From second generation mod god to Gordon Lightfoot covers in a third of a century is some journey. Eschewing the mighty Kinks-Who-Small Faces triumvirate of his fandom, Weller tackles “All Along The Watchtower”, “Close To You”, “Wishing On A Star” in that familiar, and increasingly limited, growl of his while chewing imaginary gum just like John Lennon. The band are accomplished, the audience more reverential than these workmanlike interpretations deserve. Inside every modfather there’s a trad rocker dying to get out.
(RC)
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