Main content

Paul Weller (the A-Side)

Episode 5 of 14

Paul Weller talks to John Wilson about the inspiration behind the last album by The Jam in 1982, 'The Gift'. From November 2012.

Paul Weller talks about 'The Gift', the Jam's final album.

Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them.

Recorded in front of a live audience at the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side.

In this one (The A side), John Wilson asks Paul about the album in question, and then, in the accompanying B-side, the audience puts the questions.

Both editions feature exclusive live performances.

30 years after the band's split, Paul discusses 'The Gift' - the last album for The Jam.

The band's only No 1 album, it marked a musical departure from the classic Jam sound to a more soul-influenced style, and it ushered in Weller's ideas for the Style Council. It was an album that didn't just focus on the state of society, it also had a lot to say about where music was going in the 1980s - and it included the classic No 1 'Town Called Malice' as well as 'Running On The Spot' and 'Carnation'.

Paul also plays exclusive live versions of some of the tracks on the album.

Complete versions of the songs performed in the programme (and others) can be heard on the 'Mastertapes' pages on the Radio 4 website, where all the programmes of the series can also be downloaded and other musical goodies accessed.

Producers: Paul Kobrak & India Rakusen

First broadcast on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio 4 in November 2012.

Available now

28 minutes

Last on

Mon 3 Apr 2023 21:00

Paul Weller's Desert Island Discs

Paul Weller's Desert Island Discs
In a rare interview, Paul Weller describes the chronic shyness he had to overcome and how he is still gripped by fear before each performance.

More about Paul Weller

More about Paul Weller
Watch videos, listen to interviews and read reviews of Paul Weller's albums on the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ's Music pages.

Broadcasts

  • Tue 13 Nov 2012 15:30
  • Fri 9 Mar 2018 18:30
  • Sat 10 Mar 2018 00:30
  • Mon 2 Aug 2021 23:30
  • Mon 3 Apr 2023 21:00

Featured in...

Live tracks

Watch and listen to exclusive live performances from the Mastertapes recordings.

Eight things we learned from Lily Allen’s Mastertapes

We hear about the breakdown of her marriage, substance abuse… and socks

10 things we learned from Randy Newman’s Mastertapes

The legendary songwriter's interview with John Wilson is fascinating and very funny.

Mastertapes special: Paul McCartney

Mastertapes special: Paul McCartney

Watch a filmed version of Paul McCartney speaking to John Wilson about his career.

Live performances

Watch and listen to exclusive live performances from the Mastertapes recordings.

Radio 4 on Music

Re-releasing music documentaries from the Radio 4 Archive.

Podcast