Jon Rogers - Reviews
Bob Marley And The Wailers
Occasionally ragged but overall strong live album from Bob Marley and the Wailers, which, previously only available on bootleg, was recorded at two 1978 Boston concerts
Chris Smither
Excellent double CD reissue of 1990s albums from cult American blues singer-songwriter, Chris Smither
KK Null
Experimental and thought-provoking but sadly often monotonous mini-album from Japanese guitarist, KK Null
Hollis Brown
Unnecessary and pointless remake of the Velvet Underground’s final album ‘Loaded’ from New York rockers, Hollis Brown
Gram Parsons
Unessential retrospective of early recordings, some unreleased, from the late Gram Parsons, which will prove of interest to his devoted fan base only
Eno and Hyde
Admirable yet underwhelming joint album between Brian Eno and Underworld's Karl Hyde
Kirsty Maccoll
Fantastic new double CD compilation from the much missed Kirsty MacColl, which includes several little-known tracks and obscurities
Kitchens Of Distinction
Flawed first album in nineteen years from criminally overlooked in their day South London-based alternative rockers, Kitchens of Distinction
Fall
Incoherent but occasionally brilliant thirtieth album from the always unpredictable the Fall
Various
Fine Nick Drake tribute album which, recorded live at concerts in Melbourne and London, includes contributions from Vashti Bunyan, Danny Thompson, Green Gartside and Robyn Hitchcock
Motorhead
Magical, if predictable live double album/DVD from heavy rock legends, Motorhead
Holy Vessels
Breezy and upbeat Americana on debut album from diverse Brighton-based five piece, Holy Vessels
Factory Star
Atmospheric post-punk on six track mini-album from Factory Star, the new band of former Fall member and Blue Orchids front man Martin Bramah.
Mono
Frequently cliched, but also equally often impressive latest album from Japanese post-rock band, Mono
Knife and Fork
Captivating avant garde, experimental rock on second album from Knife and Fork, the project of Californian musician Eric Drew Feldman, who spent five years with Captain Beffheart and the Magic Band
Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band
Fascinating and absolutely compelling live footage recorded for German TV by Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band during a turbulent 1972 European tour
Dead Rat Orchestra
Haunting and evocative debut offering from ambient folk trio the Dead Rat Orchestra, which is the soundtrack to a BBC documentary about the hunting of gannets in the North Atlantic
Bailterspace
Often derivative, but largely enjoyable distortion-influenced indie rock on first album in thirteen years from New Zealand-based trio, Bailterspace
Rebellious Jukebox
Accomplished electro rock on latest single from Birmingham trio Rebellious Jukebox, which however depends too much on its 80's influences
Giant Giant Sand
Underwhelming debut album from prolific Tucson-based songwriter and musician Howe Gelb's new twelve-strong project Giant Giant Sand, which has little to segregate it from his other projects