"Keep an open mind" warns the chorus on the title track of Glen's new album and if you've paid any attention to what F&F has been saying the last few years you should already have an open mind about Glen's solo stuff... ...

Thus long awaited album sees a slight change in direction from the 1996 Creation album, gone are the layered chunky guitars and in comes a more mellow rock/pop feel. Not that this means the songs have lost any of their bite, it's just a subtle change back to Glen's more natural sound, with more emphasis on the song structures rather than sheer power. If he made a 'punk' record it would never be accepted anyway, he may as well do what he does best... Much of the criticism of the last album, myself included, centred on Glen's vocals. The vox on this album are much stronger. While I'm sure he knows he'll never be held in high esteem as a singer, I reckon the vocals on this album are far more than passable, and I have to admit at being impressed by much of them. They're easily as good as the likes of Noel Gallagher, and I don't see a queue to slag him off. And anyway when did Pistols fans ever care if singers could sing!!

OPEN MIND: A good poppy opener with a distinct Small Faces feel to it. Great guitar from the likes of The Clash's Mick Jones and Chelsea's James Stevenson, along with Hammond Organ by Nick Plytas, and a guitar solo by 'Geetar Hero' Mr Glen Matlock! I think the title of this track really says it all...

REGULAR RAY OF SUNSHINE: One of the many songs on the album he's been playing live for a couple of years. lt's weird actually hearing the finished versions having heard them live so many times! This track is more up-tempo than the opener, with a great catchy chorus and a good solid guitar sound. Basically a song about keeping your chin up, "Don't waste your time" .... !

DUCKING AND DIVING: One of the new songs I hadn't heard before, and definitely one of the more poppier tracks with a real catchy chorus. Not my favourite track but I like some of the Iyrics,"Ducking and diving, kinda surviving, ducking and diving around". Loads of backing vocals and liberal use of the Hammond, held tight by Chris Musto's solid drumming.

SWINGING SOUND OF LONDON: First written at the height of all the 'Cool Britannia' bollocks, this is a definite tongue-in-cheek bite beck at the London scene. Starting with a 'Rule Britannia' intro. and Big Ben chimes, it's a piss-take that continues right through the Iyrics with Ioads of double puns and innuendo, "We got brand new boots and panties, got a kushty kind of cool". This song has kind of turned into ore of GIen's live classics, and it's great to finally get a proper studio version. Though at the end of the day, as he says himself, "Love that dirty water..."

IDIOT: Another mellow track with impressive Iead vocaIs and a really catchy chorus, along with backing vocals by Patti Palladin, who also co-writes. Mick Jones turns up again or guitar, and Nick Plytas or Hammond. Some good Iyrics on this one; "It's completely stunning the way they see you coming. On you like a cheap suit'.

AMBITION: A bluesy remake of the track Glen originally wrote and played or for lggy Pop's 'Soldier' album back in 1980. Definitely one the most underrated tracks or the 'Soldier' album and it's great to see it getting another release here. Most people probably don't even realise Glen wrote it anyway!

GIMME,GIMME,GIMME: One of tracks first premiered on last years live dates. Very much another Small Faces influenced track. Smooth pop with a killer hook, Patti's backing vocals work Great with the mixture of Nick's Plytas' Hammond and GIen's guitar pop sensibilities "Gimme,Gimme,Gimme is all I get lately". Maybe a reference to Glen's new found Filthy Lucre?!

SAD MEAL FOR ONE: Like 'Swinging London' this is almost one of GIen's live anthems! A song originally inspired by lonely Yuppies traipsing round supermarkets with their little baskets full of 'meals for one' but a song I think we can all relate to. Everytime I'm in a supermarket I can't help but think about it, I can't even look at the 'pick n mix' or 'Lean Cuisine'! I Like the introduction of keyboards on this studio version which adds a more poppier feel to the chorus, but the 'Western' style whistling at the end just gets on my tits!!

MUGS GAME: Without doubt the best song of the album, this should be a hit, or at the very least a single! Brilliant dynamics on this track, the bass and the keyboards really stand out. A very structured sound all held together by impressive vocals and Chris Musto's cymbals, along with a Matlock hook as good as he's ever written. Even Steve New's backing vocals deserve a mention! Excellent stuff...

SPEED OF SOUND: This was always one of my favourite live tracks, and to be honest it's the first real 'rocker' on the album, possibly down to the inclusion of Steve New's guitar. Maybe it's because I'm used to hearing it live but l kind of think something has been lost in bringing this track to the studio, I think they could have beefed up the guitar just that little bit more, it always worked live that way. That said, it's still a great track, the Hammond and the backing vocals work well...

CATATONIC: This was another of my live faves, in fact, I have to say the run from 'Mugs Game' right through to the end of the album is the highlight for me. I love the little bass run at the beginning and Steve New's guitar really reminds me of 'Chinese Rocks'. Glen always denies it, but everyone who hears it notices it. Not that it's a rip of, its just the way the song works - honest guy!!

RATTLE YOUR CAGE: A reworking of the classic from the first Philistines CD 'Hard Work'. Like 'Ambition' this track never really got the respect it deserved, so I'm glad it gets another airing on this album. It's not a radically different version, but Glen's vocal is softer than original Philistine s singer Gerry Foster, and it just doesn't seem to burst in the way it did live. I'm not sure if I prefer the original or not, I've been listening to it for so long! The great intro., along with the sing-along chorus make this an instant Matlock classic and a great way to close the album.

I must admit I always hated the packaging on Glen's Creation album, whoever okayed that cover should have been shot! I knew that he wouldn't make the same mistake twice, especially since drummer Chris Musto is a well respected graphic designer and sleeve designer. Chris,with input from Glen, worked hard on the sleeve, and has came up with a simple but effective design keeping in mind the album's title. The 12 page, yes, that's 12 page, booklet also features full lyrics along with a selection of recent live, or studio, snaps including some by our own resident Matlock photographer Spencer Anderson! A job well done.

I shouldn't have to say by now that this album is a must-have for Matlock and Pistols fans. I think it's more of a 'grower' than the Creation album, but if you liked the Creation album then you'll love this. Excuse the pun, but anyone with an open mind will love this, buy it... The album will be released August 14th. Anyone having trouble getting it should contact PROPER MUSIC DISTRIBUTION,CRICKET LANE, BECKENHAM,KENT,BR3 1WA. Tel: 02008875 5100. Or check out; www.proper.uk.co

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