Album Review
ALBUM REVIEW: Shir Khan - Maximize! (22 July 2008)
Shir Khan Maximize! Review By Adam Wood From the first few seconds of Maximize! it is plain to hear why DJ Shir-Khan is causing excitement as a DJ and cut-and-paste merchant, even outside his native Germany. Within moments you...
ALBUM REVIEW: Cute Is What We Aim For (18 July 2008)
Cute Is What We Aim For Rotation By Gareth Thomas Having endured widespread criticism regarding their first album, CIWWAF’s second release, inevitably, catches the late train of pop-punk maturity. After parting ways with previous producer Matt Squire, Cute identified...
ALBUM REVIEW: The Charlatans (15 July 2008)
The Charlatans You Cross My Path Review By Tim Kernutt It is hard to believe that The Charlatans have now produced ten albums, however their latest release, "You Cross My Path", could well be their best effort so far....
ALBUM REVIEW: Mamma Mia (14 July 2008)
MAMMA MIA! The Movie Soundtrack Review by Christ Todd For some people, Abba is inexplicably one of the greatest pop bands of all time, each three-and-a-half minutes is a little nugget of sweet Pop at the highest order. Then there...
ALBUM REVIEW: Primal Scream (14 July 2008)
Primal Scream Beautiful Future (B-Unique) Review by Chris Todd Being a Primal Scream fan is equal parts satisfying as it is damn frustrating. They have the ability to electrify with scorchers such as Swastika Eyes but have a habit of...
ALBUM REVIEW: Wetdog ( 9 July 2008)
Wetdog “Enterprise Reversal” Release 21st July Review by Matt Killeen I had high hopes for this. A white label CD with 21 tracks on it has connotations of the Ramones or Napalm Death about it. I’m not too disappointed. It’s...
ALBUM REVIEW: Beth Rowley ( 9 July 2008)
BETH ROWLEY Little Dreamer Universal Music Classics & Jazz Review by Peter Coulston I have been following Beth Rowley’s career for a number of years now and knew her when she used to blow us away on her trips up...
ALBUM REVIEW: Leon Jean Marie ( 8 July 2008)
LEON JEAN MARIE Bent Out of Shape :Island/Universal Review by Peter Coulston Leon Jean Marie is an artist that I have seen and heard many times before, most recently at the 12 Bar Club about a month ago. On each...
ALBUM REVIEW: Nomad Jones ( 4 July 2008)
Nomad Jones ‘The TV light’ EP Review by Andy Hirst Following a much hyped performance at this years Glastonbury festival, Manchester based singer songwriter Nomad Jones releases his debut EP on the 14th July. Known to his friends as...
SINGLE REVIEW: Jamie Lidell ( 4 July 2008)
Jamie Lidell Another Day Review by Andy Hirst Continuing Warp Records recent trend of moving towards more eclectic and less electric musical genres ‘Another Day’ is released on 16th June. The Artist himself could also be equally accused of...
ALBUM REVIEW: Miranda Barber (30 June 2008)
Miranda Barber Lips Decision Review by Peter Coulston Hopefully, all of you have just read my current Last Week In London column and have rapidly moved in frenzied anticipation to this album review based on my observations at the...
ALBUM REVIEW: Mattafix - Rhythm & Hymns (23 June 2008)
Mattafix Rhythm & Hymns Review By Chris Carruthers Immediately it feels like there’s more to Mattafix than meets the eye. They indulge in a vast array of styles from ambient, melody driven vocal tracks to percussive reggae, chill out...
ALBUM REVIEW: Living Legends - The Gathering (23 June 2008)
Living Legends The Gathering Review By Chris Carruthers The consistently high standard impressively maintained by Living Legends is apparent throughout this 7 track EP. The lyrics and rhymes are well thought out, imaginative and unique, complimented entirely by their...
ALBUM REVIEW: Juno (12 June 2008)
Juno Review By Zarina Raja A horribly sweet start to the Juno soundtrack certainly sets the flavour of what is to come. Barry Louis Polisar's ‘All I Want Is You’ is everything I hate: twangy, catchy, irritating and bland...
ALBUM REVIEW: Madonna (19 May 2008)
‘Hard Candy’ Madonna Review by Adam Walker “Don’t accept candy from strangers”, the age-old saying goes, well thankfully for us Madonna is no stranger and her candy tastes good. ‘Hard Candy’ is Madonna’s 11th studio album, and she’s showing no...
ALBUM REVIEW: Sepalot (19 May 2008)
Sepalot Red Handed Review by Tim Kernutt Sepalot's sound is as un-formulaic as Russell Brand's comedy routine. It is the funkiest hip-hop sound that you would ever want to hear. Sepalot shifts effortlessly between hip-hop, eletronica, rap and any...
ALBUM REVIEW: Lyrics Born (19 May 2008)
Everywhere at Once Review by Andy Hirst Everywhere at Once is a somewhat strange third solo album from Quannum founding member Lyrics Born; whilst his laid back smooth vocal style remains unashamedly so, the overall sound is a marked...
ALBUM REVIEW: Original Son of Man ( 9 May 2008)
Original Son ofman My Time Review by Peter Coulston This is actually an EP of acoustic ballads from this Luton based artist of St Lucian parentage. The production is stripped to the bone and the vocals are understated, but resemble...
ALBUM REVIEW: Estelle (23 April 2008)
Estelle Shine Review By Cheryl Jacobs By the time you’ve read this review Estelle is likely to have spent her third consecutive week as the UK’s number one selling singles artist. However, anyone expecting an album of hits in...
ALBUM REVIEW: Yael Naim & David Donatien (22 April 2008)
Yael Naim Review By Tim Kernutt Yael Naim's self-titled album released late last year is reminisce of Kate Bush. Paris-born but Israeli background, Naim produced her first album in 2001, and her latest album is a mixture of French,...
ALBUM REVIEW: Tom Middleton (22 April 2008)
Tom Middleton Renaissance 3D Review by Tim Kernutt Genre: House, Vocal House, Progressive House In dance music circles, Tom Middleton's new three-disc compilation, Renaissance 3D, has been one of the most anticipated new releases of the new year. In...
ALBUMR REVIEW: Portishead - Third (21 April 2008)
Portishead Third Review by Zarina Raja When a group like Portishead bring out a new album, you know that an obsession is definitely galloping towards you - and I wait for it with open arms. Third begins with Silence,...
ALBUM REVIEW: Blacklabel Series Vol. 3 (17 April 2008)
Blacklabel Series Vol. 3 Mixed by Jay Shepheard Compost Records House, Deep House and Electronica 3.5 / 5 Review by Tim Kernutt The latest collection of house and electronic tunes from the Blacklabel series reminds me of a killer set...
ALBUM REVIEW: Mystery Jets (12 April 2008)
Mystery Jets Twenty One Review by Jamie Stangroom It's not often you find a father and son in a popular band together, especially one that spawned from the post – Libertines London music scene let alone beforehand. The Mystery Jets...
ALBUM REVIEW: Elissa Franceschi ( 7 April 2008)
Elissa Franceschi Touch Review by Peter Coulston I saw this young lady at the Bedford last week and was impressed by her live performance, as you will see if you check out my Last Week In London column. This...
ALBUM REVIEW: Panic At The Disco ( 4 April 2008)
Panic At The Disco Pretty. Odd Out 24th March 2008 on Fuelled By Ramen / Atlantic Records Review by Gareth Thomas ‘Pretty. Odd’, the somewhat overdue album from Vegas four piece ‘Panic At The Disco’, has finally arrived on the...
ALBUM REVIEW: Does It Offend You, Yeah? (31 March 2008)
Does It Offend You, Yeah? 'You Don't Know What You're Getting Yourself Into' Review by Chris Todd Reading four-piece, DIOYY are the epitome of Hoxton Twat or the Shoreditch slut. The joke name, the cartoon rock band image they have,...
ALBUM REVIEW: The Long Blondes (28 March 2008)
The Long Blondes 'Couples' out 7th April. Review by Chris Todd Sheffield band The Long Blondes have always been an interesting proposition but their style has outshone the music. Their 2006 debut, 'Someone to drive you home', had the correct...
ALBUM REVIEW: Hot Chip (27 March 2008)
Hot Chip Made In The Dark EMI Records 4/5 Review by Tim Kernutt The eagerly awaited new album of Hot Chip, “Made in the Dark”, does not fail to impress. Despite the fact, in general, electronic music is going through...
ALBUM REVIEW: Karim Fanous (12 March 2008)
KARIM FANOUS Stir Crazy Amazon Review by Katie Spain As promised in my column last week, here is the review of Karim Fanous’ current album, Stir Crazy, which shows off his rock credentials and his band. This album is a...
ALBUM REVIEW: Tom Baxter (12 March 2008)
TOM BAXTER Skybound Sylvan Records/EMI Review by Peter Coulston I reviewed the next single to be taken from this album last week, and reserved judgement on it with the excuse that I would like to hear the whole album. My...
ALBUM REVIEW: Yes King ( 5 March 2008)
YES KING Rock This World Yesking Records Review by Peter Coulston Yes King is the brainchild of production duo, Mark Rae and Rhys Adams, and I was introduced to them through one of their excellent live outings at the Jazz...
ALBUM REVIEW: The Cardigans (26 February 2008)
The Cardigans 'The Cardigans Best Of' Universal Music AB Review by Tim Kernutt The Cardigans are one of those bands that would be easy to hate. They are Swedish, plastic looking, and produce pop music that your Mum would be...
ALBUM REVIEW: One Republic (19 February 2008)
One Republic Dreaming Out Loud Mosley Music Group When you listen to One Republic's "Dreaming Out Loud", you could swear that you have heard it before. And you probably have. Well not exactly, but you remember bands such as Creed,...
ALBUM REVIEW: Melody Gardot (19 February 2008)
Melody Gardot Worrisome Heart Released 18th February 2008 Review by Cherene Knop Melody Gardot is a pleasure to listen to. She combines old school jazz with fresh and original self penned lyrics – no rehashing covers for this songbird. This...
ALBUM REVIEW: Go:Audio (14 February 2008)
Go:Audio “Woodchuck” EP Released 3rd March 2008 through Epic Records Review by Andy Hirst You may have come across Go:Audio in the past few months supporting a pretty impressive range of upcoming indie bands, and with a full tour planned...
ALBUM REVIEW: GoAudio (14 February 2008)
Go:Audio “Woodchuck” EP Released 3rd March 2008 through Epic Records Review by Andy Hirst You may have come across Go:Audio in the past few months supporting a pretty impressive range of upcoming indie bands, and with a full tour planned...
ALBUM REVIEW: Matt Kebbell (13 February 2008)
MATT KEBBELL Skinny Dip Tramps and Bums Records By Peter Coulston I first heard Matt Kebbell at the Electroacoustic Club last year when he held a one week residency there. I was impressed with his songs and performance and was...
ALBUM REVIEW: Amy May (13 February 2008)
AMY MAY Right Right Now Charming Records/itunes Review by Peter Coulston I was fortunate enough to catch a set by this talented young lady this week at Jrink on Frith Street in Soho, where she performed many of the songs...
ALBUM REVIEW: The Crow Club (13 February 2008)
THE CROW CLUB Various Artists : People Tree Records Release date: 28 January 2008 Label: ROOTS Review by Peter Coulston While this album is aimed at fans of folk music in all it’s forms, I would recommend that everyone listen...
ALBUM REVIEW: We're in the Music Biz - Robots in Disguise ( 4 February 2008)
Robots in Disguise We're in the Music Biz Review by Zarina Raja We’re in the Music Biz is the first song on Robots in Disguise’s third album. ‘Absolutely no talent, the most unsuccessful duo the UK has ever known,’...
ALBUM REVIEW: Jack Cheshire (21 January 2008)
JACK CHESHIRE : Allow It To Come On Released 14 January 2007 - Official Launch 31 January 2007 Review by Peter Coulston I first saw and heard Jack Cheshire at the Borderline back in November where he opened for a...
ALBUM REVIEW: The Eels (21 January 2008)
The Eels Meet the Eels: Essential Eels Volume 1 and The Eels Useless Trinkets Release date: January 21, 2008 Review by Tim Kernutt The new releases from the idiosyncratic outfit, the Eels - “Meet the Eels: Essential Eels Vol. 1”...
ALBUM REVIEW: Matt Costa ( 8 January 2008)
MATT COSTA Unfamiliar Faces : Brushfire Records/Universal Released 14 January 2008 (Single-Mr Pitiful 7 January 2008) Review by Peter Coulston My introduction to Matt Costa was some months ago at the launch of the next Jack Johnson album, where he...
ALBUM REVIEW: Roisin Murphy ( 5 December 2007)
Artist: Roisin Murphy Album: Overpowered Review by Natalie Aquilina The thinking woman’s artist, Roisin Murphy has returned with her second solo album “Overpowered”. Her thoughts rush in as the title suggests, overpowering the listeners thoughts and feet in an instant....
ALBUM REVIEW: Soulja Boy (23 November 2007)
Soulja Boy ALBUM: souljaboytellem.com SINGLE: Crank That Review by Katie Spain You've got to hand it to Soulja Boy. If you're young, hip and surfing the wave of modern life, you'll have heard of the new kid on the Hip-Hop/Rap...
ALBUM REVIEW: Colbie Caillat - Coco (20 November 2007)
Album Review - Coco. Colbie Caillat. - Bob Meijer Being a grateful appreciator of acoustic singer/songwriter music by the likes of Bob Dylan, John Mayer and Jack Johnson, this new little album by this pretty American girl from sunny...
ALBUM REVIEW: Katie Melua (19 November 2007)
Katie Melua Pictures: A Katie Classic Review by Naima Khan Katie Melua hasn’t strayed far from the beaten track carved out by her last two albums. Though we wouldn’t want her to drop those distinctive vocals and lullaby like melodies....
ALBUM REVIEW: Martina Topley Bird (19 November 2007)
The Blue God Martina Topley Bird - Trippy Stuff Review by Naima Khan In my world of delusion I am the queen of multitasking so of course I’m perfectly capable of jotting down creative and precise review notes at the...
ALBUM REVIEW: Color Climax (29 October 2007)
Color Climax Plug it In Release date: 22 Oct 2007 label: Breakin Bread Welcome to the funky, porno-esque world of Color Climax, spun from the musical tinkerings of prolific Dj Paul Toller and dedicated keyboard player Steve Ashby. Plug It...
Album Review: White Chalk - PJ Harvey (15 October 2007)
- Zarina Raja White Chalk is Polly’s most haunting album so far, even the art work on the album cover is eerie - a Victorian looking PJ with a pale face, painted by a disturbingly blank expression that longs...
SINGLE REVIEW: The Gospel ft Kira ( 9 October 2007)
The Gospel ft Kira Skating your Pool Released on the artist driven-artist led Brown Punk label set up by Tricky, Danish songstress Kira defines her musical style as Soul Punk. Word? As I am always on the lookout for weird...
ALBUM REVIEW: Shantel ( 8 October 2007)
Shantel Disko Partizani Now, when you receive an album that’s partly lauded for its abilities to resurrect a ‘dead genre’ you tend to raise an eyebrow, especially when the genre’s as tragically moribund as that of ‘European Dance.’ The woes...
ALBUM REVIEW: Stevie Wonder ( 7 October 2007)
Stevie Wonder Number Ones Review by Gabriel Rolph You know what? This review is going to be very biased, because to me, Stevie Wonder is a genius. And not just a genius within Soul, Motown or RnB, Stevie is a...
Album Review: Shotters Nation - Babyshambles ( 3 October 2007)
Review By Zarina Raja Listening to Shotters Nation allows us to glimpse Doherty's strange yet poetic world. However shambolic Doherty’s life is in reality, this is not reflected musically - but maybe lyrically ‘Im F*****, forlorn, frozen beneath the summer,...
ALBUM REVIEW: ALO (27 September 2007)
ALO Roses & Clover Brushfire Records Having enjoyed a brilliant set by this band on Friday at Bush Hall, which you can read all about in “Last Week In London-Water Rats and California Cats”, I could not resist buying the...
ALBUM REVIEW: Mesh-29 (18 September 2007)
MESH-29 Dead Machine: AMS Records# Review by Peter Coulston These guys opened the set at The Troubadour last week for Rosalie Deighton, and you can see it reviewed in 'Last Week In London' - Old Brompton & New Broccolli. In...
ALBUM REVIEW: Rosalie Deighton (17 September 2007)
Rosalie Deighton 21 Days: Echo Records/Chrysalis Group Review by Peter Coulston As acoustic singer/songwriters go, Rosalie Deighton is up there among the best, and a personal favourite of mine. Consequently, I was very happy to see and hear her again...
ALBUM REVIEW: The Proclaimers (17 September 2007)
Life With You The Proclaimers (W14 / Universal) Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. ‘Well preserved’ does not even do The Proclaimers justice, as they look identical to the way they looked in the mid-Eighties. One has...
NEW RELEASE: SKINS - The Soundtrack ( 4 September 2007)
Skins Soundtrack skinssoundtrack skins sund track
ALBUM REVIEW: Wildstyle 25th Anniversary Edition (28 August 2007)
‘Wildstyle 25th Anniversary Edition’ Review by Andrew Willis And we’re fantastic, five mccceeeeees/and we’re pleasing all the ladeeeees…’ ‘HUH!’ In capturing the essence of a burgeoning cultural movement, Wildstyle’s 25th Anniversary Edition contains the nexus of modern rap and hip-hop....
ALBUM REVIEW: Jahcoustix (30 July 2007)
JAHCOUSTIX Grounded Four Records (Modern Soul) Release 30 July 2007 Review by Peter Coulston Jahcoustix is a singer/songwriter in the Reggae and Soul mode who was influenced heavily by his childhood in Kenya. He is now based in Germany and...
ALBUM REVIEW: The Chemical Brothers (19 July 2007)
The Chemical Brothers We Are The Night Review by Gabs The Chemical Brothers return with another piece of masterful house, that takes in the usual assortment of beats and breaks, the correct dosage of acid, a whole bunch of bleeps...
ALBUM REVIEW: Joy Denalane (10 July 2007)
Joy Denalane: Born & Raised Nesola Records, released 18 June 2007 This is the second album by Germany’s premier soul artist, and her first in English. Produced by husband, Max Herre, it features a good mix of Soul, Funk and...
ALBUM REVIEW: Memories From A Fading Room (25 June 2007)
Future Loop Foundation : 'Memories From A Fading Room' Louisiana Records release 25 June. Review by Peter Coulston In contrast, expect something very complicated from this album. It was constructed by Mark Barrott aka Future Loop Foundation using recordings from...
ALBUM REVIEW: Prince Fatty 'Milk and Honey' (25 June 2007)
Prince Fatty : Milk And Honey Mr. Bongo Records released 18 June Review by Peter Coulston Prince Fatty is a group put together by Mike Pelaconi, producer of Lily Allen’s hit “Alright Still” and the sound is 70’s Reggae, plain...
ALBUM REVIEW: Us3 'Say What!?' (25 June 2007)
Us3 : Say What!? : Us3 Records Released 11 June Review by Peter Coulston Us3 is produced by Geoff Wilkinson and is marketed as a mix of hip-hop, jazz and R&B. As far as I am concerned, the sound is...
ALBUM REVIEW: Groove Armada (11 June 2007)
Groove Armada, Soundboy Rock Review by Christina Warner Three years in waiting, the Cambridge based trip hop duo is back. But with electro house already well establishing itself as the genre of the musical season how was the duo going...
ALBUM REVIEW: The Bird and The Bee (11 June 2007)
The Bird and The Bee The Bird and The Bee Blue Note/EMI Review by Peter Coulston A lot of this album has a gentle, jazz feel to it, which is not surprising given that Blue Note was originally a pure...
ALBUM REVIEW: Loney, Noir (11 June 2007)
Loney, Dear Loney, Noir Parlophone/Regal/EMI Review by Peter Coulston This band hails from Sweden and the album has been available since April this year. Their sound is a bit Beach Boys but with rather more fragile vocals. The band consists...
ALBUM REVIEW: The Unknown Stuntman ( 5 June 2007)
EE-side: The Unknown Stuntman – Outlaw Review by Christina Warner Opening to the epic vocals of poet Charles Bukowski’s contemplation of the meaning of style Outlaw is backed by a deliciously melancholy mariachi trumpet. Asking thee listener to take a...
ALBUM REVIEW: E by Gum EP ( 5 June 2007)
E by Gum EP on Toothless Records Review by Christina Warner E-Side: Pharaoh Roché – Swing A Right Hook In typical Pharaoh Roché digitalia style, Swing A Right Hook opens with a bouncing beach ball beat. Gradually raising to a...
ALBUM REVIEW: Siobhan Donaghy ( 4 June 2007)
Siobhan Donaghy – ‘Ghosts’ Review by Laura Yates “Some people say you can’t make left-field pop music and be commercial” announces Siobhan Donaghy, “And that’s bullshit. They always say that when there’s nothing else out there like it. I remember...
ALBUM REVIEW: Rachael Golding ( 4 June 2007)
RACHAEL GOLDING : The Real Me : Swagbag Records Review by Peter Coulston Hailing from the same stable as Nicola K, Rachael Golding is another newcomer with a bright future. Her album “The Real Me” is a well produced mixture...
ALBUM REVIEW: Seeed ( 4 June 2007)
SEEED : Next : Four Records Review by Peter Coulston Seeed are an eleven piece hip hop/reggae/rock ensemble who are currently one of Germany’s finest exports. With three gold albums and headline spots in major European festivals including Glastonbury, this...
ALBUM REVIEW: Astonomy For Dogs (17 April 2007)
THE ALIENS : Astonomy For Dogs : BlueNote/EMI Review by Peter Coulston When I started listening to this album I thought that,with it’s sixties West Coast sound, the band maybe came out of California. Turns out that The Aliens are,...
ALBUM REVIEW: ‘O-Hot Brain (16 April 2007)
ONE-TWO : ‘O-Hot Brain Four Music. Released 23 April 2007 By Peter Coulston This is not really an album at all, more an EP containing four remixes of the same track from One-Two’s album “Love Again”. The electro popsters from...
ALBUM REVIEW: The Mitchell and Dewbury Band (16 April 2007)
THE MITCHELL & DEWBURY BAND : Beyond The Rains Bongo Records. Released 23 April 2007 Review by Peter Coulston This album is devoted to the art of soul, jazz and funk, past and present; lovingly produced by Ben Mitchell and...
ALBUM REVIEW: Amos Lee (12 April 2007)
AMOS LEE: Supply and Demand: Blue Note/EMI Review by Peter Coulston No matter how many albums we may have accumulated over the years, we all have a handful that we go back to again and again. I certainly do; and...
ALBUM REVIEW: Fiona Bevan (26 March 2007)
IN THE SWIMMING POOL by Fiona Bevan Available on iTunes and www.myspace.com/fionabevan Review by Peter Coulston As promised in my recent venue of the week review of the Green Room in Camden (don’t say you haven’t read it!), here is...
ALBUM REVIEW: Nicola K (19 March 2007)
NICOLA K: Who Am I Released by Swagbag Records in December 2006 By Peter Coulston Nicola K is a soulful songstress who blends her Greek Cypriot roots with rock, funky soul and Hip-Hop. Nicola formed her highly competent and professional...
ALBUM REVIEW: Apartment - 'The Dreamer Evasive' (12 March 2007)
APARTMENT THE DREAMER EVASIVE Fleet Street Records Available 5 March 2007 at HMV, Virgin, Fopp, Amazon, iTunes Review by Peter Coulston I recently covered a gig by this band at the Borderline in London, which was organised by their record...
ALBUM REVIEW: Willy Mason : If the Ocean Gets Rough ( 5 March 2007)
Willy Mason : If the Ocean Gets Rough By Peter Coulston This is, I believe, the second album from this talented singer/songwriter from Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, the home of the Kennedy political dynasty. This artist shows incredible maturity for his...
ALBUM REVIEW: Bryan Ferry : Dylanesque ( 5 March 2007)
Bryan Ferry : Dylanesque By Peter Coulston Being a lifelong Dylan devotee and a fan of Bryan Ferry since Roxy Music, I was determined to be as impartial as possible about this album. Having said that, I enjoyed it. Even...
You Heard it Here: New Artist Album of the Week (12 February 2007)
Al Lewis "More Ways than One" By Peter Coulston I went to see Al Lewis at the Troubadour last week and this was the second time that I had the pleasure of hearing him at that venue. His live outings...
