Paul Weller: Porcelain God
by Darren Eales

What Weller did, where and when, from the day he was born

…Which means every gig he’s ever played as part of The Jam, The Style Council and as a solo artist is listed – from the local talent contest at Sheerwater Community Centre in Woking on 22 April 1973, to sitting in with Noel Gallagher at the Royal Albert Hall on 27 March 2007 for the Teenage Cancer Trust. There are carefully collated setlists informing us that The Jam played covers of The Miracles’ Mickey’s Monkey, The Isley Brothers via The Fab Four’s Twist & Shout, and Rufus Thomas’ Walking The Dog when they supported Thin Lizzy at The Greyhound Concert. Recording sessions are documented too. Did you know The Jam recorded a version of I’ve Got My Mojo Working in September 1980 at Polydor Studios? There’s also a comprehensive list of radio and TV appearances, of bootlegs available, plus a full discography including overseas releases of singles, albums, collaborations and cover versions. There’s little to no analysis, and no pictures either, but as a reference tool it’s essential.

ISBN 9780955570407

Reviewed by Lois Wilson
<< Back to Issue 342