Review: Already the winner of a Brit Award (Adele was voted the 'Critics Choice' - the most exciting new British artist expected to 'make it big' in 2008),
'19' is Adele's debut album. Citing influences as diverse as Etta James, Jill Scott, Bjork, Dusty Springfield, Billy Bragg, Billie Holiday, Jeff Buckley,
The Cure and Peggy Lee, Adele also recently completed her first solo UK tour, having toured previously with the likes of Jack Penate, Jamie T,
Raul Midon, Amos Lee and Devendra Banhart. '19' contains both her debut track 'Hometown Glory' and her smash single 'Chasing Pavements'.
Blues tinged and melancholic, Adele describes 'Chasing Pavements' as 'It's me being hopeful for a relationship that's very much over. The sort
of relationship you hate when you're in it, but miss when you're not'. A hymn to lost love and regret, 'Chasing Pavements' follows Adele's first
limited edition single 'Hometown Glory', which introduced her to the world to much critical acclaim, with NME calling it 'totally, absolutely beautiful',
Q Magazine calling her 'The voice of next year' and The Sunday Times saying 'A Star Is Born'
Review: By now, you should all know the story of Atoms for Peace, the new all-star leftfield rock outfit founded by Thom Yorke and Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich. Amok is the five-piece's full-length debut, following a couple of well-received singles on XL and 50 Weapons. While there are obvious similarities with the path Radiohead have taken over recent years - curious beats influenced by dubstep and IDM, haunting soundscapes and intoxicating compositions - there's far greater warmth and vibrancy to the songs than some of Yorke's other projects. Ultimately, it sounds like what it is: a bunch of experimental-minded mates getting together to make music. It comes highly recommended.
Review: When they delivered their stupendously sample-heavy debut album, Since I Left You, back in 2000, The Avalanches were tipped for big things. For some reason, they failed to capitalize, all but fading from view. That album remains a much-loved listen for many people so there has been an expected degree of anticipation regarding this follow-up, Wildflower. Happily, it's something of a resounding success, with the Melbourne trio serving up another whirlwind trip through sample-heavy, hip-hop era psychedelia. At 21 tracks deep, and with more changes of direction than your average three-week cycle race, it's something of a beast. It is, though, well worth the effort, as repeat listens simply uncovers more layers of hazy, glassy-eyed goodness (be it bluesy trip-hop, slipped disco, dreamy acid-pop, folksy beat-scapes or baked hypno-rock).
Review: Arriving five years after their previous album, IV, Talk Memory sees Badbadnotgood pitch up on XL Recordings for the first time with what could be their most potent full-length yet. It's certainly their most expansive, adventurous and cinematic set so far, both in musical scope (it includes more nods towards post-rock and jazz-rock, for example) and sound (multiple tracks feature contribitions from Brazilian string arranger Arthur Verocai). It's a dazzling album all told, with the band's choice of improvisational composition techniques and an impressive guest list (Laraaju, Karriem Roggins, Terrace Martin and Brandee Younder all appear) resulting in a string of epic, life-affirming compositions. Picking highlights is tough, but we'd suggest checking slow burn, constantly building epic 'Signal to the Noise' and the buzzing, psychedelic jazz-rock of 'Beside April'.
Review: In early 2024, contemporary jazz cats BADBADNOTGOOD reported that they returned to the studio energised by recent international shows and collaborations with artists like Daniel Caesar, Charlotte Day Wilson and Baby Rose. The Canadian trio of Al Sow, Chester Hansen and Leland Whitty then joined with friends including Felix Fox-Pappas, Kaelin Murphy and Tyler Lott for an intensive recording week at Los Angeles' Valentine Studios. The result was the Mid Spiral series which explores distinct themes of Chaos, Order and Growth. Released initially in three digital parts, this genre-blending project now arrives on CD via XL and is another superb listen that explores how their roots in instrumental jazz fuse with hip-hop, neo-soul and funk.
Review: 'Crazy Itch Radio' certainly scratches the spot, with Simon Ratcliffe and Felix Buxton swerving from all-out drama on the operatic intro straight into the jet-packed kaleidoscopic pop of the future hit single 'Hush Boy' which features live collaborator Vula Malinga, last heard on 'Oh My Gosh'. Rammed up next, 'Take Me Back To Your House' is a sexy, energetic moment of what they call 'banjo house' - the only new tune they've been playing on their current European tour. There's also Balkan folk woven into vocals from Swedish pop sensation Robyn on 'Hey U', a hyper grime tune cussing vain boys from East London's Lady Marga, titled 'Run 4 Cover', and 'Lights Go Down', a Wil Malone-scored beauty with legendary British singer Linda Lewis. Basement Jaxx are currently wowing huge audiences around Europe on tour with Robbie Williams and will be playing their own headline arena shows in the UK before the end of the year.
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