Latest Reviews 7-13 March 2011 
Thread of LifeMagnus Öström
A surprisingly sedate first solo statement from the ex-EST drummer.reviewed by Daniel Spicer
In Memory of Loss Nathaniel Rateliff
Debut album from Denver trucker turned singer-songwriter.reviewed by Paul Lester
Collapse into NowR.E.M.
As deep as previous R.E.M. classics, and perhaps their best post-Bill Berry LP.reviewed by Martin Aston
Horses and High HeelsMarianne Faithfull
A stellar cast aids Faithfull through a set of striking originals and strong covers.reviewed by John Doran
The Adding MachineTwelves
A tight yet exploratory set that neatly balances brains and brawn.reviewed by Daniel Spicer
NightingaleErland and the Carnival
Soothsayer lyricism atop sinister guitars and eldritch electronics.reviewed by Paul Clarke
LasersLupe Fiasco
Chicago rapper’s delayed third album features several inspired moments.reviewed by Johnny Sharp
To Drink the RainMalcolm Holcombe
A true roots eccentric makes hay with artful production.reviewed by Ninian Dunnett
Riddimentary – Diplo Selects GreensleevesDiplo
Great music, plain and simple, seamlessly strung together for maximum party vibe effect.reviewed by David Katz
SkinsBuffalo Tom
An impressive, graceful addition to the indie veterans’ catalogue.reviewed by James Skinner
Burn Your TownThe Chapman Family
Thunderous and well-produced gloomy goth-rock from the northeast.reviewed by Mike Haydock
PedalsRival Schools
A worth-the-wait second LP a decade after the New Yorkers’ celebrated debut.reviewed by Chris Beanland
HalfaxaGrimes
Persevere and Halfaxa is quite the beguiling beauty.reviewed by Mike Diver
EuropaCourtney Pine
Assured acoustic jazz, lush ballads to tempestuous post-bop, from an all-star band.reviewed by Daniel Spicer
Smoke Ring for My Halo Kurt Vile
A personal, private fourth LP from the Philadelphia native and select pals.reviewed by Noel Gardner
Daydreams & NightmaresThose Dancing Days
Deserves to catapult them into indie pop’s premier league.reviewed by Jaime Gill
The GateKurt Elling
Another potential Grammy-winner from the jazz vocalist.reviewed by Kathryn Shackleton
Losing ColourStricken City
A debut album so breathtakingly beautiful it begs a speedy reunion.reviewed by Jen Long
CivilianWye Oak
Sensual whispers and twilight moans from the Baltimore duo.reviewed by Garry Mulholland
Cartagena! Curro Fuentes and the Big Band Cumbia and Descarga Sound of Columbia 1962-72Various Artists
Sublimely swinging cuts bringing the live cumbia sound to the studio.reviewed by Noel Gardner
Goodbye Lullaby Avril Lavigne
Self-effacing fourth album from the Canadian star, but lacking authenticity.reviewed by Al Fox
BellowSister Crayon
Fans of Warpaint and School of Seven Bells, investigate this immediately.reviewed by Mike Diver
Who’s Blue? Rare Chess Recordings of the 60s and 70s Etta James
A collection of rarities that yields its joys readily and abundantly.reviewed by Daryl Easlea
Build a Rocket Boys!Elbow
They continue to make music that sounds like it cares how you are.reviewed by Fraser McAlpine
Queens of the Stone AgeQueens of the Stone Age
A debut that crackles with energy, simply electrifying at its best.reviewed by Greg Moffitt
Shaolin vs Wu-TangRaekwon
A great fifth album from the Wu-Tang rapper, but not quite another catalogue classic.reviewed by Mike Diver
Last Night on EarthNoah and the Whale
Album three bristles with a sense of hope and possibility.reviewed by Mischa Pearlman
Tchaikovsky & ShakespeareGustavo Dudamel
The inspirational conductor holds onto his fine reputation.reviewed by Daniel Ross
Quiet TigerKit Downes Trio
Builds on the success of their debut and moves on to explore new territories.reviewed by John Eyles
