Black River

Album: 22 Dreams (2008)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Paul Weller co-wrote this with Blur guitarist Graham Coxon, who also played drums, guitars and provided the backing vocals. Weller said of this song: "This was originally the B-side of the 'This Old Town' single I did with Graham Coxon, (which reached #39 in the UK in 2007). I didn't feel it got enough attention at the time so I thought I'd dust it off and give it a bit more exposure. You can hear the sound of me tap dancing on the chorus if you listen closely. I like to do a bit of tap!"
  • This was the first of several collaborations on the album, something Weller was not previously noted for in his solo career. Uncut magazine July 2008 asked the former Jam and Style Council frontman why this time so many of the tracks were co-written with friends. He replied: "I've often chatted to Bobby Gillespie or Noel Gallagher about co-writing, but I always feel a bit self-conscious doing the old-fashioned thing where there's two of you in a rehearsal room, slogging it out on acoustic guitars. But the collaboration with Graham Coxon changed my mind about that. It was more of a long-distance thing, which involved sending each other demos on tapes or CDs. One person would make changes and send back another disc, and you'd both chip away at the music. I'm much more comfortable working like that."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Album Cover Inspirations

Album Cover InspirationsSong Writing

Some album art was at least "inspired" by others. A look at some very similar covers.

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat WorldSongwriter Interviews

Jim talks about the impact of "The Middle" and uses a tree metaphor to describe his songwriting philosophy.

Weezer

WeezerFact or Fiction

Did Rivers Cuomo grow up on a commune? Why did they name their albums after colors? See how well you know your Weezer in this Fact or Fiction.

Wedding Bell Blues

Wedding Bell BluesSong Writing

When a song describes a wedding, it's rarely something to celebrate - with one big exception.

Eric Burdon

Eric BurdonSongwriter Interviews

The renown rock singer talks about "The House of the Rising Sun" and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood."

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors Examined

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors ExaminedSong Writing

Doors expert Jim Cherry, author of The Doors Examined, talks about some of their defining songs and exposes some Jim Morrison myths.