Paul Weller - Wild Wood - Deluxe Edition

The 1993 release of Wild Wood single handedly changed Weller's persona. No longer was he only 'Paul Weller of The Jam/Style Council', now he was the larger than life 'Modfather,' the patriarch of Britpop, championed by groups like Oasis and all things hip. Led by a renewed creative spark and expanded influences including Nick Drake, Traffic and even Crosby, Stills & Nash, Weller produced, according to Q Magazine, a 'pastoral coming of age masterpiece.' Wild Wood single-handedly defined Weller as a solo artist while simultaneously wrenching British rock from the grips of techno in the UK and the imposing influence of grunge from the west. This Deluxe Edition reissue includes a 32-page booklet with extensive new liner notes by Lois Wilson, including brand new interviews with Weller and others. Musically, there is an expanse of bonus material including b sides, demos, BBC session versions and unreleased tracks reinforcing the fact that Wild Wood, as Uncut Magazine put it, '...made the Modfather, and changed British rock.' Product Description

The definitive release of Wild Wood, thank you UMG UK and Yep Rock!!!

I bought the UK release prior to Yep Rock release in the US; same mastering and similar packaging. Soooo, what's to say? Top-notch remastering, B-side and demo bonus tracks up the wazoo, well written booklet with great photos... this is the one to get! Too bad Yep Rock didn't see fit to release the previously done UK deluxe version of Stanley Road (equally well done) as well. July 23, 2008

I'd go to the ends of the earth for this edition

"Wild Wood" is definitely thicker, earthier, and groovier than Weller's solo debut. Though he's had some excellent albums later, nothing compares to the energy of "Wild Wood." By getting the regular edition of the album, one can experience this, but the real treat is in the b-sides and rarities. I remember him performing "Ends of the Earth" during a show back in 1993, so hearing it on Side One definitely places it in its musical context. Weller's demos on the second disc are also worth checking out. Even if you have the previous edition, this one won't disappoint. June 12, 2008

Yes you need it.

Wondering if you really need it? So was I as I already had several copies of the original in different formats. The re-mastered disc is worth the price alone in my opinion, sounds much better to my ears. You also get the usual demos etc.. but these are only so-so IMHO. But as I said, the re-mastering is the key ingrediant here. If you have good equipment to play it on and take the time to really listen I think you will love it. If your'e satisfied with the sound of MP3s and ipods with crappy earbuds and already own a copy of Wildwood, then the extra expense may not be worth it. But please, take the earbuds out and do some critical listening! Hope this helps. April 7, 2008

The Modfather's Triumphant Return to Form

In the 1980's, Paul Weller went from being lionized to being loathed by the British musical press. 1993's "Wildwood" was the comeback that all of his fans wanted and the final nail in the coffin of doubt that anyone may
have had abput his ability. This remastered and expanded version captures the glory and passion of his greatest work. March 24, 2008

Wild Wood deluxe edition

As well as all the songs from Wild Wood, you get bonus tracks "Hung Up" , "Magic Bus", "Ends of the Earth", "This is no time (live)" , "Another new day", "The Loved", and a Wild Wood remix.
And that's just on disk 1.
Disk 2 has demo versions and several previously unreleased tracks.
They come in foldout cardboard packaging, with a silhouette photo of Paul Weller on the front.
Enjoy. March 5, 2008

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