Latest Reviews 17-23 September 2012 
ShieldsGrizzly Bear
Brooklyn four-piece make a long-awaited, welcome return.reviewed by Wyndham Wallace
The Sound of the Life of the MindBen Folds Five
The trio’s comeback is a welcome one, but this fourth album is no catalogue classic.reviewed by Chris Beanland
First of a Living BreedHomeboy Sandman
New York MC offers colourful dissections of his immediate surroundings.reviewed by Marcus J. Moore
Jimmy’s ShowJim Noir
Noir shouldn’t get too down on himself, for he may just be a genius.reviewed by Garry Mulholland
Where Do You StartBrad Mehldau Trio
Mehldau is entering a new prime phase in his career.reviewed by Martin Longley
Maybe Today, Maybe TomorrowWe Are the Ocean
Essex boys come of age with a solid rock record.reviewed by Alistair Lawrence
I Bet on SkyDinosaur Jr.
As ever, Dinosaur Jr. successfully marry heaviosity with a warm, tuneful sensibility.reviewed by Jude Clarke
Putrifiers IIThee Oh Sees
Filled with scattershot blasts of 60s pop and garage rock.reviewed by Charles Ubaghs
TragicomediesRudi Zygadlo
A personal, intimate success for the evolving Scottish producer.reviewed by Noel Gardner
The Matriarch and the Wrong Kind of FlowersStian Westerhus
Shadowy symphonies from boundary pushing Norwegian six-stringer.reviewed by Spencer Grady
Total LossHow to Dress Well
Second album of lo-fi RnB from Brooklyn boy wonder.reviewed by Paul Lester
RunnerThe Sea and Cake
A 10th album which suggests the band’s autumn could be a long and productive one.reviewed by Chris Power
Mirage RockBand of Horses
A pleasing, if occasionally indulgent, fourth LP from the Seattle five-piece.reviewed by Chris Beanland
Bad 25Michael Jackson
An awesome, evergreen and essential pop masterpiece.reviewed by Mike Diver
ThefearofmissingoutThenewno2
Dhani Harrison and company's second album plays things too safely.reviewed by Martin Aston
Special Delivery Music: The First DecadeVarious Artists
A lesson in consistency without compromise, from beginning to end.reviewed by Angus Taylor
12 Bit Blues Kid Koala
Canadian turntablist goes to meet the devil down by the crossroads.reviewed by Stevie Chick
Breakthrough The Gaslamp Killer
A formidable and immersive debut from the Californian turntablist.reviewed by Ian Roullier
Empire of LightDevil Sold His Soul
The next excellent step for this ever-improving London band.reviewed by Raziq Rauf
Battle Born The Killers
A belter of an album made for bedrooms and stadiums alike.reviewed by Tom Hocknell
Serpentine PathSerpentine Path
Terrifying yet magnificent horror from a group getting doom metal so very right.reviewed by Alex Deller
KissCarly Rae Jepsen
Canadian singer’s second album offers good, clean, wholesome fun.reviewed by Fraser McAlpine
Meat + BoneThe Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
After eight years out, the Blues Explosion slip their bellbottoms back on.reviewed by Stevie Chick
By Your SideBreakbot
An unashamedly upbeat, hopeful and happy debut from the French DJ/producer.reviewed by Ian Roullier
Head DownRival Sons
Honours half a century of classic rock with reverence and respect.reviewed by Greg Moffitt
ConfirmationDjango Bates Belovèd
Bates’ originals are fine bedfellows for some reconfigured Charlie Parker pieces.reviewed by Daniel Spicer
Cruel SummerG.O.O.D. Music
Kanye West’s long-awaited compilation sounds hasty and formulaic.reviewed by Marcus J. Moore
The Beethoven Journey: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 3 (feat. piano: Leif Ove Andsnes; Mahler Chamber Orchestra)Ludwig van Beethoven
The first step on what seems to be a joyous journey for the Norwegian pianist.reviewed by Graham Rogers
And in the Night-Time She Is ThereTrish Clowes
A timely reminder of the tenor saxophonist’s great talents.reviewed by John Eyles
