Latest Reviews 21-27 May 2012 
Blood SpeaksSmoke Fairies
There’s much to adore from the bluesy folk duo on this second set.reviewed by John Aizlewood
Words and Music by Saint EtienneSaint Etienne
The trio looks back on a life lived through music, and the daft things it makes people do.reviewed by Ian Wade
Electric Sound of SummerFüxa
Calming minimalism from long-dormant Detroit experimentalists.reviewed by Wyndham Wallace
This is UK Rap, Volume 1Various Artists
The freshest artists of the UK's contemporary rap generation demand to be heard.reviewed by Noel Gardner
Gaz Coombes Presents Here Come the BombsGaz Coombes
Erstwhile Supergrass frontman returns with beguiling and widespread solo album.reviewed by Ian Winwood
KnotsSons of Noel and Adrian
A meaty, satisfying listen suggesting greater things to come.reviewed by James Skinner
MazeTrioVD
One of the most inventive and transgressive albums you’ll encounter this year.reviewed by Sid Smith
It’s a Corporate WorldDale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.
Fine, feel-good pop songs from the NASCAR-loving Detroit duo.reviewed by Si Hawkins
Some Nightsfun.
New Yorkers’ second LP is one big, beautiful oxymoron, and really rather special.reviewed by Al Fox
Ten Freedom SummersWadada Leo Smith
An epic work from the veteran trumpeter, deserving of classic status.reviewed by Daniel Spicer
Blue Slide ParkMac Miller
While it’s evident how he’s won hearts, Miller’s not the complete package yet.reviewed by Adam Kennedy
Mid AirPaul Buchanan
Nothing short of a solo masterpiece from The Blue Nile’s frontman.reviewed by Chris Roberts
PrydaEric Prydz
To cut a long, three-disc set short: if you love trance, you’ll love Pryda.reviewed by Matthew Bennett
Tree Bursts in SnowAdmiral Fallow
Hearts might well burst under prolonged exposure to this record.reviewed by Martin Aston
Symphony No. 9 in D Minor (conductor: Simon Rattle; Berliner Philharmoniker)Anton Bruckner
Rattle’s new finale is a resounding success, full of boundary-pushing harmonies.reviewed by Graham Rogers
DuendeAvishai Cohen with Nitai Hershkovitz
Top-flight musicianship shines, but everything’s a little too neat on these duets.reviewed by Daniel Spicer
RamPaul and Linda McCartney
Ripe for re-evaluation, Ram is far from the disaster some critics painted it as.reviewed by Chris Roberts
Spirit in the RoomTom Jones
Neither a sea-change nor a slump, this 40th studio LP finds Sir Tom on fine form.reviewed by John Aizlewood
