KT TUNSTALL: Wax (Virgin EMI)

MOVING from Scotland to LA has rejuvenated KT Tunstall, and her sixth album bristles with intent. Part-produced by Franz Ferdinand’s Nick McCarthy, its hooks are fortified by crunchy guitars and layered electronics. The Healer evokes Chrissie Hynde, while Tunstall adds Ian Anderson-style flute on The Mountain. And The Night That Bowie Died is a Hunky Dory-like acoustic strum. ★★★✩✩