Paul Weller - 66 (BLUE VINYL) 24/5/24

limited select retailers exclusive 180g blue lp in gatefold sleeve with 12pp booklet + poster a recording career that began in 1977 now takes in the release of his 17th solo album and his 28th in total.as the title and artwork by sir peter blake (his first for weller since 1995’s stanley road) indicates, paul weller’s new album marks the completion of his 66th journey around the sun and is released on may 24th – the day before his 66th birthday.he 12 songs on “66” were worked up in weller’s black barn studio over the course of three years with a host of guest musicians. in the recent past, paul has been an enthusiastic collaborator, but “66” feels like the most fully-realised celebration of that process. here, there are lyrical contributions from an esteemed roll-call including suggs, noel gallagher and bobby gillespie (“ship of fools”, “jumble queen” and “soul wondering” respectively). “66” also sees the co-writing return of erland cooper and duo white label, and string arrangements from hannah peel. additionally, there are two collaborations with french producer and recording artist christophe vaillant (le superhomard, while acclaimed brooklyn trio say she she add vocals to “in full flight”. peppered throughout the album are turns from an array of old friends including dr robert, richard hawley, steve brooks and max beesley.