Paul Weller
Artist of the Day
What? Even at 50 years old, Brit rock'n' roll icon Paul Weller hasn't missed a stride and will release his ninth solo album, 22 Dreams, next week and offer 21 tracks of throaty melodies, Kinks-inspired retro riffs, and sunny brass and keys from the album's title track to its closer, "Night Lights." And for us wee mortals, Weller's rock majesty delivers plenty of spoils: Oasis' Noel Gallagher nabs co-writing credits on first single "Echoes Round the Sun," while Blur's Graham Coxon joins on "Black River." However, Weller's sophisticated retro-Motown edge arrives complete in the ringing riffs, gospel-like chorus, and dark-yet-upbeat keys of "Have You Made Up Your Mind."
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>>The Jam Reform Without Weller
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Who? Often dubbed "the Modfather," Paul Weller formed and fronted now legendary outfit the Jam in 1970s England. Channeling the band's soulfully punkish vibe, Weller formed a second band, Style Council, in 1983 before striking out on his own. And ever since, he has maintained his influence with a highly regarded solo career. From 1993's introspective Wild Wood -- recorded entirely in an English countryside studio -- to the rawer Stanley Road, up through his chart-topping Heavy Soul, Weller has given the Britpop movement a charming, mature edge.
Fun Fact: Weller is no stranger to collaborating with other musicians, and 22 Dreams delivers his most daring partnerships yet: "God," a tune featuring only spoken word, is voiced by Aziz Ibrahim, former guitarist for Britpop icons the Stone Roses.
Now Watch This: Paul Weller's music video for "Echoes Round the Sun"
