ALBUM REVIEWS, CHARTS, GOSSIP

REVIEWS

ALEX G Beach Music (Domino Records ) Album Philidelphia based indie popster Alex G has taken the bedroom via internet route to success.His low-fi, but charming songs have evoked comparisons with Elliot Smith – which is quite a compliment. 8

TOM ROBINSON Only The Now (Fat Cat Records ) Al

bum Veteran punk rocker and broadcaster Tom Robinson releases his first new album for 20 years. Inspired by the music he plays on his 6Music show guests include Billy Bragg, John Grant and Colin Firth! 8

EOFE EofE (Cream Records)

Album Debut album from young British rock band hailing from the Black Country. Nobody ever went hungry with a blend of stadium rock and radio friendly pop, but solid as this is, there’s nothing to stop the listener in their tracks. 7

DEERHUNTER Fading Fron

tier (4AD) Album Seventh album from US band Deerhunter led by Bradford Cox is surely the one that propels them to mainstream success. Invigorating and intense indie pop-rock songs but with plenty of light and shade. 9 JOANNA NEWSOM Divers

(Drag City) Album US singer/ songwriter Joanna Newsom is no ordinary rock artist and not just because one of her musical weapons of choice is the harp. Her compelling and complex songs are rich and lyrical and totally addictive. 9

GET THE BLESSING Astronautilus (Naim Jazz Records)

Album Fifth album from trailblazing Bristol band who are threatening to give jazz-rock a good name. Dedicated to Ornette Coleman they add electronica to their jazz textures. Recorded in Cornwall, the sea is the theme. 7

THE MILK Favourite Worry

(Wah Wah 45s) Album Second album from The Milk who are a bit of a throwback. Their mix of exuberant soulfilled anthems (Wanderlust) and muscular ballads (Lose That Way) is reassuringly old-fashioned and very enjoyable. 8

JUDITH HILL Back In Time

(NPG Records) Album Singer/songwriter Hill enjoys the patronage of Prince and the purple one’s influence is clear to see on a very promising debut. Funky pop soul is Hill’s forte but it will be interesting to hear her without her mentor’s guiding hand. 8 CARAVAN PALACE <l_

l>(MVKA ) Album Third album from Caravan Palace which was recorded in their Paris studio.Thankfully, their eclectic mix of hip-hop and synth jazz sounds better in reality than on paper. The six-piece create an exhilarating fusion. 7

THE KINKS Sunny Afternoon – The Very Best Of (BMG)Al

bum There are plenty of retrospectives of The Kinks out there. This latest one – a double album – uses the original version of songs from the hit West End musical. Simply, one of the greatest British bands ever. 10 PETER ANDRE Come Fly With Me (Rhino) Album Inspired by Sinatra, Strictly Come Dancing star Peter Andre takes on swing/Ratpack classics (Mack The Knife). It’s all been done before – and much better – and surely will soon find a home in the bargain bin. 5 TWILIGHT SAD Oran Mor Session (Fat Cat Records ) Album This is an album of stripped back versions of tracks from their acclaimed Nobody Wants To Be Here And Nobody Wants To Leave album plus B-sides. The Scottish band remain one of indie rock ‘s brighest newcomers. 8

GOSSIP

KEITH RICHARDS says he wants The Rolling Stones to return to the studio and work on new music in April. The guitarist released his third solo album Crosseyed Heart in September. It is 10 years since the group last album, 2005’s A Bigger Bang Richards had previously confirmed that all four members of the band recently met and agreed to record a new album. He said: “These guys aren’t getting any younger, but at the same time, they’re getting better.”