"Tenement Symphony" is a fabulous album, but it was a long time ago. The version of "Say hello wave goodbye" he did with Jools many years ago gave me goosebumps, it's beautiful.
I saw him live a couple of years ago by chance at a festival, and I was told by my friends, who are fans, that he was amazing... I don't remember, for various reasons.
I guess he's marmite, but he's a very flamboyant character and a very lovely chap, I'm sure Dave Swift would concur.
There's room for everyone, even Nickelback.