“Find El Dorado” is a deeply personal new album of reinterpretations, that sees Paul Weller revisit songs that have long lived in the back of his mind – now reimagined with fresh meaning and a sense of reverence. Less a covers album and more a map of his emotional and musical DNA.
Produced by Steve Cradock, the album includes further guest appearances from Declan O’Rourke, Noel Gallagher, Amelia Coburn, Seckou Keita, Robert Plant and more.
Paul Weller began his career fronting The Jam, fusing punk with mod influences and leading the late-’70s revival. In the ’80s, he formed The Style Council, embracing soul, jazz, and house. After a brief hiatus, he launched a solo career in 1992, blending soul, rock, and psychedelia. His 1995 album “Stanley Road was a Britpop-era triumph, followed by acclaimed records like “22 Dreams, On Sunset, and “Fat Pop Vol. 1. Constantly evolving, Weller has remained a vital figure in British music, celebrated for his innovation, artistry, and influence across decades. His latest album, “66”, was released in 2024.
Paul Weller’s latest album of covers, “Find El Dorado”, will include a cover of the Bee Gees’ 1968 tune “I Started a Joke.” While the LP won’t be available until July 25th, he dropped his version of the Bee Gees’ “Idea” tune as part of the LP’s promo.
In the hands of Paul Weller, the tune has a decidedly pluckier intro, full of melodic and coy piano lines. This sounds segway into a older-and-wiser verse. Organ backs up the texture, which morphs into a massive chorus laden with strings. Something about this cover is as effortless “I Started a Joke” is taken from the release of “Find El Dorado“, a deeply personal new album of reinterpretations,. “Find El Dorado” – a new album of reinterpretations by Paul, available on July 25th.
Recorded, produced and arranged by Steve Cradock at Kundalini studio Devon.
The Fat Angel Sings 