Paul Weller for this Saturday brunch – recorded in concert at Studio 105 at Radio France in Paris on October 16, 1992 for The Black Sessions program.
I am a firm believer that you cannot have too much Paul Weller in your musical diet. He’s been an essential ingredient since his days as part of The Jam and continues to be required listening over 40 years later.
Noel Gallagher of Oasis (and High Flying Birds, etc) once remarked that Paul Weller was “as real as it gets” – that pretty much sums it up and perhaps that’s what keeps me coming back and revisiting his work and absorbing his new material over and over. There is a spark, an urgency if you will, in his writing and conception. It has always come from a place of honesty and commitment. Paul Weller has never handed in a bad performance, nor ever considered “phoning” one in; I’ve never gotten that impression.
I suppose one bellwether indication of this consistency is the notion that Paul Weller’s music and his performances have that undeniable aura of honesty and keen introspection. What you’re left with, as a member of the audience, is a feeling that you’re in much better shape after the experience than how you felt before you walked in.
So this gig for French Radio and for the legendary Bernard Lanois, whose Black Sessions are touchstones in themselves. Not to mention the fact that this post coincides with the release of a live album, comprising of tracks recorded during Paul Weller’s 2026 tour and more proof that Paul Weller has lost none of the snap in these years following The Jam.
If you’re already familiar, it’s preaching to the Choir and you’ve no doubt already skipped my preaching and headed straight to the concert. But, in the odd event you may have missed it, or haven’t heard Paul Weller before, this post is for you.
And I would suggest you take advantage of the weekend to veg out, stare at the sky (or the walls) and press Play to get an idea what I’m talking about.
Your library ain’t complete and your mission to absorb meaningful music is missing a few key elements. So don’t waste any time.
Dive in and enjoy.
