car's CD changer (6-discs...). I have listened to this album from start to finish too many times to count and just absolutely dig the sound and vibe it produces.

I also appreciate the Style Council more and more, so maybe that tells where where I'm coming from. I have to say, that if you are reading this review, then you are contemplating buying this record. Just do it. You will dig it. I promise. Paul departs from much of his typical style and really kind of goes back and digs up somewhat of a '60's vibe that plays like a theme from start to finish. I'm not crazy about "There's No Drinking...," but even it has a place on here. I prefer tracks such as "With Time and Temperence," "Dust and Rocks," as well as "Out of the Fire," and on and on.

That's more than anough out of me. Yeah, this review is all over the map. What I'm trying to say is: I love this album and I just can't understand how anyone who is a fan of Weller doesn't see this album as an incredible effort, if not his all-time best. (by the way, his first solo album is also unreal and has aged like a fine wine....you gotta buy that one, too!).