Sonic Tricks

A new Paul Weller album is usually a cause for celebration, but I am very pleased that I listened to his new one - 'Sonik Kicks' - on Spotify before wasting spending any money on it. It's complete and utter tosh, a one man charter for taking yourself - and your 'art' - a little too seriously.
I should have guessed by the over-the-top PR that has accompanied the launch, the usual "Weller has returned to form" "possibly his best album in years" etc etc. The Times magazine cover shot, the critics fawning over the Modfather. All indications that the album won't stand up on it's own two feet.
Self-indulgent in the extreme, the cod-reggae, dub-lite of 'Study In Blue' feels like a practice jam desperately searching for a tune, and the 20-second instrumental 'Twilight' is frankly embarrassing, sounding like someone who has come back from the pub extremely drunk, and deciding to muck around with a synthesiser. There is no point to it - why include it? In fact I just listened to it again (it is only 20 seconds long) just to make sure I'm not being over harsh, and yes it really is that bad.
Throughout the album his usually strong voice sounds forced and frankly out of tune on a number of tracks. His wife, son and (young) daughter all contribute vocals, can you get more self-indulgent?
I've followed Weller all the way - I saw The Jam in Portsmouth in 1978, the Style Council in Southampton a few years later, and Weller solo a couple of times more recently. I really wanted to like the new album.
But utter tosh is utter tosh, whoever produces it. I'm actually shocked at how such a talented person can produce such nonsense.
Avoid at all costs.