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Modfather Unites Oasis and Blur

Once upon a time, Oasis and Blur in the same room would have almost guaranteed fisticuffs. But now Paul Weller has done the seemingly impossible and brought two of the biggest warring bands of the '90s to the same record...sort of.

The Modfather has recruited both Noel Gallagher and Graham Coxon for tracks on his new solo double album, 22 Dreams.

Weller previously worked with the Gallaghers, providing guitars on Champagne Supernova on their second album What's The Story, Morning Glory.

He told Newsbeat they've been trying to figure out a musical collaboration ever since.

He said: "Well me and Noel have been talking about trying to write something for years now.

"He had the idea for the backing track and I just put the tune and the words on top."

The track in question, Echoes Round The Sun, also features Noel's bandmate Gem Archer. It's expected to be released as a double-A side with Have You Made Up Your Mind on 26 May.

Weller admits that fans expecting to hear Noel singing may be disappointed.

He said: "He's not singing on it, he's playing a lot of keyboards and some bass which is not necessarily the first thing you'd think of."Noel Gallagher

Black River

Sadly, Coxon does not appear with the Oasis men but lends his musical skills to another track, Black River.

"We worked on that early last year, Graham plays drums, backing vocals and guitars," said Weller.

"I think among most musicians you just get on with it and enjoy it, and it's fun and just a joy to do."

Of the younger crop of UK bands, Weller revealed he's a big fan of The Enemy. They performed together at a charity event in London earlier in the year.

Weller said, in particular, he's a fan of singer Tom Clarke's songwriting.

He said: "I just think it's nice to hear a band that's got something to say and just putting some effort into the lyrics.

"There's a lot of good music out there but no one has startled me, lyrically, but Tom and the band seem to be doing it."

22 Dreams is released on 2 June.

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