Latest Press Release
PAUL WELLER – ON SUNSET – NEW ALBUM RELEASED JULY 3rd on POLYDOR RECORDS
With a creative peak that continues to shoot skyward, Paul Weller releases his 15th studio album “On Sunset” on July 3rd on Polydor Records.
On Sunset features ten classic yet modern Paul Weller songs. On Sunset is a soul album. At the same time it’s also an electronic album, an orchestral album, an album packed with masterly pop songs and heart-tugging ballads, and an album filled with touches of experimentalism. It’s also an album that sees Weller taking a rare glance into the rear-view mirror as he speeds into the 2020s.
Weller started work on “On Sunset” soon after finishing 2018’s masterpiece “True Meanings”. Opening track “Mirror Ball” was from the TM sessions and originally slated as a b-side. Thankfully it was rescued for On Sunset as it’s shimmering opener.
As ever, Weller retains a rigorous forward-looking focus when it comes to seeking out the best contemporary sounds and music. But lyrically, Weller – back on his old home, Polydor Records for the first time since the Style Council days – is also starting to look back on the past with the insight of age especially on songs like “Old Father Thyme”.
Most of the album sees Weller multi-tasking on various instruments with accompaniment from his regular band – Ben Gordelier appears on all tracks and Andy Crofts on most whilst Steve Cradock pops up with his guitar on 4 songs. An eclectic and sometimes surprising gathering of guests appear on On Sunset including Slade’s Jim Lea contributing violin to the Bonzos-esque “Equanimity”, and Paul’s old Style Council chum Mick Talbot adds his signature Hammond Organ sound to 3 tracks. The beautifully lush “More” features a verse sung by French singer Julie Gros, from the band Le Superhomard (whose album Meadow Lane Park was one of Weller’s favourites of 2019) as well as the return of The Strype’s guitarist Josh McClorey. English folk trio The Staves contribute backing vocals for 3 tracks. Once again Hannah Peel sprinkles her magic over the album with string arrangements and The Paraorchestra were invited to add their expertise to 4 tracks.
Track-listing:
MIRROR BALL / BAPTISTE / OLD FATHER THYME / VILLAGE / MORE / ON SUNSET / EQUANIMITY / WALKIN’ / EARTH BEAT / ROCKETS.
Written and recorded at de facto HQ, Black Barn Studios in Surrey, On Sunset was produced by Jan “Stan” Kybert and Paul himself with help from Charles Rees. String arrangements by Hannah Peel.
As well as digitally, the album is released on CD , Deluxe CD (includes extra tracks), double gatefold vinyl, coloured vinyl and good old-school cassette.
Paul will be ( hopefully ) touring in Autumn. Dates are:
SUN Oct-25 BELFAST ULSTER HALL
MON Oct 26 DUBLIN OLYMPIA
THU Oct-29 PLYMOUTH PAVILION
FRI Oct-30 SOUTHAMPTON GUILDHALL
SAT Oct-31 BRIGHTON CENTRE
MON Nov-02 HULL BONUS ARENA
TUES Nov-03 YORK BARBICAN
THU Nov-05 LEICESTER DE MONTFORT HALL
FRI Nov-06 LEICESTER DE MONTFORT HALL
SAT Nov-07 BLACKBURN KING GEORGE’S HALL
MON Nov-09 CARLISLE SANDS CENTRE
TUES Nov-10 MANCHESTER APOLLO
THU Nov-12 DUNDEE CAIRD HALL
FRI Nov-13 NEWCASTLE CITY HALL
SAT Nov-14 NEWCASTLE CITY HALL
MON Nov-16 EDINBURGH USHER HALL
TUES Nov-17 BRADFORD ST GEORGE’S HALL
THU Nov-19 LONDON BRIXTON ACADEMY
FRI Nov-20 O2 KENTISH TOWN FORUM
SAT Nov-21 02 KENTISH TOWN FORUM
--
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." - George Best --- Dienstags und donnerstags, ab 20 Uhr, samstags ab 20.30 Uhr: Radio StoneFM