TV on the Radio – Seeds (Harvest)
Why you should listen: Since the tragic death of their bandmate Gerard Smith, New York’s TV on the Radio have moved to the west coast and fittingly coated their music in its sunny glow. Lyrically, their dark humour and irony remain on-brand.
It might not be for you if… You’re not sure about a sunny-sounding TV on the Radio. These guys are meant to be gritty New Yorkers, aren’t they?
What we said: “Their old experimental noises have now taken a back seat to 4/4 beats, jangling guitars, punky powerchords and immediate dance grooves,” wrote Dave Simpson, in the Guardian.
Score: 4/5
Charlie Dore – Milk Roulette (Black Ink)
Why you should listen: Dore’s best known for a 1970s pop hit, but taps into her passion for folk on this stripped-back album of personal tracks.
It might not be for you if… You have no idea who this woman is, and are not sure that near-a capella folk is what you’re keen to hear right now.
What we said: “Her latest album was recorded at home, with help from co-writer and multi-instrumentalist Julian Littman and friends from the folk scene, and matches her gift for strong melody with lyrics about birth, death and the music industry,” wrote Robin Denselow, in the Guardian.
Score: 4/5
Paul Smith and Peter Brewis – Frozen by Sight (Memphis Industries)
Why you should listen: Field Music’s Brewis and Maximo Park’s Smith team up on this release, combining music based on Smith’s travel writing with 20th century chamber music.
It might not be for you if… The journals of a quiet indie guy, set to song, are probably the last thing you want to subject yourself to this week.
What we said: “If you can stomach its whimsy then the sumptuous score is a joy”, wrote Harriet Gibsone, in the Guardian.
Score: 4/5
Bryan Ferry – Avonmore (BMG)
Why you should listen: Bryan Ferry is on form again, releasing a follow-up to The Jazz Age’s 1920s swing that spans covers and slick originals.
It might not be for you if… You’ve never quite forgiven Ferry for putting Roxy Music on hold the first time, and are hesitant to delve into his newest solo work.
What we said: “His own compositions show his romantic disconnection and crepuscular charm is undimmed,” wrote Jon Dennis for the Guardian. Click here for Phil Mongredien’s three-star review in the Observer New Review.
Score: 4/5
Thompson – Family (Decca/Fantasy)
Why you should listen: If you never thought you’d hear Linda and Richard Thompson together on a Teddy Thompson album, and are curious about the intimate and fairly autobiographical folk on offer here.
It might not be for you if… This sort of thing sounds like it was created solely for folk fans who feel too embarrassed to buy tabloids. Pass.
What we said: “Goodness knows you wouldn’t want to share a group therapy session with them, but it makes for a musically fabulous and lyrically compelling album,” wrote Michael Hann, in the Guardian. Ally Carnwath handed the album three stars, in the Observer.
Score: 4/5
This week also sees releases from One Direction and Ariel Pink (the lead review in both the Guardian and Observer), so by all means feel free to weigh in on those in the comments section. Otherwise, do let us know what you’re planning on listening to this week.
