Credit: Found On Internet

Everyone always says Paul Weller is a grumpy old sod. A dependably curmudgeonly figure, scowling his way round his annual Jools Holland performance, each time coming just a little bit more to resembling a giant walnut in a wig.

But on ‘Are You Trying To Be Lonely?’ he seems spirited and upbeat. It’s as if someone’s given him the keys to a shiny new motorcycle made out of Northern Soul, and the only fuel it will take is some jazzy horn parts. Teaming up with Andy Lewis, who had been working as a backline tech for Dogs when Weller collaborated on their latest record, they’ve struck up a choice little partnership here.

If the Beatles had stuck around to collaborate with Groove Armada, ‘Tell Me Once Again You Love Me’ could’ve been the outcome. Only nowhere near as coffee-table-music as I’ve just made it sound. Andy Lewis’ voice, while not as iconic as that of the Modfather, is still more than sufficient to provide the finish for the track.

The blending of some unobtrusive Hammond organ’ing and retro guitars is mired on ‘The Lazuli Affair’ by some slipshod production on the horns and drums…but what a great title! ‘The Lazuli Affair’ sounds like it should be a Harry Palmer film from the 1970s, with Michael Caine outsmarting some filthy commie-types to its laid-back cool.

All in all – a refreshingly accomplished little package.

‘Are You Trying To Be Lonely?’ is out now on Acid Jazz Records.