Was just passing by, but I have to say that I was totally shocked to see that this "opinion" on PW's latest release was posted over a month ago ... and not one soul has yet to comment on it. With all due respect, Mr. Marchese:

You're joking? Right??

Weller's consistently solid output over a tumultuous 30+ year career (particularly his solo efforts) have earned him the right not to have his latest work "sloughed off" by a hastily written, one paragraph summation ... and like the "heftiest" of meals, this sprawling, eclectic journey takes time to digest and needs to be approached in small bites (i.e., you have to listen to it more than ONCE before even beginning to form an "opinion"). My appreciation for PW's track record of artistic integrity and steadfast dedication to continue following his "muse" (while his peers clamor for a spot on the Reunion Bandwagon to "cash in" on past work) beckons me to post a more elaborate "take" on the album (masterpiece??).

Paul Weller "22 Dreams" (Yep Roc) ****1/2

While 22 Dreams may not be as immediately accessible as most of Paul Weller's prior work and might intially pose a challenge for even his staunchest "loyalists," you only need give it a little time to work its magic as repeated listens will eventually uncover the subtle, yet complex nature of its brilliance and signifance. Though you would probably have to be familiar with Weller's chameleon-like tendencies in order to fully appreciate 22 Dreams, the album reveals alluring insight into the well from which Weller draws as he graciously pays homage to the artists and music that have influenced him throughout his "journey" ... then channels them through his own musical sensibilities to provide us with a potpourri of tunes that unmistakably bear his original stamp.

I'll avoid biased and idiosyncratic track highlights and simply say that 22 Dreams is unlike any other Weller album in that it takes unexpected forays and pleasant interludes off the "main road." It's a road trip that stands as a metaphor for "seasons," both of nature and of life. All you need do is just sit back and hand over the wheel. By the time he guides you back to the main road on "Sea Spray" and completes the journey with a pint (or a cup of tea) on "Night Lights," you're ready to begin all over again to see (or, in this case, hear) what you may have missed.

Here's yet another "opinion" on 22 Dreams, courtesy of Steve Erlewine at AllMusic.com:

" ...more listens reveal just how finely textured and woven this tapestry is ... 22 Dreams is really unlike any of Weller's other albums, as it's rich in sound and feeling, possessing a shimmering dreamy quality. It's an album to get lost in."

When Dizzy Gillespie was once asked about his approach to making music, he offhandedly replied: "You have to have one foot in the past and one foot in the future." In 2008, at age 50, Weller has done just that in what could perhaps be the most significant album in his already legendary canon. I guess that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder, although most things that we grow to treasure are usually not immediately apparent--they need to be handled "With Time and Temperance."

And, if perchance, there happens to be a vacancy, I'd be honored to humbly kneel alongside The Modfather at his "altar of craft."

Peace.