The National have never been an ‘instant’ band. Their albums rarely contain a hook that grabs you and has you whistling it all day. No, they’re cleverer than that. Read More

Uffie – Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans

Had Justice’s 2007 album Cross not been so good, no one would remember the then 19 year old Uffie who contributed sassy vocals to ‘Tthhee Ppaarrttyy’. Read More

Morcheeba are one of the stately royals of down-tempo music. If you know them, expect the usual lustfully sensual vocals over smooth music, this time with a pinch of the Old West. These ten tunes will accommodate any scorching sunny day; fit for sweat and a cool beverage as the enchanting voice massages you into a state of relaxation. Read More

Outside of their music, US indie toetappers We Are Scientists are the funniest men in rock – seek out their blogs, columns and videos posthaste. Inside their music, they are on album three of catchy danceable tunes full of introspective lyrics of missed lessons and excess. Barbara walks that familiar path but the hook-laden ‘Rules Don’t Stop’ and the raw fist-pumping ‘Jack and Ginger’ prove the formula’s not tired just yet.

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Booka Shade is a DJ duo who enjoy experimenting with electro-house music. Experimenting may be hyperbole when it comes to More!, however. The opening track, enticingly titled ‘Havanna Sex Dwarf’, sets the tone for pretty much the whole album with little variation, but as the tracks go by you start to appreciate the levels of clicks, whirls and beeps and end up concluding that the tracks get slightly better as they pass.

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In the fall of the record labels, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find someone who creates a fresh and inspiring mainstream sound. The person to push the sound of pop music is Janelle Monáe with her major label debut, The ArchAndroid.

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Model, singer and wife of Jack White, it turns out Karen Elson’s not just a pretty face. The ginger Brit’s bloodsoaked debut album owes a lot to Nick Cave’s Murder Ballads and Bob Dylan’s Time Out of Mind albums as she shoots for that timeless country and folk-tinged song writing. To her credit, a lot of the time she hits the mark with inspired music and lyrics which are are competent tales of murder, loss and love. Read More

Once upon a time, The Black Keys were an American duo who played fantastic blues and life-affirming soul, using nothing but a wonderful voice full of character, a guitar and a drum kit. Then producer-ofthe- moment Danger Mouse turned up. He produced an uncharacteristically slick album that introduced them to the iTunes world. Now they’re back and Brothers is a very different beast indeed; it’s an offensive assault on creativity and excitement.

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How topical! Not only have we stumbled upon South Africa’s most interesting group but the country also seems to be hosting some kind of sporting event this month. Dwarfing football is wiry white rapper Ninja, bizarre tiny-fringed female rapper Yo-Landi Vi$$er and chunky beatmaster DJ Hi-Tek.

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Infinite Arms – 2008’s Cease to Begin was a surprise beautiful masterpiece in Americana. Back with the follow-up, the Seattle balladeers with a country chip on their shoulder have decided to walk the same road of dusty quiet epics. Fans of Kings of Leon can learn a thing or two from Band of Horses. Read More