Paul Weller: Studio 150f

By RUSSELL BAILLIE

(Herald rating: * )

Britrock Modfather Paul Weller has some made some fine solo albums since the early 90s. But this covers set, recorded apparently to jolt himself out of a bout of writer's block, surely marks some sort of nadir.

The 12-song set is predictably big on stuff he's found inspirational over the years - a mix of folk and soul numbers, mostly pre-dating his years in the Jam. There's tracks by Dylan, Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot, Tim Hardin alongside numbers originally done by Sister Sledge, Rose Royce, Aaron Neville and Gil Scott Heron. Which may sound intriguing. But there are too many moments when its already edge-free comfort zone turns to a sticky gloop. Especially on the trad-folk of Black is the Colour; or when he attempts to croon the tune out of the Bacharach/David/Carpenters Close to You; or the wheezy romp through the Oasis song One Way Road.

And the world does not require another version of All Along the Watchtower, especially one as dragging as this one, with Weller and chums sounding like an Animals tribute band on an off night.

Label: V2