That said, IMHO he is still the best songwriter of our generation. Been at it for 35 years now and written some beautiful words to catchy melodies.
His peak years being 85-98. This coincided with lots of so called Rock bands shouting out songs and ballads that basically said F***all. Thinking Bon Jovi, Poison, Van Halen. All those poodle rock bands singing about nowt. Even Livin on a Prayer was gritty social commentary to them. Meanwhile the Housemartins and Beautiful South singing beautiful little pop/folk/country songs containing intelligent, humourous, acerbic songs full of melody and beauty.
His lyrics have become a little nastier and less whimsical on recent albums. Reckon that's a combination of him getting older and grumpier, combined with the world's general progressing to be a worse place. Definitely poorer in spirit, anyway.
Would love to interview him. Had my chance about 10 years ago but dilly-dallied like a knob. Even went to a rehearsal at his pub in Salford at the time, to about 40 of us, and still didn't push me self forward.
Seen his groups play over 20 times, and even go and watch The Southmartins tribute band (there's my little street cred gone. 😅 ). Their singer probly has a better voice than Paul.
If anybody wants to introduce us then you know where I am. 😄