Best Of 2011...

PJ Harvey: Let England Shake (Island)

In a career fully loaded with ‘difficult’ albums Let England Shake is perhaps the most awkward yet, the closest Peej has come to what could actually be described as a concept album this is in fact a genuine triumph which addresses grown up issues in a grown up manner and with no little passion. more


System 7: Up (A-Wave)

Steve Hillage and Miquette Giraudy's tenth ranks along with their finest, once again marrying Hillage’s fluid guitar, Giraudy’s dreamy keyboards and dance-floor filling beats. You should also track down Carl Craig's wonderous remix of their link up with A Guy Called Gerald on 'Positive Noise'. more


Explosions In The Sky: Take Care, Take Care, Take Care (Bella Union)
It's been four long years since the release of Explosions In The Sky's previous album, All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone, but breath can now be unbated as Take Care, Take Care, Take Care is every bit as delightful as EITS fans could have hoped for and marks yet another creative leap forward. more


Tom Waits: Bad As Me (Anti/Epitaph)

There is nothing more guaranteed to get everyone around TM-Towers into a right old lather than a new Tom Waits waxing and, as has pretty much always been the case throughout his long and illustrious career, the new one is chock full of classic Waits-ian lunacy and astounding songsmithery. more


Lamb: 5 (Strata)

Wahey, Andy Barlow and Lou Rhodes reconvene for (as the title suggests), their fifth album - compilations and live efforts aside - and fans of their distinctly song based beat sculpting will be delighted to discover that neither has lost their creative edginess whilst flying solo. more