Release Reviews
Public Image Ltd. - This is PiL
This is PiL comfortably manages to be what a comeback strives to be but seldom is; adventurous, celebratory and - above all - adding to an already admirable legacy.»
Scissor Sisters - Magic Hour
Scissor Sisters would be infuriating if it weren’t for the force of their full frontal charm offensive.»
Husky - Forever So
If you want a faultless new Sub Pop release then pick up the Father John Misty album. If however you want to listen to a young band starting out on the rocky road, or you are Australian, then this album is for you.»
El-P - Cancer for Cure
For all its darkness, paranoia and rage, Cancer For Cure emerges as one of the year's most endlessly re-playable records.»
The King's Will - The Swords are Coming
A small victory in itself, like someone got Orbital played inside the House of Commons.»
Smoke Fairies - Blood Speaks
Blood Speaks is one of 2012’s more entrancing records.»
Squarepusher - Ufabulum
A sharp barb aimed squarely at anyone who earnestly praised the music of Skrillex.»
Stalking Horse - Specters
Each track encapsulates a mood, tells a story and does so thoughtfully, deftly, with an artistry that is equal parts considered, eloquent and inspired.»
Still Flyin' - On a Bedroom Wall
On A Bedroom Wall is a work of music that won’t be matched this year for its pained beauty.»
Cold Specks - I Predict a Graceful Expulsion
I Predict A Graceful Expulsion is a majestic powerhouse of a career starter.»
Gaz Coombes - Here Come the Bombs
The mutton chopped wonder has pulled off quite a clever trick; deploying enough of the Supergrass sound to keep the die-hard fans happy, but also mixing in sufficient experimentation to keep things fresh and interesting.»
Exitmusic - Passage
Passage looks beautiful at first glance, but don’t delve too deeply lest the mirage of a grandiose masterpiece dissolve.»
Gossip - A Joyful Noise
For all Gossip's heartfelt politicking, Higgin's pop-lite makeover only accentuates the hollowness that's always plagued their songs.»
Paul McCartney - Ram (Deluxe Edition)
It’s RAM’s turn to be re-released, perhaps reappraised and definitely repurchased. »
Amon Tobin - Boxset
Amon Tobin's Boxset has been put together with far too much care to be dismissed as a mere cash-in, and those fortunate enough to be able to afford it are very, very unlikely to find cause for disappointment. As for the rest of us - well, we can but drool. »
I Like Trains - The Shallows
The Shallows is consistently decent but fails to ignite the cerebrum with the directness and dread of I Like Trains' early output.»
Holy Mountain - Earth Measures
A breathless journey, tinged with humour.»
Magnetic North - Orkney: Symphony of the Magnetic North
The Magnetic North are never going to get the party started or kick a live audience into gear, but on this evidence they have an unnerving ability to transport you to a bleak but beautiful part of the country.»
Cornershop - Urban Turban
After twenty-one years, it’s hard to believe Tjinder Singh and Ben Ayres are still capable of producing moments as vivid and relevant as they do on Urban Turban. »
North Atlantic Oscillation - Fog Electric
If you admire the Flaming Lips, but wish they came without the goofy ideas and execution, then this is for you.»
Lee Hazlewood - The LHI Years Singles
In covering just three to four years of Lee Hazlewood's less readily available material The LHI Years mines a rich seam of individualistic pop genius, even the rump of which betters that found within the entire back catalogue of many artists.»
Flats - Better Living
One of the most viscerally engaging British rock albums in years. »
Ghosting Season - The Very Last Of The Saints
An album with overwhelming potential, which often aches with sadness, but which is ultimately uplifting, and sometimes that’s just what you need to make it through the night.»
Silversun Pickups - Neck of the Woods
A snip here, a clip there – you’ll be left with a far more enjoyable recording.»
The Cribs - In the Belly of the Brazen Bull
My Bloody Valentine - Loveless (remastered)
My Bloody Valentine - Isn't Anything (remastered)
Actress - R.I.P.
Chromatics - Kill for Love
Death Grips - The Money Store
In Photos: Guns 'n' Roses @ Liverpool Echo Arena
In Photos: Cloud Nothings @ Cargo, London
In Photos: Live At Leeds Festival 2012
In Photos: Camden Crawl 2012 , London
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