Dan Black - ((un)) (A&M) 13/07/2009

N: The impact of this album comes through from the off, but whereas you might feel it hard to maintain this pace throughout, Black has constructed a frame on foundations which are truly solid. Now from a pretty self indulgent cover, this album threw surprise my way from the offset with the wonderful lead track 'Symphonies', through 'U + Me =', and here appears to have thrown a "stinger" under my feet, as the way in which he expresses these titles certainly demands thought.

T: The train is just setting off from the station. It is a mildly sunny day, and everybody is happy. The journey goes without a hitch, the drinks and snacks were all a relatively cheap price and actually tasted pretty good as well. Upon arrival, the sun shines a bit brighter, and the day has been very enjoyable. Thanks Dan.

N: So I guess you're on the same track and agree that Mr Black has produced what appears to be a truly worthy album?

T: Yep. 8/10

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The Duckworth Lewis Method - The Duckworth Lewis Method (1969 Records) 06/07/2009

N: Neil Hannon surely deserves the accolade of being afforded the title of genius for his work in the genre of music and this latest departure is no exception. Working this time with friend Thomas Walsh of Pugwash, the two have formulated 'The Duckworth Lewis Method' - a term familiar to those interested in cricket. An album not entirely absorbed in the game, but listening further you will not be surprised to find yourself drawing comparisons with that of Noel Coward, quintessentially English!? Absurd considering both artists are of Irish descent, but for now certainly honorary Englishmen.

T: There's no getting away from it. Its almost as though Coward has written an adaptation of "Oliver Twist" to be performed in cricket pads on "Jiggery Pokery", and Hannon has clearly been spending his evenings aboard the National Express with all things sixties Britannia on his iPod. It works perfectly though, and the inimitable composer sounds absolutely at home here.

N: As was my first introduction to this, it was a joy to hear the two not only perform, but also talk of this project. It may only be a one time affair, but the passion both display about the game is translated eloquently within the bars of this album. 8/10

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Buffy Sainte-Marie - Running For The Drum (Cooking Vinyl) 06/07/2009

T: It's been 38 years since Buffy had her last smash hit, the rather restrained "Soldier Blue", and, whilst she has made the odd brief foray back into the fold in latter years, it isn't until now, with the release of her 18th album, that the celebrated singer, who turns 68 in August this year, has really come into her own. Part Shirley Bassey, part Tammy Wynette, the original Buffy powers through a batch of not entirely commercial tracks which work well and prove there's life in the old dog yet. Er...not that I'm calling her a dog, you understand.

N: An album filled with the spirit of post-Vietnam protest, brought up to date with a contemporary twist. Buffy has certainly skipped into the 21st century, not only in the sentiments pronounced in her lyrics, but in the production values used in the composition of these songs. 8/10

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The Minus 5 - Killingsworth (Cooking Vinyl) 06/07/2009

T: Peter Buck's long running side project returns for an eighth (count 'em) album, along with his second most famous regular collaborator, Young Fresh Fellows' Scott McCaughey. It's always tremendously easy to get your teeth into the quartet's infectious Americana and this is no exception. Think The Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers, or even occasionally Tom Petty. I mean, it's not earth shattering by any means, but you just can't dislike tracks like the beautiful "The Disembowelers" and I'd be more than happy if they doubled their already impressive tally of album releases.

N: Like listening to early REM, before pop woke from its sleep, this album has an independent streak running through its core, and as Tone has pointed out, is difficult to dislike. I can almost see Tom Petty's hat making a ghostly appearance through some of these numbers, it's really that good.

T: Um...Tom Petty's still alive mate...

N: But it's not Tom Petty, it's his hat, and that died three years ago. 9/10

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How's My Pop - On The Hop (Barnbox) 03/07/2009

T: Well this is a bit different. It could almost be Syd Barrett jamming with today's indie heroes, except it's more endearing than most bands of that ilk these days. In fact, the further you delve, there is far less in common with those derivative oiks and more of a classic sixties vibe. A pleasant surprise.

N: That you would use the name of Lord Syd in this context is praise indeed. I wouldn't necessarily agree with you in terms of a direct comparison; however if, as I suspct, you are making this comparison in terms of the music's spirit and charm, then I couldn't agree more. Using in places music supported by a Hammond orga a la Inspiral Carpets, How's My Pop strike a fantastic chord in freeform indie.

T: From swirling Wurlitzers, the band would positively fill a bar with love and happiness, from the aforementioned Hammond of the superb "Potential Energy", through the warm glow of Andrew Raven's guitar on "Fire In My Soul" right through to the beautiful, folksy, House Of Freaks style finale of the title track. This is a wonderfully self assured second effort that proves the band are not content with just being unable to pigeonhole, and instead make it impossible to cuckooditch them as well.

N: Swirling Wurlitzers - what an image, of a windswept auditorium with this band knocking out their compositions to a criminally under-capacity but equally knocked out audience. 9/10

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Speech Debelle - Speech Therapy (Label) re/le/ased

N: Not exactly quick on the uptake here I'm afraid, but Speech Debelle is the new star who having released 3 singles already from this, her debut album, was nominated for this year's Mercury Music prize. This London born and bred home-girl has already garnered comparisons to Lily Allen, Jamie T and Lauryn Hill, but so much more can be discovered in listening to these stripped down compositions. She holds no punches and is quite open in her lyrical opproach, with the likes of 'Daddy's Girl' laying bare her soul in the most delightful fashion. If this girl fails to take the prize in this years awards ceremonies, she will at least hold her head high in the knowledge that this work is a star in itself. 8/10

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