P.P. Arnold - The New Adventures Of... P.P. Arnold

2019 release

The new album is produced by longtime collaborator, Ocean Colour Scene’s Steve Cradock, at his Kundalini Studio in Devon. It features contributions from Weller, the Specials, PP’s songwriting son Kodzo and others. It includes two original Weller compositions, ‘When I Was Part Of Your Picture’ and ‘Shoot The Dove,’ as well as an epic ten-minute version of Bob Dylan’s poem ‘Last Thoughts On Woody Guthrie’ and an elegy inspired by the death of her daughter, ‘I’ll Always Remember You.’

“Those Immediate records were great-sounding records, but they’re also imperfect in a way,” says Cradock. “They’re beautiful and they’re amazing. But as a fan, I thought, how can I top them? I thought this new album should be inspired by the flavour and musical augmentation of that time. But every song then takes on a life of its own. It’s a mix-and-match, very eclectic.”

Says Arnold: “I’ve got this huge catalogue of records I’ve sung on, but I have only released two albums — and they’ve stood the test of time. It’s been about quality not quantity! I’ve had to deal with a lot of tragedy. You kind of think people at record companies have forgotten about you, but Steve and [his wife] Sally have really made this happen. Steve’s production is slamming.

“It’s great that I’m coming back with this record,” she concludes. “Even now, I’m still finding my way, because the industry changes every decade, and you’re sometimes out of the loop. For me it’s all about faith, meditating, love, praying…try to be ready and don’t give up the fight. That’s the message.”