Latest Reviews 28 February - 6 March 2011 
Different Gear, Still Speeding Beady Eye
Debut album by some bloke from a Britpop band.reviewed by Paul Lester
Passive Me, Aggressive YouThe Naked and Famous
Strapping, festival-fit tunes from the New Zealand chart-toppers.reviewed by Kevin Harley
Alexis JordanAlexis Jordan
A delightful debut full of first-crush excitement.reviewed by Natalie Shaw
Live In London Matana Roberts
There is a restless but disciplined effervescence in Roberts’ playing.reviewed by Kevin Le Gendre
Michel PoiccardThe Death Set
Full-tilt, power-pop catharsis and ecstatic blaze-of-glory euphoria – catchier than H1N1.reviewed by Chris Parkin
BlessedLucinda Williams
One of America’s finest songwriters releases another recommended collection.reviewed by Nick Barraclough
Boys and DiamondsRainbow Arabia
With hooks this good, who cares about derivativeness?reviewed by Chris Power
Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light IEarth
Profoundly thoughtful music that’s moved on from drone metal beginnings.reviewed by Chris Power
Long Player Late BloomerRon Sexsmith
A cautious release from a songwriter admired by the likes of Elton John.reviewed by Chris Roberts
Light After DarkClare Maguire
A voice big enough to warrant a weather warning from the Home Office.reviewed by Lewis G. Parker
Too SlowTom Williams and the Boat
A work-in-progress debut that mixes alt-folk dynamics with stirring drama.reviewed by Mike Diver
John Barleycorn Must Die (Deluxe Edition)Traffic
Traffic’s 1970 comeback might contain great highs, but it lacks focus.reviewed by Sean Egan
Palermo SnowJohn Renbourn
A first-class new collection from the British folk veteran.reviewed by Sid Smith
Tell MeJessica Lea Mayfield
A treasure of tremendous emotional resonance and focus from the rising country singer.reviewed by Mike Diver
Who You AreJessie J
With Cornish’s profile at a high and awards in the bag, Who You Are is a guaranteed hit.reviewed by Mike Diver
No WitchThe Cave Singers
Steel strings slick with gumbo grease and sweet gospel inflections.reviewed by Chris Parkin
Before The FallVarious Artists
An odd but extremely enjoyable, rebellious and esoteric jukebox selection.reviewed by John Doran
AbsoluteScritti Politti
The hits, and newies prove there’s life in the impossibly youthful old dog yet.reviewed by Matthew Horton
LumiereDustin O’Halloran
Berlin-based pianist incorporates strings on a fuller-sounding set of universal appeal.reviewed by Mike Diver
Bird SongsJoe Lovano / Us Five
Charlie Parker’s music rethought and interpreted in fresh ways.reviewed by John Eyles
St John PassionJohann Sebastian Bach
A little slice of musical heaven.reviewed by Charlotte Gardner
Wounded Rhymes Lykke Li
An outstanding album which improves upon the Swedish singer’s great debut.reviewed by Lou Thomas
