Weller’s upcoming album, released on July 25 via Parlophone Records, is by definition a cover album. Acting as vessel of introspection and an insight into the innermost workings of one of Britain’s favourite frontmen, ‘Find El Dorado’ boasts a seasoned reverence for those who have influenced Weller.
Featuring 15 tracks from renowned artists such as The Kinks and The Bee Gees, to more obscure artists such as The Guerillas, Weller’s newest release also encloses guest appearances from the likes of Noel Gallagher, Amelia Coburn and Robert Plant. An olive branch between his past and present influences, ‘Find El Dorado’ is a personalised, audible scrapbook, designed by the Modfather himself.
‘Find El Dorado’ is an album of contrasts, yet manages to cultivate a successful coalescence between more subdued, tender tracks and swaggering, grooving numbers. Opening with Richie Haven’s ‘Handouts in the Rain’, ‘Find El Dorado’ immediately brims with soulful blues, with Weller’s voice, although perhaps grittier and raspier than featured on his previous endeavours, appearing to be perfectly suited to such a cover.
On balance, Weller's rendition of PP Arnold’s ‘Daltrey Street’ is a graciously uplifting homage to ‘London’s First Lady of Soul’, whilst boasting a layered and compelling instrumentation. ‘Find El Dorado’ is an explicit testament to Weller’s enduring penchant for blues and soul, whilst simultaneously being a gracious homage to the genre's greats.
Weller’s newest release has its fair share of album standouts, with his cover of Willie Griffin’s blues number ‘Where There’s Smoke’ being a notable example. Through a combination of rolling piano and spates of electric guitar, ‘Where There’s Smoke’ is a boldly assured rendition that cannot fail to induce some tapping of the toes or clicking of the fingers.
Those toes are still left tapping and fingers still left clicking in the wake of the track ‘Lawdy Rolla’. Originally by the undersung French band The Guerrillas, and one of the four singles to be lifted from ‘Find El Dorado’, ‘Lawdy Rolla’ is a propelling marriage between soulful grooves and spurts of saxophone.
As ‘Find El Dorado’ reaches its tail end, Weller’s parting acknowledgement to his musical influences is a triumphant one. ‘Clive’s Song’, originally written by Clive Palmer, a founding member of the Incredible String Band, is a swampy, slide guitar laced single, which features no other than Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant. With Weller and Plant alternating between harmonies and lead, ‘Clive’s Song’ is an enduring nod to rock and roll’s blues origins, whilst being a touching conclusion to a distinctly earnest album
Although a cover album by definition, ‘Find El Dorado’ can be more aptly regarded as an eclectic insight not only to Weller’s musical DNA, but also as an esteemed tribute to icons of past and present. Shrouded in an almost tangible sense of admiration, ‘Find El Dorado’ is an equally intimate and entertaining release, which gives audiences a heartfelt insight into the Modfather’s musical heritage.