"In Reverie' is the record that sees STD (*snigger*) grow into their rather obnoxiously large boots and writing the sort of songs that sound less like =emo=tional pap and more like the nerdy, malnourished American cousins of Ash's biggest hits.

Thanks to the calibre of the line-up’s musicianship, and Keenan’s ability to write lyrics that don’t insult the intelligence of his audience, the gems on Thirteenth Step outnumber the filler.

A spectacular triumph.

‘Hocus Pocus’ is a tricky record to listen to and it’s twisted roots of songs are unlikely to win the band much more than a cult following.

‘The Wolf’ demonstrates it is still essential for a rebel rock n roll record to compel you to punch the air as if Motley Crue were making a comeback, Vince Neill and all.

A very special record, indeed.

It’s the sound of forbidden affairs, illicit sex with strangers in bars, drunken confessions, of real life. And it feels fantastic.

John K. Samson’s vocal and lyrical talent is the most immediate thing and, ultimately, what sets the band above the two-a-penny similar rock acts the world over.

This is an essential purchase for any Rancid fan.

Blending careful harmonies with insidious melodies and woeful lyrics with clever vocals, AAF stick a couple of Hispanic influences and some string quartets in as well.

Ultimately, and refreshingly, this is not commercial, but hauntingly lush electronic music for all to enjoy.

For the most part, Deloused In The Comatorium is truly exquisite and well worth the wait.

The unashamed enthusiasm and fun in 'Elephunk' makes BEP the true heirs to the legendary De La Soul.

Overall, you can still expect the same and more from Guster on this very summery record: tempo changes that will catch you off your guard, melodies that will stay in your head forever, and lyrics that may seem simple, but actually go deeper into life than you originally thought they did.

Despite their lyrical nods toward the future, this self-produced diamond ought really to be nestling in your collection now.

Ludicrous song titles and minor flaws apart, ‘Deja Entendu’ is a defiantly intelligent and singularly rewarding piece of work.

While the album is nicely succinct, it lacks a peak, a song to get really excited about.

So, after all this time is she still worth the time of day? Without a shadow of a doubt.

The production is progressive, but not difficult; the mixture of sampled melodies and live instrumentation gives the whole record a submarine clarity and (as with many Anticon releases) the more listens the listener gives, the more content the album returns.

If you only buy one album this year, make it Finelines.