The Whole Point

Weller & Wyatt

I talk a lot about the art of songwriting on this blog (and, of course, songwriters). I've also discussed at length how cover versions, if done 'correctly' (i.e. nothing at all like the source material), they can totally eclipse the original. And, if you trawl thru my back issues you'll also find many column inches given over to Paul Weller (who, I'm still hoping, I will be seeing live in a couple of weeks.) 

So today's offering, I think, knits quite neatly all of the above into one mini featurette. When Paul Weller finally freed himself from the shackles of the Jam he let the world know that beneath that pent up angry persona (administering corporal punishment to his guitar night after night and railing into a microphone) was not just a brilliant songwriter, but an accomplished musician with a surprisingly plaintive voice. And so the Style Council (and a future solo career) was born.

A standout track from Cafe Bleu, their debut album, was this astute slice of social commentary wrapped around some beautiful jazzy chords. Here's Weller playing it on his tod. But not until he tells the audience to shut up.

Paul Weller - The Whole Point of No Return (1984)

In the late 90s Robert Wyatt released a splendid long player (his seventh solo album) called Shleep. Interestingly, Weller plays on a couple of tracks. But not this one. I could listen to Wyatt's version of Weller's song all day long; he brought something new to it. And that's kind of the whole point.

Robert Wyatt - The Whole Point of No Return (1997)

 

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