James Dean Bradfield - 'The Great Western' (Columbia) Released 24/07/06

There's always been something almost noble about James Dean Bradfield. The member of the Manics who always seemed like he would be the most fun to have a beer with, Bradfield was the man given the unenviable task of providing the musical accompaniment to Richey Edwards and Nicky Wire's bileous lyrics, at one time even making the word "cunt" sound tuneful (check 'Yes' from the Manics' 1994 album 'The Holy Bible').

With the band seeming to have taken an indefinite hiatus following recent disappointingly received releases, Bradfield brings us his first solo outing, his only previous solo effort with his own band having been the track 'Ocean Spray' from 2001's 'Know Your Enemy', a poignant reflection on the death of his mother.

Encouragingly, its pretty good stuff, starting with 'That's No Way To Tell A Lie', which could pass for a fully-grown Manics song, the Bradfield growl working to good effect. Things continue with 'An English Gentleman' - a tribute to their late mentor Philip Hall - and 'Badboys & Painkillers', the one track here penned by Wire (typical subject matter, one has to say).

It has to be said that part of the appeal of the Manics is the linkage between Wire's obtuse lyrics and the bombast provided by Bradfield's music parts and vocals. Some of this is slightly lost - this record has much more of a middle-of-the-road style than his band's early glitter-fuelled outings - but the likes of 'Run Romeo Run', 'Emigre' and the excellently titled 'Say Hello To The Pope' still offer much to enjoy.

If this is a minor detour to get some of the creative detritus out, then Bradfield - a la Thom Yorke - can surely consider 'The Great Western' (named after the train service to his native Wales from London as opposed to any love of the cowboy genre) to be something of a success.