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Catch-Flame!

Paul Weller

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Album Review

Another year, another live album. Paul Weller has turned out to be as predictable as the Rolling Stones in how he follows a new set of material with a live album, following every album since Wild Wood with a live record. Because of this it's hard not to superficially see 2006's Catch-Flame! Live at the Alexandra Palace as just another live album, but take the time to listen to Catch-Flame! and it soon reveals itself as a surprise every bit as bracing as Weller's 2005 studio album As Is Now: a record that doesn't sound all that different from its predecessor, at least on the surface, but underneath that surface, it's apparent that Weller's fire is again burning intensely. There's a vigor and vitality to this performance that eclipses all his other live solo albums; it's as kinetic as early Jam, but without abandoning the Traffic-inspired, jam-heavy aesthetic that marked his solo work. As such, it's satisfying both as an exciting, energetic live album and as one to savor, to really enjoy the interplay between the musicians, and it makes Catch-Flame! something far more than another Weller live album; indeed, it makes it closer to being the live Weller album instead of just another live record.

Customer Reviews

High Energy

I have always loved the Jam and the Style Council but never picked up any Paul Wellers solo stuff. What a big mistake that was. This is one of the best live recordings I have ever heard. The crowd doesn't over power the music and the band is in fine form. I have now picked up "Wild Wood" and "AS Is Now" but I keep coming back to this live show for the pure energy.

Worth it

I don't tend to like live albums, but this one does a good job of capturing the quality of Paul's live shows. He's a superb musician - something which comes across immediately in these recordings.

Not quite as good as being there -- but close

After years and years of following Weller's career, I finally had a chance to see The Modfather live in LA last month. This CD, released last fall, contains live renditions of most of the gems he performed over the three day stint. The UK shows were an excellent warm-up for the stateside tour. This is NOT a recording of the US shows, but a show in it's entirety from the UK leg of the tour. Other reviewers complained about the lack of some of his early solo stuff, but I feel it has a good representation of all aspects of his career -- it even has a couple of Style Council songs. Weller has occasionally dug back into The Jam and The Style Council catalog and while this CD does not have too many deep cuts, the "fire and skill" is still there. Here's to hoping he'll consider releasing a live album from either the New York or LA shows. With that said, this is the only complete, electric recording he has done during his entire solo career. Live Wood was a short take on the early part of his career. To get another feel for his live style, check out the equally excellent Days of Speed acoustic release from 2001. Now THAT one has some deep cuts, including English Rose and Headstart for Happiness, two of my favorite Jam and TSC tracks, respectively. If you haven't seen Weller live, say your prayers and save your money so the next time he graces our shores you can be one of the lucky few to snag a ticket. If not, this album is the next best thing.

Biography

Born: May 25, 1958 in Woking, Surrey, England

Genre: Rock

Years Active: '70s, '80s, '90s, '00s, '10s

As the leader of the Jam, Paul Weller fronted the most popular British band of the punk era, influencing legions of English rockers ranging from his mod revival contemporaries to the Smiths in the '80s and Oasis in the '90s. During the final days of the Jam, he developed a fascination with Motown and soul, which led him to form the sophisti-pop group the Style Council in 1983. As the Style Council's career progressed, Weller's interest in soul developed into an infatuation with jazz-pop and house...
Full Bio

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