Flipper - Generic (1981) / Gone Fishin' (1984) / Sexbomb Baby! (1982) / Public Flipper Limited live 1980-1985 - Re-issues (Domino) 29/06/2009

T: Noisy and nasty, Flipper are consistently overlooked as one of the finest purveyors of their brand of apocalyptic post-punk, as is chronicled here in four fine re-issues. There is much to treasure here, but as is so often the case, the greatest urgency is to be found on the band's debut. Later work is wonderfully intense though, and, whilst you're never likely to encounter these songs at a karaoke, they do somehow still possess a feelgood factor that is all too lacking in many of today's more creative artists, let alone the bland ones.

N: Like revelations, hearing Flipper appears like that missing link, or the thread that holds a garment together. Their melodic grunge before grunge weaves a macabre canvass of rhythm and rhyme.

T: The reissues, by the way, are made up of the group's first two releases, a singles/best of compilation and a live album. This is truly mesmerising stuff, liable to blow your socks off and tickle your feet at the same time. One footnote though - I recommend them in the order they're listed, as the live recordings are not a patch on the original ones.

N: Whether you've not encountered this band before, just rubbed shoulders or are fans of punk or grunge, they, as I have said formerly, are the missing link, and simply awesome.

Generic - 10/10 / Gone Fishin' 9/10 / Sexbomb Baby! 9/10 / Public Flipper Limited 7/10

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The Bobby McGee's - L'appropriation Bourgoisie De La Bobby McGee's (Cherryade) 29/06/2009

T: Scotland's (or Brighton's, depending which way you look at it) answer to Frank Sidebottom finally release their debut album, full of folk-punk ethos. At its best moments, it incorporates doo wop with minimalist strums on a banjo ("We Never Sleep") and at the worst, it sounds like B.A. Robertson on speed.

N: I'm lost for words. Either this is very bad or we'll learn, 20 years from now, that it was a stroke of musical genius. As far as B.A. Robertson goes, he's still waiting for this proclamation.

T: Actually, if you just played one track, I'd probably rather enjoy it, but as an album, it makes me wany to gouge my eyes out.

N: That's obviously where we've gone wrong. 4/10

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La Roux - La Roux (Polydor) 29/06/2009

T: Maybe I was a little hasty in dismissing "In For The Kill" a short while ago, as "Tigerlily" sees Ms Jackson holding more of a candle to Siouxsie in her Creatures guise than anybody else, successfully incorporating a Jeff Wayne "War Of The Worlds" voiceover somewhere along the way and perhaps doffing her cap to Young Marble Giants as well. The album is rather like being transported back to the days of legwarmers and body popping, without wanting to sound too cliched, but you can't deny the infectious beats of number one smash "Bulletproof", even if it sounds like Stock, Aitken and Waterman may have had a hand in production duties.

N: I'm in the camp of leaning towards embryonic Human League - '79's "Reproduction" or the following "Travelogue", taking retro to the extreme, these compositions I'd liken to wearing black plimsoles to school or drinking the milk out of third pint bottles through a straw.

T: You know how you always tell me to keep taking the tablets?

N: Do I assume you are telling me something here?

T: I think you're telling our readers something, to be honest. 7/10

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Robbie Riviera - JuicyIbiza (Black Hole Recordings) 22/06/2009

T: Another summer dance compilation. Kicking off proceedings is Joachim Garraud's "The Answer" which really is "Flat Beat" for the Wii kids.

N: I can see that these album's are an advert for the relevant DJ's to attract clubbers to their events and I have to say that Robbie at present has a 'nose' over Tongies if this album is anything to go by. A more exhilarating night may be on offer and again featuring the names: Kylie Minogue, Basement Jaxx, Moloko, Felix Da Housecat, Madonna, Bob Sinclair, Sinead O'Connor and the list goes on. Altogether a 'Now That's What I call Music' for the nightcrawlers. 7/10

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David Saw - Broken Down Figure (Iris Records) 22/06/2009

N: In this case, let's see just what David Saw.

T: He's going to love you, I can see that. Mind you he won't like me much either, because, whilst there are some records you could term, unkindly, as a "cure for insomnia", the fact is that David's record is so dull it would probably wake me up.

N: Or rival David Gray.

T: David Gray is Slipknot next to this guy.

N: But let's be honest, it's a perfect Valentine's Day album. It's just a pity that February is so far away.

T: If I gave this to my missus, I think she'd insert it either down my throat with a large fist or up my back passage.

N: Now that's unkind.

T: Yep.

N: It'll send your missus to sleep while you nip off down the shed. 4/10

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The Lemonheads - Varshons (Cooking Vinyl) 15/06/2009

T: Sometimes, when a band releases a covers album, you just want to shout "No!" at the top of your voice and insert the CD into a heavy duty shredding machine. Think Duran Duran doing "The Needle And The Damage Done". At the other end of the spectrum, you have bands who choose unexpected, forgotten gems and do the best tribute to them possible - by not doing carbon copies but putting their own stamp on the matter. Now, I must shamefully confess that five of these songs were originally by artists I've never even heard of (Green Fuz, Sam Gopal, July, Fuckemos, Arling & Cameron) so feel free to send me your abuse if you are a huge fan of any of these. Anyway, this is a fine release, most bizarrely including an electropop tune that features Kate Moss on vocals - and what's more, it's probably one of the standouts on the album! I never saw that one coming.

N: I can at least enlighten you on one of the groups alien to you. Sam Gopal were a band that featured early in the career of one Ian Kilminster, aka Lemmy. "Putting their own stamp" on the songs here is where the genius lies, and indeed, how The Lemonheads have managed to make this album their very own. There are chillout albums and "chillout" albums, and here Evan and co have produced the latter with excellence. I could sit and listen to this on a summer day and never get tired of its passages.

T: I should point out that, aside from the Kate Moss appearance, "Varshons" also features turns from John Perry from The Only Ones throughout, and backing vocals from Liv Tyler on their incarnation of Cohen's "Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye". Anyway, THIS is the way to do a covers album. 8/10

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Pete Tong Presents - Wonderland 2009 (Ministry Of Sound) 22/06/2009

T: Yo Pete! I'm having it large here on the M69. Just driving back from Warwick. I'm scratching my chin now. Giving a big shout out to the Wigston massive. Yeeeahhh (sound of drunk students in the back of the car). (Answerphone clicks on to next message) Have it! This is a wicked monkey thunderbolt from Barnsley - I'm currently walking from the kitchen to the telephone and it's bangin' man. Yeah sweet. I'm going for a poo in a moment, and I'll be trying to do one that loops itself into a knot. We are the BARNSLEY BOYS. Yeah wicked!

N: What was it you put in your tea this morning? I swear that was just sugar.

T: It was viagra. Oh come on, haven't you heard his show?

N: Yes, but his callers have an excuse.

T: They do?

N: Anyway, I guess I'd better say something about this album, not your incoherent ramblings. Ministry Of Sound's "Wonderland 2009" represents his weekly event on the White Island and features such luminaries as Ladyhawke, Deadmau5 and Underworld, not to mention U2. Make this the start of your weekend.

T: Why? 6/10

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Joker's Daughter - The Last Laugh (Double Six) 15/06/2009

T: Imagine if Nina Persson decided to go into atmospheric, twee folk-pop. This is pretty much where Joker's Daughter are coming from. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Most effective is the wonderfully intense "Lucid" or the swaggery "JD Folk Blues" that follows, but there is an alarming veer towards the sound of Fiddler's Dram at times, though thankfully this is kept at a bare minimum. A worthwhile album.

N: Perhaps most interestingly, singer/songwriter Helena Costas has collaborated here with Brian Joseph Burton, otherwise known as Danger Mouse, revealing new facets of his ability, with Costas surely introducing Irish folk to his pallet. Well this has perhaps explained the "atmospheric" element of this album to which Tone makes reference, but it's the way in which the more traditional vies with the twiddly bits that again I guess Tone is referring to when he goes on to say that "sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't". Sometimes bits of this album are a calm sea, whilst at others it can get a tad too much. 7/10

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The Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca (Domino) 08/06/2009

T: If you like the idea of Anthony and the Johnsons getting drunk and spiking Edwyn Collins' alcopops, you may enjoy this. I'm not sure if I like it or not yet, personally. It's all a bit whiny for my taste. Wild Beasts perhaps a good canvas to liken the band to, who are now on their fifth full length album. They're hardly the most instant songs, but that's not always a bad thing. What I will say though, is that if I was in a band, and the guitarist came up to me telling me he'd written a song, and played one of these, I think I'd have no option but to smack him in the face with a chip pan.

N: That's a little sadistic, isn't it? Although I do like the way in which you describe spiking Edwin Collins' alcopops, you sound a little too versed for my liking though! The opening number 'Cannibal Resource' could well be best described as the song any of the Teletubbies might be caught recording and delving further into the pages here, there are passages that might be a good starting point, but put together, well let's just say - Tone hand me the chip pan! Given their due though they are described as an "A cappella / Experimental / Indie" band, so it's all we'll hear, aside Simon Cowell's acts in 5 years time! 6/10

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Jon Allen - Dead Man's Suit (Monologue Records) 01/06/2009

T: A summer album if ever I've heard one. Jon's gravelly voice is reminiscent of Rod Stewart and his laid back tones immerse themselves perfectly with the sun drenched melodies he writes. This could be The Band, Neil Young, or The Byrds in their prime, and that really is a compliment in itself. It's worth pointing out though, that "Down By The River" is an original composition and not a Shakey cover at all. You don't need any brainpower to listen to this, just pull open the patio doors, kick your feet up and enjoy.

N: Or of course, as might be your will, pull over, put the top down and cruise the countryside and just hope you don't get stuck behind a tractor. I hear what Tone has previously said about Stewart, The Band, Young or The Byrds even and certainly it maybe vocal comparisons that will first hit the listener, but once you get past this, it is certainly Allen's compositional skill, more like that of the later that wins the day. I don't think either of us would describe this album as a 'rocking album' in the vien of Springsteen or Young, but the story telling is all intact, so is more likely a gentle sway and this is no bad thing. 7/10

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Gary Go - Gary Go (Polydor) 01/06/2009

T: There's no doubt that Gary is able to write decent pop songs, but the truth is, he borders a little too close to boy band territory for my liking, and indeed, my fears are confirmed when you read that he is opening for Take That on their UK tour this very month. Well ok, they're not exactly a "boy" band anymore I know, but the album has that kind of feel to it. It's like a watered down version of The Script most of the time, a bit like going to a nightclub and asking for a low alcohol babycham. Mind you, I bet you've done that many a time Nick. Anyway, if you like music that barely changes throughout an album, this might be for you. I'd tell you the names of the tracks if I could distinguish any of one them from the others, but the truth is, Gary Go makes James Morrison sound exciting.

N: Ooo, put your handbag back under the desk! Essentially you've probably painted one of the worst pictures for this artist. In your rant you've mentioned "boy" in conjunction with "band", low alcohol with "babycham" no less and that Gary, or will he feel offended I've not called him by his full name, ok GO! Is billed to open for Take That. And have you heard some of the fawning heaped upon this artist, too much like everything else and he's right James Morrison is a speedway rider in Gary Go's world! 4/10

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Cass McCombs - Catacombs (Domino Records) 01/06/2009

N: California melancholy.

T: At the end of the day, the inimitable showman, in his sophomore effort...what other cliches can you think of? I've probably used them all before anyway...

N: In essence, this album is as smooth as butter, left a while before it meets the toast. How's that one?

T: Wow. This is a review of two halves.

N: Like a football match on Saturday then?

T: Subtlety has never been your strong point, has it?

N: What's this subtlety you speak of?

T: Ahem, moving on. This is a sparrow made cataclysm of audio deterrents from the drama hidden winterludes of yesteryoghurt. There, no cliches in there.

N: So do you like the album then? I'm still not absolutely clear on that point.

T: Yes, it's very pleasant. Obviously. People will be stealing my quotes for many years to come.

N: Well you used enough text that others will find it hard to avoid, but the more you listen to this, you'll find it hard to not become engaged with the music. There you go there's another, but what the f***'s going on with this man's website?!! 7/10

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Franz Ferdinand - Blood (Domino Records) 01/06/2009

T: Calm yourself, Ferdinites, this is not ANOTHER new album in the space of six months from the Franzes. It is, in fact, a dub version of their latest release "Tonight", as mixed by South London dub specialist The Mad Professor. Interesting.

N: I have to say I'm slightly more taken than their "heard it before" pop versions. A pretty bold step to take.

T: To be honest though, the album is pretty damn good on its own. Let's not forget they really were the first on the scene for this "new wave of indie" and they do tend to do it better than the rest in the first place. You are right, however, that this is an enjoyable diversion from the norm and I can see this getting a fair bit of mileage on my car stereo.

N: It's just that everyone else copied. This is indeed a bold move, and let's admit that at brass tacks level, a bloody good one. 9/10

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Madness - The Liberty Of Norton Folgate (Lucky Seven Records) 17/05/2009

T: A lot of publications have touted this album as the Madness boys' best ever. While I think that may be stretching a bit, I will happily admit that there are no duff tunes on "...Norton Folgate", and wax lyrical about the title track, which is an epic, ten minute masterpiece which is just astonishing. You will already know the classy single "NW5" and previous release "Dust Devil" and they are a perfect guide to how good an album to expect. In places, it reminds you of the Nutty Boys of yesteryear - for example a "One Step Beyond" style sax blast on "On The Town" focusing on a tired relationship between a man and a woman which is a triumphant marriage of bittersweet melancholy and startlingly effective arrangements, or "That Close" which calls to mind "Keep Moving" era Madness. For me though, the centrepiece has to be the superb title track "The Liberty Of Norton Folgate", which just blows me away every time.

N: Pretty much how eloquently Tone put it. This is not just another band of yesteryear cashing in on their still considerable fan base, but an album that doesn't just capture those memories and regurgitate them for a whole new audience, but a fine album of original compositions, that rather than treading the musical waters, moves on from the point at which they last left us. Their last new material until now was 1999's 'Wonderful', but this with a cracking title really is truely "wonderful". 9/10

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