TIM BURGESS Vinilo y CD

Review: At the time of writing this, The Charlatans are waking up having just sold out a brand new, state-of-the-art, much-anticipated venue in central Manchester - New Century Hall. Random fact? No, more a point about how enduring the outfit Tim Burgess leads still are. And at least part of that ongoing popularity stems from the incredible creativity in their back catalogue, which takes cues from acid house, 1960s psyche, and Barrett-era Pink Floyd.

Suffice to say, then, anytime Burgess does anything it's always worth listening to, and in Typical Music we have probably the best example in some time of how priceless an artist he is. It's pop, it's distorted rock 'n' roll, it's synthdom, epic balladry, experimental, and baggy trousered swagger. Simply put, it's Burgess on an audible high, and few things sound better.

Review: Given the amount of energy he's put into his "Tim's Twitter Party" online listening events this year, it's perhaps surprising that Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess has found time to record new music. Ascent of the Ascended, his new EP, follows on from May's well-received solo album, I Love The New Sky, and lands on orange translucent vinyl. Fans will find plenty to cheer, including two songs recorded with, and produced by, Charles Heywood: the effervescent title track and 'Yours To Be', a deliciously jangling, life-affirming affair built around multi-tracked acoustic guitars, soft-touch percussion and lilting horn lines. The set's four other tracks, including a rather lovely new version of Charlatans classic 'The Only One I Know', were recorded "in session" during a Paste Magazine event in New York.

Review: When Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess dropped 'Empathy For The Devil' back in February it burst onto playlists like the scorching sunshine it sounds like. A jaunty, carefree slice of summer pop, complete with proclamations of "What will be will be", it marked the return of a Britpop hero who is one of the era's most talented, likeable and consistent - his work after those heady days has remained highly original and varied. Those looking for more of the same on this, his fourth solo album, will be pleased to know it's hardly lacking in good vibes. 'Sweetheart Mercury' follows the aforementioned single and album opener, and it's equally sublime and bouncy. In fact, anyone looking for something subdued must wait for 'Undertow' and its piano and vocal build, which is still a track of strength rather than vulnerability. Packing a powerful punch while never failing to explore new ideas, it's exquisite, timeless and essential.

Review: When Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess dropped 'Empathy For The Devil' back in February it burst onto playlists like the scorching sunshine it sounds like. A jaunty, carefree slice of summer pop, complete with proclamations of "What will be will be", it marked the return of a Britpop hero who is one of the era's most talented, likeable and consistent - his work after those heady days has remained highly original and varied. Those looking for more of the same on this, his fourth solo album, will be pleased to know it's hardly lacking in good vibes. 'Sweetheart Mercury' follows the aforementioned single and album opener, and it's equally sublime and bouncy. In fact, anyone looking for something subdued must wait for 'Undertow' and its piano and vocal build, which is still a track of strength rather than vulnerability. Packing a powerful punch while never failing to explore new ideas, it's exquisite, timeless and essential.