Why it's best not to take your boyhood idols into middle age with you.

I finally got around to listening to last year's solo album by the former front man for The Jam and The Style Council. I should have trusted my instincts.

Paul Weller/Wake Up the Nation

I know The Jam and the energy necessary to write those songs are long gone. The Style Council had their moments too, though they were few and far between. At least there was something cool and different there at times.

Wake Up The Nation is just boring and that is the most damning complaint there is, kiddies. If you are unfamiliar with The Jam, you might think Mr. Weller is a serviceable AOR artist from England. Sorry, but that is simply not good enough for me.

No, I don't expect anyone to remain locked in the early 1980's. But artists should not expect their fans to celebrate getting old and boring with them.

I'm going to fire up the turntable, spin All Mod Cons a few times, and have a couple of beers.