Reviews
Anton Barbeau (2008)
The Automatic Door
Routine-sounding latest album from eccentric psychedelic pop rocker Anton Barbeau which offers few surprises
Ariana Grande (2020)
Positions
Playful but solid and distinctive pop and R and B on sixth album from Ariana Grande
Barry Gibb (2021)
Greenfields
Appealing new album from Barry Gibb in which he has reworked some of his classic catalogue with a range of country artists including Dolly Parton, Keith Urban, Alison Krauss and Sheryl Crow.
Bastille (2022)
Give Me The Future
Expansive and experimental science fiction-themed fourth album from London-based stadium act Bastille
Billie Eilish (2021)
Happier Than Ever
Compelling and thoughtful second album from multi-award-winning singer Billie Eilish
Charlatans (2006)
Forever. The Singles.
Excellent and timely compilation of ever-evolving classic singles band the Charlatans, whose 15 year career has now spanned over 9 studio albums and 26 singles
Clairo (2021)
Sling
Intimate but frank and socially conscious second album from American singer-songwriter Clairo
Dua Lipa (2020)
Future Nostalgia
Revamped version of second album from Dua Lipa which has been remixed with special guests to impressive effect
Ellenby (2005)
Runaway Ep
Dull folk rock from London-based duo Ellenby, one of whom has appeared in West End show Jesus Christ Superstar
Elvis Costello and the Imposters (2011)
The Return of the Spectacular Songbook
Excellent limited edition live CD/DVD recorded at a show in Los Angeles, which has Elvis Costello and his band the Imposters selecting songs from a Wheel of Fortune
Elvis Costello and the Imposters (2022)
The Boy Named IF
Upbeat but sometimes abstract latest album from Elvis Costello om which he reflects on his own and other men's growing pains
Gary Barlow (2020)
Music Played by Humans
Energetic and orchestral fifth solo album by the English singer-songwriter and Take That lead singer, Gary Barlow
Innerpartystem (2008)
Die Tonight Live Forever
Dirty-sounding, but heartfelt electro on new single from Pennyslvanian group Innerpartysystem who seem destined for major success
Jehnny Beth (2020)
To Love is to Live
Provocative and sensitive debut solo album from Mercury-nominated Savages vocalist Jehnny Beth
Kacey Musgraves (2021)
Star-Crossed
Emotive and adventurous new album from Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves which was inspired by her recent marriage break-up and divorce
Killers (2021)
Pressure Machine
Cinematic and reflective new album from The Killers, which was inspired by frontman Brandon Flowers' return to his small and conservative home town in Utah.
Lana Del Ray (2021)
Blue Banisters
Reflective and stripped back new album, her second this year, from bestselling American singer-songwriter Lana del Ray
Little Fish (2010)
Baffled and Beat
Emotive garage rock which takes a raw, but often comical look at life on debut album from Oxfordshire duo, Little Fish
Mark Morriss (2008)
Memory Muscle
Charmingly low-key and acoustic solo debut album from Mark Morriss, the vocalist with the still under-rated Bluetones
Mr Hudson and the Library (2007)
A Tale of Two Cities
Outstanding debut album from rising and offbeat new group Mr Hudson and the Library which takes 1940's influences and gives them a unique contemporary twist
Paul McCartney (2021)
McCartney III
Fantastic third all-solo album from Paul McCartney which he recorded spontaneously during lockdown
Paul Weller (2021)
An Orchestrated Songbook
Experimental and inventive new album from Paul Weller which reworks some of his Jam, Style Council and solo back catalogue with orchestral arrangements
PJ Harvey (2011)
Let England Shake
Stunning return to form and part reggae-influenced remorseful eighth studio album from PJ Harvey, in which she examines the declining current state of England
Rolling Stones (2023)
Hackney Diamonds
Impressive and masterful album of new material in eighteen years from The Rolling Stones
Sandy Denny (2010)
Sandy Denny
Superb 19 CD box set from tragic and still often under-rated UK folk singer, Sanny Denny, which includes 100 unreleased recordings
Slade (2009)
Merry Christmas Everybody: Party Hits
Effective if cynical reworking for the Christmas market twenty of Slade's greatest hits
Sonic Youth (2007)
The Destroyed Room
Largely instrumental and experimental, but rewarding compilation of outtakes, leftovers and odds and sods from Sonic Youth released to clear out their major label cupboard
Spiritualized (2008)
Songs in A & E
Long delayed latest album from Spiritualized, which released after a serious illness left front man Jason Pierce fighting for his life in intensive care, shows itself to have been very much worth the wait
Taylor Swift (2023)
1989 (Taylor's Version)
Expanded and reworked version of Taylor Swift’s 2014 album which saw her make the transition from country to pop
Taylor Swift (2021)
Evermore
Impressive second album in a year from Taylor Swift which finds her continuing to develop in an indie-folk direction
Tears For Fears (2022)
The Tipping Point
Ambitious first album in eighteen years from seminal 80's synth pop group Tears For Fears which finds them convincingly breaking into new territory
Thin Lizzy (2007)
Thin Lizzy Greatest Hits
Fine if somewhat surprising double CD reissue of 70's band Thin Lizzy's greatest moments, which originally came out just three years ago
U2 (2023)
Songs of Surrender
Appealing new box set from U2, who have taken forty of their best-loved tracks and reworked them into alternative versions
Various (2015)
Island Records Presents Reggae Discomixe
Fabulous double CD of extended 70's mixes with which Island Records goes back to its roots to prove once again that reggae’s got soul
Yeah You's (2009)
Looking Through You
Energetic, exuberant pop on harmonic debut album from British band, the Yeah You's