Catch-Flame!

Paul Weller | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 25, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Yep Roc Records
• ASIN: B000F2CAGK
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #83,201 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

The first-ever live, full band electric album from Paul Weller, and it's a corker! Includes 23 songs from all phases of his career, including three tunes from his former band The Jam and two from The Style Council. An absolute must have for anyone interested in anything this man has ever done (his songs fare even better in this live arrangement) or for any fan of classic, soulful, timeless rock music, in general. Paul Weller just gets better & better.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wish I had been there!, July 28, 2006

By 

anonymous - See all my reviews

This review is from: Catch-Flame! (Audio CD)

This album is absolutely fantastic! Paul and the band are incredibly tight and sound great together. Paul sounds very loose and like he's having a lot of fun - not as serious as some live shows I've heard.

The songs focus mostly on his solo records, with some Jam and Style Council mixed in (all on disc two). Wisely, only five of the twenty three tracks are from "As Is Now" and they're the uptempo ones - it's not a hard sell by Yep Roc to make you buy that album if you don't already have it.

The extended jams for "Porcelain Gods/Broken Stones," "In The Crowd" and "Foot Of The Mountain" (one of my favorite solo tracks) all are focused and don't wander so they keep your attention. The crowd is energetic and into the show and are very appreciative when the Jam and Style Council classics get into the mix (although the sing-along to the album closing "Town Called Malice" is pretty lame).

I haven't listened to the somewhat difficult to find "Live Wood" concert disc for a while to give a good comparison. However, since "Catch-Flame" covers all his solo discs instead of only "Paul Weller" and "Wild Wood," this is a more balanced collection. Highly recommended!

personal highlights:
Blink And You'll Miss It
Up In Suze's Room
Porcelain Gods/I Walk On Gilded Splinters
In The Crowd
Foot Of The Mountain
That's Entertainment
Broken Stones
Long Hot Summer
Shout To The Top

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Catch this flame - NOW!, July 31, 2006

By 

A. Chapman (New York) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Catch-Flame! (Audio CD)

Paul Weller is one of those rare artists who combines classic soul, rock, R&B and British pop in one highly satisfying package. His songs are thoughtful and introspective, smart and wise, powerful and rocking. His records have remained consistent with these attributes over the years and "Catch-Flame!" is no exception. With his first proper live recording, Paul's career comes full circle with this commanding two-cd set. There's everything for the curious new listener as is for the old fan - energetic electric arrangements as well as acoustic-band renditions of old favorites, all backed by his very potent and talented band. Sonically, the recording is clean but not too polished, much like his studio outtings - a bit raw, capturing the full essence of the night which adds to the intensity and genuinity of Paul's music. Of course, old fans will be basking in the glory of these new takes on old classics. Also, I highly recommend this release to any fan of classic rock, soul & pop and/or to anyone who is inquisitive about this highly underrated and multi-talented artist. "Catch-Flame!" will be a strong addition to any collection.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another Live Album, August 13, 2006

By 

B. W. Thew (Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Catch-Flame! (Audio CD)

Yes it is "another live album" but Weller is beginning to acknowledge his past and returns here to a couple of Jam classics. The music is well performed, passionate in a few spots. Well worth the investment if you're a fan, if you are only curious get Modern Classics first.