Paul Weller and Popular Music: Identity, Idiolect and Image

Using research, analysis and a range of historical sources, Paul Weller and Popular Music immerses the reader in the excitement of Paul Weller's unique creative journey, covering topics such as the artist's position within his field; his creative processes; the contexts in which the music was made; the artist as collaborator; signifiers that mark the trajectory of the music, and formative influences. Focusing on over 40 years of recorded work from the formative 'In the City' to 'True Meanings', this study places the music in a series of contexts that seek to explore why Paul Weller's music is widely considered both timeless and of its time. With new and archive interviews, contemporary and historical reviews, live and studio recordings and published comments made by Paul Weller, this book offers an in-depth critical analysis of music written, recorded and performed between 1977 and the present day. It will be of particular interest to scholars and researchers of popular music, popular culture, performance studies and music production.