With musical modes brilliantly elevated by his occasional producer David Mansfield, Wainwright nails the exigencies of old age through the medium of rockabilly, the quest for parking spaces in Manhattan via cabaret klezmer, and the gloating joys of i-ding a faithless girlfriend dead in a deep freeze with cheery Vaudeville sing0along. [Aug 2014, p.90]

Overall, a compelling set clearly completed in the aftermath of a storm. [May 2026, p.87]

Better still [than 'Stepp Off']. [Sep 2006, p.98]

Likewise explores empathy's limits and dialogue's importance, Quinlan's densely-packed lyric sheet give anything hackneyed a wide berth. [Feb 2020, p.92]

His seventh album vibrates with fear, rage and fierce defiance. [Mar 2018, p.92]

His music finally a match to his unswerving anti-capitalist manifesto. [Jan 2013, p.93]

From the get-go, JID022 crackles with a kinetic energy that drives the album's unrelenting, addictive dance pulse. [Dec 2024, p.89]

Make the most of dead Son Rising, as its diversity is its strength. [Nov 2011, p.103]

They might shake, they might tremble, but The National remain a safe pair of hands. [Jun 2013, p.86]

At 70 minutes long, there's a lot to digest but it's worth persevering with as repeated listens gradually unveil a musical universe unlike any other. [Sep 2015, p.89]

This epic finally reveals his personal vision in all its frenetic glory. [Aug 2012, p.94]

Undoubtedly his definitive statement--not just as a guitarist, but as a songwriter and vocalist. [Jul 2005, p.96]

Less has become more for Richard Thompson. [Sep 2005, p.96]

If letting the world in has resulted in an album this beguiling, there's nothing to fear. [Oct 2012, p.80]

As sad ballad follows sad ballads towards the close, Old Wow is not as well-paces. Nonetheless it's full of resonant music. [Feb 2020, p.94]

Timeless and joyful. [Jul 2022, p.96]

Happiness Ltd is all about neat production, inventive time changes and romantically inclined witticisms. [Oct 2007, p.92]

Well after its final note fades, Islands lingers long in the memory. [Oct 2014, p.93]

This album is a punchy, lyrical and moving set. [Nov 2011, p. 103]

This curiously beautiful little album has retained the surreal, daydreamy quality and rustic chill of its predecessor, while adding a lot more warmth. [Feb 2012, p.99]

On the second listen it sounds like a future classic. [Nov 2008, p.109]

Hip-hop originator meets Mercury-winning button-pusher du jour. [MArch 2011, p. 108]

Bold emotional directness supplanting gobby perpetual-teen 'tude on a set of soulful urban pop. [Jul 2018, p.98]

The trio's gifts mesh to deliver a truly idiosyncratic attack, as refreshing and labyrinthine a hip hop debut as New York has delivered since Company Flow's Funcrusher Plus. [May 2014, p.87]

Super-barbed, electro-pub rock. [Jun 2015, p.96]

Gorgeous and achingly candid. [Nov 2021, p.93]

An album to make you happy feeling sad, Scratch My Back gets better with each play; it might just turn out to be the best surprise present of the year. [Mar 2010, p.88]

What might be their best yet. All the various elements of Joe's songs are here. [May 2024, p.88]