Spencer Robertshaw - Reviews
Robert J. Hunter
Energetic and infectious blues rock on fifth album from British blues guitarist Robert J Hunter
Wilko Johnson
Fabulous double CD best of compilation from former Dr Feelgood guitarist Wilko Johnson, which consists of songs from his catalogue which he re-recorded between 2008 and 2012
Ghostpoet
Uncategorisble, but excellent second album from Mercury Prize winner Ghostpoet, the nom de plume for British singer and producer Obaro Ejimiwe
Lloyd Cole and Hans-Joachim Roedilus
Stunning ambience on electronic instrumental collaboration between English rock singer Lloyd Cole and Austrian composer Han-Joachim Roedilus
Group Rhoda
Classy-sounding electronica on debut album from Group Rhoda, the project of San Francisco-based musician Mara Barenbaum
Janice Graham Band
Excellent latest single from uncompromising Manchester-based ska-influenced act, Janice Graham Band
Various
Fresh-sounding second collection of remixes from the influential 80's label ZTT, which includes tracks from the Art of Noise, Paul McCartney, Frankie Goes To Hollywood and 808 State
Skint and Demoralised
Irreverent and politically conscious second album from Skint & Demoralised, the project of Wakefield-based poet Matt Abbott
Various
Fantastic double CD charity compilation in aid of CALM, a Manchester-based suicide helpline of which late Factory Records boss Tony Wilson was a founder, and which includes tracks from Elbow, Durutti Column and Noel Gallagher as well as new band such as the Whips and No Ceremony
Red Inspectors
Fine debut album from London-based band the Red Inspectors whose influences include 60's film soundtracks, funk, lounge and electronica
Kings of Leon
Essential DVD documentary about stadium act Kings of Leon, which intersperses footage of a gathering of their Pentecostal family with that of their remarkable rise to supergroup status
Tom Moriarty
Compelling debut album from thoughtful London-based singer-songwriter Tom Moriarty, who recorded this album after fifteen years working in the City
Rory Gallagher
Unreleased until now studio and live recordings from the late Rory Gallagher, which proves to be probably the best hidden secret in guitar led rock for decades
Txarly Brown
Refreshing and vibrant collection overseen by DJ Txarly Brown of reworkings in Spanish of both well known and lesser known dance anthems, the third and final volume in Madrid-based label's Banda Achilfunk series
Jon Allen
Sublime second album of acoustic Americana from acclaimed singer-songwriter, Jon Allen
Epstein
Pleasing latest EP from eclectic Oxford/London hybrid, the Epstein
Steve Cradock
Expertly-crafted 60's-influenced second solo album from Ocean Colour Scene guitarist and Paul Weller touring band member, Steve Cradock
Twisted Tongue
Clever and innovative funk on second album from Twisted Tongue, the project of production duo Dave Jay and Mark Dalton, which seems destined to be one of the records of the forthcoming summer
The Milk
Immediately classic debut single from Essex-based Northern Soul group, The Milk
Alison Scott
Unobtrusive, but warm third album from Minneapolis-based country-soul singer, Alison Scott