Latest Reviews 13-19 September 2010 
EmpireScott Colley
Colley is engaging, moving with a relentless sense of swing, and Empire is excellent.reviewed by Lara Bellini
Wilderness HeartBlack Mountain
Expertly blends heavy rock and smoky blues across tantalisingly layered songs.reviewed by Brad Barrett
Penny SparkleBlonde Redhead
Seamless and polished, unhurried and wonderful, sparkling with a new-found black beauty.reviewed by Reef Younis
Grinderman 2Grinderman
Cave and co exhibit a bigger, fuller sound on their second LP.reviewed by Garry Mulholland
The Essential Herb AlpertHerb Alpert
Double-disc greatest hits and more from the ‘A’ in A&M.reviewed by Daryl Easlea
Great ExpectationThe Jolly Boys
An intriguing introduction to, or reminder of, this wonderful, under-exposed music.reviewed by Angus Taylor
A Crimson GrailRhys Chatham
A remarkable, engrossing work that plays against rather than panders to expectations.reviewed by Colin Buttimer
Dream of YouSharon Corr
Sharon follows sister Andrea into the solo arena with mixed results.reviewed by Tom Hocknell
Sleep ForeverCrocodiles
A band heading towards maturity via streamlined electronic means.reviewed by Andrzej Lukowski
A Thousand SunsLinkin Park
A haphazard collection from the Cali’ sextet, but one that scales some new highs.reviewed by Mike Diver
La La LandPlants and Animals
La La Land is so warm and easy to like, it triumphs over any misgivings.reviewed by Matthew Horton
SeniorRöyksopp
Makes a strong claim to be 2010’s best electronic album.reviewed by Garry Mulholland
Pop Negro El Guincho
An album that’s among the year’s best but will take years to unravel.reviewed by Kev Kharas
Cowboys from HellPantera
Remastering brings clarity and punch to what was already an iconic metal landmark.reviewed by Greg Moffitt
Innundir skinniÓlöf Arnalds
Arnalds’ second album of affecting, rustic charms features a certain Björk.reviewed by Si Hawkins
Broken RecordLloyd Cole
A solid effort from the ex-Commotions man, adding to an impressive back catalogue.reviewed by Tom Hocknell
InterpolInterpol
Their future may be uncertain, but Interpol’s fourth LP is a satisfying listen for now.reviewed by Ian Wade
False Priestof Montreal
The group’s colourful alt-pop has started to dull on their tenth LP.reviewed by Rob Webb
OptiksSilje Nes
Twilight tinklings from experimental Norwegian chanteuse.reviewed by Wyndham Wallace
Oi! A Nova Musica BrasileiraVarious Artists
Endorses Brazil’s proud musical heritage while drastically re-arranging it.reviewed by Colin Irwin
HurleyWeezer
The best songs on Hurley are immediately familiar, Rivers Cuomo typically charismatic.reviewed by Lou Thomas
FabricLive 53Drop the Lime
As a transatlantic cross section of bristling club scenes it's fairly on the button.reviewed by Matthew Bennett
Phosphene DreamThe Black Angels
Any measure you want to throw at it, this is a killer rock album.reviewed by Everett True
Going BackPhil Collins
Collins’ trawl through the Hitsville USA songbook is surprising and disarming.reviewed by David Sheppard
Songs From the Road Leonard Cohen
Live recordings from Cohen’s superbly acclaimed 2009-09 world tour.reviewed by Andrew Mueller
Body Talk, Part 2Robyn
The Swede is the best, most versatile pop star currently at work.reviewed by Jaime Gill
Barking Underworld
The sound of musicians with nothing to prove and everything to give.reviewed by Sarah Bee
Band of JoyRobert Plant
An album of bounding energy and unexpected eclecticism.reviewed by Colin Irwin
Sex with an XThe Vaselines
A welcome return – let’s hope they stick around for a bit longer this time.reviewed by Rob Webb
We LoveWe Love
Instrument-making Italian duo reveals a downbeat electro debut of some heart.reviewed by James McMahon
Wonderlustre Skunk Anansie
An album of intellect and development, its makers as commanding as they ever were.reviewed by Al Fox
Maximum BalloonMaximum Balloon
Interesting vocalists ensure David Sitek’s latest project is never bland.reviewed by Garry Mulholland
Science and FaithThe Script
The Script’s secret weapon is a simple one: a killer chorus, which they deploy often.reviewed by Fraser McAlpine
Acid CountryPaul Heaton
The former Beautiful South leader releases his second solo LP.reviewed by Rob Crossan
Basic NatureCalories
Calories can be bad for your body, but Basic Nature sure is good for the soul.reviewed by Chris Beanland
Root for RuinLes Savy Fav
Classic Les Savy Fav fare, but their lively rock still translates best in the live arena.reviewed by Chris Beanland
Live at Roundhouse LondonFat Freddy’s Drop
Captures the New Zealanders in their natural element.reviewed by Paul Clarke
Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.
Effervescent hints of Madchester here and there, and whiffs of early Blur.reviewed by Sarah Bee
Synchro System and Aura King Sunny Adé and his African Beats
Two albums from Nigeria’s first Western star on one great disc.reviewed by Robin Denselow
Double Sextet / 2x5 Steve Reich
Hit and miss affair from rhythmic minimalist.reviewed by Spencer Grady
Die ZauberflöteWolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Jacobs’s account is a game-changer: we will never listen to this the same way again.reviewed by Graham Rogers
