After the exceptional style of latest album 66, a few leftover bits and pieces feel unnecessary. Like being offered another slice of the sickly cake, Paul Weller has more to give with extra EP Supplement: 66. It is literal in its title and at least there is no misconception. Artists with additional bits and pieces released in an EP format have become a common addition of the last few years and while they are nice extra bits for dedicated fans, they do sound as though it was the right decision to leave them off the album proper. Additions for those who listened to 66 and ran with it are nice enough but never come close to revealing any new layer to a finely-tuned, legends-featuring piece of work. Weller teamed with the likes of Richard Hawley and Noel Gallagher for this piece but Supplement: 66 feels somewhat light.
Great news this may be for the album and its integral songs, it is poor noise for those wanting more. But why seek out more from Supplement: 66 when there is a backlog of Weller albums to pick from? Post-album release EPs of the last few years have felt especially unremarkable and unfortunately, this is the case for Supplement: 66, a collection of four songs not strong enough to make it on the fully-realised project. But there is reason to release these extra bits and much of it comes from the opener, That’s What She Said. A lounge-like piece from Weller who has leaned into the lighter charms of his instrumental understanding. It may sound a bit like lift music in the background but it marks a neat opener for these excess tracks release. A sweet sway to this piece keeps it alive and flourishing – though it feels relatively plain in its message, warmth overcomes all at makes it quite the treat.
Supplement: 66 is an inherently light piece of work but that is not to say it does not have its charms. Change What You Can is a jazzier piece, a neat flicker of the instrumental qualities which would drive the rest of 66, but a bit off the mark. Such is the expectation of these songs – little additions which make for a catchy and immediate listen, but little more than that. Earth In Our Feet holds the acoustic sway expected of this late-stage Weller career album but again does not quite fit the whole picture. Nicely enough, Supplement: 66 works together with the songs featured and Weller holds these extra four pieces in high regard. He must do, given their release months after the larger project. These are big band opportunities, a sway to them with the heart and sophisti-pop expectations set out by Weller.
Much of it is rather good and the lightness of these pieces is their biggest draw. Quite nice all the way through, with soft pieces and light occasions which add their own layer to 66. There is nothing wrong with these pieces – neat as they are a lot of it demonstrates an understanding of instrumental perspective. Additional vocals on EP closer So Quietly get to grips with this best of all, the chamber charms of Weller’s recent turn of interest have been a fascinating one. A bold move in a series of delicate songs makes this, while particularly light, rather enjoyable. One for those desperate to hear more of the 66 style, and who wouldn’t be? It is Weller at his consistent best, something he has eased into extremely well over the last half-decade.
