Paul Weller's post Jam project, and this album has its moments for sure, but is a bit of a mixed bag.

Perhaps it was a reaction to The Jam, but the angle on the songwriting here is overtly mature, in places too serious.

Some great tunes but openers 'Homebreakers' and 'All Gone Away' would, on first listen, have Jam fans running to the hills. Just too whimsical.

A few tracks in and we get 'Internationalists' which stands out, it features some fire.

'Boy Who Cried Wolf' is more new wave pop. 'A Man Of Great Promise' is better Weller, while 'Down The Siene' nods at uptempo acoustic ELP.

Tagged on the is the end are a US Remix and instrumental versions of Style Council's big hit 'Shout To The Top', a welcome listen.

There is a second disc featuring bonus cuts, including live and demo versions. A decent package and some good tracks, but not Weller's finest album.

***½

Review by Joe Geesin

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly