Matthew E White – Fresh Blood (Spacebomb/Domino)
Why you should listen: The Virginia-born musician and Spacebomb record label founder follows up the success of 2012’s Big Inner with this richly produced second effort of slightly darker material.
It might not be for you if … You prefer to listen to classic soul or country-soul, rather than music that’s all about the new.
What we said: “[Big Inner]’s follow-up is a more straightforward affair, and – though still a delicious record – slightly less eye-opening”, wrote Michael Hann, in the Guardian. Kitty Empire reckoned the album deserved four stars, in her Observer review.
Score: 4/5
Pops Staples – Don’t Lose This (Anti-/dBpm)
Why you should listen: Roebuck “Pops” Staples died in 2000, but his daughter Mavis and Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy revived his final set of recordings for this delicate, reflective and powerful album of gospel-tinged blues.
It might not be for you if … You harbour a quiet but passionate dislike for the music of the Staples Singers.
What we said: “Don’t Lose This serves as an elegant and delicately crafted homage to Pops’ legacy in blues”, ran the Guardian’s review. Last week, Kitty Empire gave the album a four-star rating in the Observer.
Score: 4/5
Young Guv – Ripe 4 Luv (Slumberland)
Why you should listen: Ben Cook is best known as a member of hardcore Canadian act Fucked Up, but as Young Guv he explores gentler indiepop territory.
It might not be for you if … You’re a diehard Fucked Up fan who isn’t ready to hear a core member move in this direction.
What we said: “What elevates Ripe 4 Luv beyond mere pastiche is Young Guv’s desire to branch out”, wrote Tim Jonze, in the Guardian.
Score: 3/5
Will Butler – Policy (Merge)
Why you should listen: Though often confused with his higher-profile older brother and fellow bandmate Win Butler, Will strikes out on his own with an album that spans Talking Heads-style jaunt and electro funk. For a bite-sized look at his quick songwriting abilities, check out the five songs per day that he wrote, based on Guardian news stories, last month.
It might not be for you if … You’re an Arcade Fire hater and aren’t willing to see past that veil of burning dislike to give this one a go.
What we said: “They’re all terrific songs and – with the album title referring to Butler’s interest in how policy affects lives – he’s stuffed them with issues including God, money and armageddon, and tragicomic characters”, wrote Dave Simpson, in the Guardian. Click here for Paul Mardles’s four-star take from the Observer.
Score: 4/5
Marc Almond – The Velvet Trail (Cherry Red)
Why you should listen: Almond shoots for pop and emotional weight on his first collection of self-penned songs for five years, teaming up with Lana Del Rey and Beyonce songwriting collaborator Chris Braide.
It might not be for you if… You’ve recently found it hard to get on board with Almond’s solo material, and find yourself sticking on those old Soft Cell cuts to hear him at his best.
What we said: “By and large, the Velvet Trail is straight-ahead pop, with big choruses and melodies, and Almond’s voice … is still enthralling”, wrote Jon Dennis, in the Guardian. Phil Mongredien also gave the album four stars, in the Observer.
Score: 4/5
Almond’s album isn’t available to stream online. If you like what you hear above and are already a fan, you can buy the Velvet Trail digitally on iTunes and on vinyl or CD through the Cherry Red online store.
This week also sees the release of Madonna’s much-hyped album Rebel Heart and new material from alt-country singer-songwriter Allison Moorer. What will you be listening to?
