Paul Weller is a very vital British rock-institution. 'Sonik Kicks' will be the eleventh CD released under his own name, out here via V2 and with the collaboration of Noel -Oasis- Gallagher and Graham -Blur- Coxon. From what we've been able to hear, it sounds like another passionate change of direction.

This was the frontman of The Jam, hopefully familiar to you from the likes of 'A Town Called Malice', 'Going Underground', 'Start' and 'That's Entertainment'.

This was the leader of The Style Council, purveyors of the likes of 'The Long Hot Summer', 'You're The Best Thing', 'Shout To The Top' and 'Walls Come Tumbling Down'.

As of 1990, resolutely on the bill as Paul Weller and responsible for impressive beauty like 'Wild Wood', 'You Do Something To Me' and the significant 'The Changing Man'. Add to that masterful CDs like 'Stanley Road', 'Heavy Soul', '22 Dreams'. Plus an indestructible live-reputation and an exceptional rock 'n' roll working ethic. This 'modfather' (who began his career very early) is clearly not thinking about retirement yet.

Note Thursday 14 June as a concert-must. Something for those, just like Paul Weller himself, who are mad about soul and mod and pop à la Small Faces, The Who, The Beatles, The Kinks... British and keen, like the best 'Sonik Kicks'.