Reviews
Aliens (2007)
Astronomy for Dogs
Catchy, but not especially inspiring 60's-influenced debut album from the Aliens, the new band of former Beta Band members John Maclean, Robin Jones, and Gordon Anderson
Angus and Julia Stone (2008)
A Book Like This
Enjoyable melodic pop on consistently strong second album from Australian brother and sister, Angus and Julia Stone
Anita Lipnicka (2011)
Hard Land of Wonder
Atmospheric and wintry latest album from exceptional-voiced Polish born, but now English-based singer-songwriter Anita Lipnicka, who has worked in the past with the Walkabouts' Chris Eckman
Badly Drawn Boy (2006)
Nothing's Gonna Change Your Mind
Uninvolving latest single from Badly Drawn Boy
Beach Boys (2012)
That's Why God Made the Radio
Fabulous first album in twenty years from the Beach Boys which, possibly their farewell record, has been released to coincide with their fiftieth anniversary
Beth Orton (2006)
Comfort Of Strangers
Disappointing fourth album and first new record in four years for Beth Orton, which lacks the lovely charm and pick me ups of her previous recordings
Beth Orton (2006)
Conceived
Enjoyable new single from Beth Orton, back after an absence of three years
Bill Leverty (2010)
Deep South
Thoughtful third solo album of southern blues covers from much acclaimed guitarist, Bill Leverty
Blondie (2001)
No Exit Plus 3
It is sixteen years since Blondie split up because, as they have since bluntly described it, ‘we hated each other’. Now four of its original members-vocalist Debbie Harry, guitarist Chris Stein, keybo
Blossoms (2020)
Foolish Loving Spaces
Enjoyable third album from increasingly impressive and unique Stockport pop quintet, Blossoms
Brittany Howard (2024)
What Now
Experimental and gripping second solo album from ex-Alabama Shakes frontwoman Brittany Howard
Chris Stapleton (2023)
Higher
Soulful fifth album from much acclaimed country star Chris Stapleton
Coldplay (2008)
Prospekt's March
Fine new EP from Coldplay, which combines alternative versions of some of the songs from their last album 'Viva La Vida'with several new tracks
Coldplay (2005)
X And Y
Undemanding and familiar-sounding angst rock on instantly bestselling third album from the highly popular Coldplay
Halsey (2021)
If I Cant Have Love, I Want Power
Gritty and thought=provoking rock on latest album from Halsey, who came out as non-binary earlier this year
Idlewild (2007)
Scottish Fiction (The Best of 1997-2007)
Engaging ten year anniversary compilation from still under-rated Scots rockers Idlewild which appears in a special edition with film of a live concert, bonus interviews, acoustic tracks and promo videos
Jack Savoretti (2021)
Europiana
Enjoyable retro and European-influenced seventh album from bestselling singer-songwriter ack Savoretti
Jane Birkin (2004)
Rendez-Vous
Eclectic collection of duets from the ever versatile Jane Birkin, who, despite over thirty years of working in the music industry, still gets little recognition outside France
Jessie Buckley and Bernard Butler (2022)
For All Our Days That Tear The Heart
Fantastic joint album From Hollywood actress Jessie Buckley and Suede guitarist Bernard Butler
John Mellencamp (2022)
Strictly a One-Eyed Jack
Gritty and pessimistic new album of blue-collar anthems from Indiana-born singer-songwriter John Mellencamp which features guest appearances from Bruce Springsteen
Kraftwerk (2005)
Minimum-maximum
Impressive double CD and first official live album, recorded during last year's universally praised world tour, from seminal German electronic pioneers Kraftwerk
Lorde (2021)
Solar Power
Reflective and stripped-back third album from acclaimed New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde
Love Is All (2008)
Love is All Mixed Up
Bubbly and enjoyable collection of remixes from friends and fans of songs by Swedish band Love is All
M83 (2009)
Saturday=Youth
Ethereal and ultimately engaging fourth album from electronic group M83, which has been reissued from last year
Moonshot (2011)
Angels Wear Black
Entrancing electronica on debut album from British dance pop two piece, Moonshot
Neneh Cherry (2022)
The Versions
Mellow and jazzy tribute album which reworks classic tracks from Neneh Cherry's back catalogue with the aid of guest singers and vocalists
Norah Jones (2021)
I Dream of Christmas
Upbeat Christmas album from Texas-raised jazz artisy Norah Jones
Paul McCartney and Wings (2022)
Wild Life
Excellent vinyl reissue of Wings' 1971 debut album which while it received lukewarm reception on its initial release half a century on stands up in a more favourable light
Ronnie Spector (2016)
The Very Best of Ronnie Spector
Impressive collection that draws from 1960s artist Ronnie Spector’s recordings with the Ronettes and as a solo artist
Taylor Swift (2020)
Folklore
Enjoyable indie rock-influenced latest album from Taylor Swift which has been co-produced and co-written by the National's Aaron Dessner
Van Der Graaf Generator (2008)
Trisector
Fine comeback album from 60's and 70's prog rock/psychedelic group Van Der Graaf Generator, who have reformed after nearly thirty years apart
Young Rebel Set (2011)
Curse Our Love
Versatile debut album proper from hard touring, but critically under-acknowledged Stockton-On-Tees seven-piece skiffle pop group, Young Rebel Set