Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan – Sunday At Devil Drive
A quick glance at Mark Lanegan’s CV explains why the American’s voice is so gravelly and world-weary: The man never takes a day off. The Gutter Twins, Soulsavers, The Twilight
Martha Wainwright – I Know You’re Married, But I Have Feelings Too
A seismic leap forward from her promising self-titled debut album,IKYMBIGFT should put Martha up where she belongs; with her supremely talented maverick sibling, brother Rufus, at the forefront of a
Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes
Every year there is at least one album that unexpectedly slips into the spotlight and emerges as the release that unites music lovers and critics alike. The contenders for 2008
Max Greenwood – In The Blood
Max Greenwood, pianist in successful softie singer-songwriter Tom Baxter’s band, strikes me immediately as the type of musician I usually avoid. Jazzy, but not jazz, folky, but not folk, and
The Dodos – Visiter
From the artwork to the etymology of the misspelled album title (which takes in a charming story of a kindergarten kiddy gifting the band the scribble that adorns the front
Mates of State – Re-Arrange Us
Once a particular combination to something proves successful, many rush to recreate the same result but in a slightly different way. Think along the lines of magicians, or in this
Wild Beasts – Limbo. Panto
In retrospect it was probably one of those ‘Where were you when…’ moments. Wild Beasts? Never heard of them, but it’s on Domino so it’s bound to be interesting at
White Denim – Workout Holiday
As far as being a portrayal of the album to come, Let’s Talk About It, the opening track of Texas-natives White Denim’s Workout Holiday collection achieves an A for accuracy.
The Little Ones – Morning Tide
Ah the summer. Slate-grey skies and more milk-bottle white coloured skin than we need to see, Brittas Bay and wonky ice cream vans, screaming kids and factor 10 sun tan
Ratatat – LP3
Although XL has become the retirement home of choice for many ex-major label indie acts – Radiohead, Beck and Sigur Ros – they still boast an enviable roster of exciting
Minotaur Shock – Amateur Dramatics
Though some of you may recognise the name Minotaur Shock, I imagine fewer have heard his music, and even less are investing time or money in it. Criminal really, as
Conor Oberst – Conor Oberst
It’s difficult to employ objectivity when critiquing the newest album from a man who soundtracked a grand portion of your adolescence. Every lyric scrawled on school journals and each poster
Stereolab – Chemical Chords
Stereolab albums remain somewhat of a quandary for this reviewer. I’m always torn between a desire to hear new and challenging ideas, but then find myself crying out for more
Lackthereof – Your Anchor
Portland three-piece Menomena have recently been basking in the glow of some well-deserved critical and commercial success, with a widening fanbase for their sometimes esoteric jazz-infused rock. Yet even the
Polar Bear – Polar Bear
Seb Rochford, drummer, leader, and hairdo extraordinaire of jazz outfit Polar Bear has something of a Midas touch for Mercury Prize nominations. Accusations flung at the prize board for including
Joe Chester – The Tiny Pieces Left Behind
Some people have the ability to slot in and perform at any task that is presented to them. Chester is such a person and shows various skills on this album