Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #106409 in Books
• Published on: 2007-09-06
• Binding: Hardcover
• 256 pages

Synopsis
Weller first burst onto the national music scene in 1977 with his first band, The Jam and 2007 heralds their 30 year anniversary. Their single "In The City" took the band into the UK Top 40 for the first time in May 1977. In 1980 The Jam hit number one for the first time with what many believe to be the definitive Paul Weller song, "Going Underground", which was to become in effect the band's signature tune.By the early 1980s, The Jam had become possibly the biggest band in Britain. They became the only band other than The Beatles to perform two songs ("Town Called Malice" and "Precious") on one edition of Top of the Pops (the feat would later also be equalled by Oasis and Manic Street Preachers) At the beginning of 1983 Weller formed a new group called The Style Council, a band at the vanguard of the jazz/pop revival. Weller successfully joined the 'Britpop' movement that gave rise to such bands as Oasis and Blur. Oasis in particular cited being heavily influenced by The Jam. Fans and critics hail Paul's 1994 album "Wild Wood" as one of his finest.

The number one selling 1995 album "Stanley Road" took Paul back to the top of the British charts, and went on to become the best selling album of his career. The album was named after the street in Woking where he had grown up.

From the Inside Flap
It's been thirty years since Paul Weller and The Jam first burst onto the British music scene, and throughout that time the music and lyrics that have been acclaimed, imitated and loved by so many have revealed to us all, something of the man behind them.

In this the only selection of Weller's lyrics, may be found those songs that span the decades - from the much loved, to the lesser known.Here, the frustration and boredom of suburban life that fuelled Weller's early writing is palpable and so too is the raging but poignant response to Thatcher's Britain. Alongside this Weller's lyrics, rooted in British culture, tell a story about the love and lives of ordinary people, and offer glimpses into Weller's own life: his influences and experiences and loves and losses.

From modfather and social commentator to king of Britpop and romantic lyricist, Paul Weller reflects back on his lyrics, revealing what these songs meant to him - both then and now.

About the Author
Paul Weller was born John William Weller on 25 May 1958, Woking, Surrey. Paul was the leader and creator behind the formation of two highly successful bands, The Jam and The Style Council. Paul launched himself as a solo artist in 1992 with his self titled solo album.

Customer Reviews

This sat on my shelf for ages...
I finally picked it up over the weekend and finished it really quickly. I always loved Weller, but this book gave me a new insight and even greater respect for his work as a songwriter. If you are a musician, as I am, you should read this book as Paul Weller's craftsmanship is awesome and inspiring. If you're a fan - or even if you're looking for some beautiful words about England (past and present) - then you should pick this up. Your admiration for Weller's work will I'm sure grow as mine did.

Welleresque4
It takes a truly great lyricist to produce a book of lyrics that reads well. Weller is and this does.

Having followed his career throughout, how many can honestly say that, I really enjoyed sitting and reading his lyrics. My problems with this collection are that in typical Weller fashion his comments are terse and almost teasing in their brevity. Where he does offer insights into the muse for his lyrics it is enlightening - however it does leave you wanting more.

Perhaps I am being over demanding on our taciturn hero, his song always did do his talking, it's all here, angry railing against society, tender love ballads and all points in between.

A pleasant read, and I for one am glad that he hasn't opted for a coffee table tome such as Springsteen outstanding and conceptually similar Tracks.