Some have said the concept album belongs to the ages of prog. As prog has made its comebackwith bands such as Coheed and Cambria, Oceansize and Amplifier, it seemed right to take the concept album back to its former glory. This album tells a story - a day in the life of ageezer. Mike Skinner plays the role of Mike Skinner, an unemployed single chap who's just lost his grand. Aww. Fortunately for him, a girl comes into the picture to save his slide into depression, but there is a twist in the tail.

The album covers relevant issues as well as the story, like taking Ecstasy and gambling,setting Mike apart from the "gangstas and bitches" culture that dominates modern hip-hop and rap, as he actually talks about the real deal, what it's like for most of us. Skinner's rapping style has been commented upon many times, whether in praise or panning, but this man is a poetic genius. Never mind arsey critics calling Eminem a modern day poet, it is Skinner who these comparisons can be made with.

It is difficult to comment on individual songs on this album, as they form a story. Lead offsingle 'Fit But You Know It' picks up the story with Mike trying to pick up one of the finer examples of womanhood in a club on holiday. He fails miserably, as she already belongs to the "white-shirted man". A punky guitar riff provided by the man himself lets the single bounce along nicely, and it'll surely be a floor-filler for a long time yet.

The current single, "Dry Your Eyes", is a heart-wrenching break-up song, perfect for spurned lovers who don't fancy the razor-edged side of an emo take on this topic. Accompanied by a great video, if this song doesn't get to number 1, it will be a true travesty. The lyrics will sound like an echo to those of us who have been through painful break-ups. And even if you haven't, you'll like the pretty strings.

The album reaches its more or less predictable denouement, but you have just heard a prime example of why hip-hop is not to be dismissed. A resounding success of an album, the question on everyone's lips is - what the hell is Mike to do next?

Ollie Connors