When Paul Weller released "Orchestrated Songbook" at the tail end of 2021, my first thought was, "Who needs this?" The preorder price for the LPs was too expensive and I was just turned off by it all. But last week, I found a very reasonably priced copy and as a fan, I wanted it on my shelf, so I bit the bullet. I don't know how I managed to ignore everything about this record for 18 months, but it's not what I was expecting at all.
While it was recorded live with the BBC Symphony, there was no audience, so the songs feel like alternate versions as opposed to "live in concert." There is no applause and no between song banter. I am also incredibly surprised by how many of these songs benefit from the orchestra. This is an incredibly beautiful and brilliantly arranged set of songs.
I know people who are 100% Jam, and have little patience for his solo work. I have immense love for both, but I could take or leave most Style Council. On "Orchestrated Songbook," all of the material sounds consistent. Any song could be from any period of his career. I guess if you are a glass half empty person that may seem like a deterrent. Why would you want 20 songs that sound the same? But that's not happening here. I think it's more of a testament to Weller as a songwriter. Whether cranking them short and hard with The Jam, or jazzin' it up with the Council, or trying his hand at just about every genre in the book during his 30 plus year solo career, Paul Weller's songs in this setting all sound like they were written specifically for this event.
I am very happy I didn't dismiss this collection completely, as I believe this will get some heavy rotation. Of course, if guitars, bass and drums is your cup of tea, you might not take to these lush arrangements, but it is worth a shot.
11 comments:
When this first came out, a few reviews put me off it. I'm not a big fan of show tunes or musical theater in general, and orchestrated versions of rock songs often go in that direction, so I decided to skip it. The cuts you included are good enough for me to give the whole thing a spin.
- Paul in DK
Those sound really nice. Cool review, too. I wish more reviews did this - approached a purchase not just from the perspective of "is it a good album" (which is important) but also "if I'm in my 50s and already have a lot of music, including a lot by this act/band, does this new release do something for me?" (also important to some of us).
It's funny though, I'd say I'm the opposite of what you described - I don't have a ton of interest in Paul Weller solo (other than songs "Above The Clouds" which your blog introduced mee to), very little interest in the Jam, but LOVE Style Council.
I think that's partly down to a college girlfriend making me a hella mixtape with 2 Style Council songs on it. To this day - I've made many dozens and dozens of beautiful mixtapes for lots of people - but the 2 tapes she made me back in 1988 stand as some of the only ones someone's ever made for me (or mix CDs or Spotify mixes, etc etc). Boo hoo, lol.
I’m not as huge a fan like you are, but I love his voice, I like a lot of his material, I love orchestral music. Sounds promising so I’ll give it a go.
I did not focus on this when it was released as well, although am a big fan of Paul Weller. What I love most about your posts are the insights into releases like twill have playing his. I now know what the soundtrack will be for the rest of my morning. Thanks, as always.
Even after your review I approached these with scepticism. But I was hooked after the first line of 'English Rose'.Thank you!
I have this and have liked it since the first listen, but I'm a big fan, so I'm probably predisposed to enjoy whatever he does.
Listened to this in its entirety. I wasn't familiar or I don't remember a majority of the music on this album so it was almost like a new listen for me. The arrangements were gorgeous and he is fine voice. Loved it. I immediately found a mint copy on Discogs and ordered one. Thanks for the recommendation,
I dialed this up today based on your post. Like you, I hadn't paid it much attention when it came out. I'm a little more sympathetic to the Style Council songs, although I do see your point. The piano-based version of My Every Changing Moods is one of my favorite Paul Weller songs.
Anyway, thought this was a very good listen. I wasn't familiar with all the songs, but the whole enterprise landed well. And in combination with the new live Who album, I've been enjoying the orchestral interpretations of these catalogues.
Bill
Just ordered it - thanks!
Yep, we are not alone. Loved The Jam, my favorite of the original English punk rockers. And, then, hated everything about The Style Council. I was a big enough fan of The Jam, though, that I bought the first 3-4 Style Council EPs/albums, before giving up completely.
And, as echoed in the previous comments, I bought this orchestral suite but have barely listened to it since. I'll give it another go as well. Thanks for the reminder.
Not a Weller fan per se, but loved the Style Council's release Cafe Bleu. Very intrigued by the orchestral songs you posted - def gonna give it a listen later today. Many thanks, Sal. BTW - glad you decided to keep the blog going.
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