There are inevitable quibbles. The omission of The Band’s own songs here is a missed opportunity to tie together these two institutions, both then wrestling with unknown futures. In the sleevenote, critic Elizabeth Nelson forgoes research into a historical moment where the primary witnesses are rapidly disappearing for a spree of purple prose. Some tapes are, of course, better than others. But, by and large, pick a track at random and you’ll find yourself stunned by how hard these six were pushing. [Nov 2024, p.98]

Intoxicated Women makes you fall in love with Gainsbourg and his women all over again. [Dec 2016, p.95]

By opening up melodically as well as rhythmically, Garbus and Brenner better reveal the big heart at the centre of Tune-Yards. [May 2021, p.87]

The energetic groove-riding results prove utterly compelling throughout. [Mar 2020, p.91]

Three of the tracks pass the 13-minute mark, but not a second is wasted. [Aug. 2011, p. 100]

She's at peak power on Faraway Look, expressing feminine vulnerability over immaculate Dusty In Memphis arrangements. [Mar 2019, p.95]

Crisp drum figures add punctuation, and a noodling sax help evoke a mood of traveling the city at night. [Mar 2013, p.91]

This Rev record is another triumph in which all is dream and this sometimes symbolism, the overall effect trippy, though less dark than of yore. [Oct 2008, p.102]

With its silvery guitar and tentative vision of collective power, the title track also offers a means of escape. It frames an album that, in its own determined way, boldly meets the moment. [Jun 2025, p.83]

From Ireland's proliferating alt-guitar pack, these intense runners could go the distance. [Feb 2024, p.89]

A dense, cosmic country, limber astro-funk and psychedelic pop record, it might be KGATLW's finest to date. [Jul 2025, p.80]

An album of considerable weight. [Feb 2012, p.99]

The result is a warmly autumnal, subtly adventurous set. [Oct 2021, p.90]

The album is a retroactive joy from start to finish. [May 2015, p.92]

The logical progression for a band who know exactly what they are doing. [Jun 2015, p.87]

Little known natural wonders are gleaned from Rennie's witty and offbeat stories.... Meanwhile, Brett's deep bow-saw of a voice has never sounded so sonorous. [Jun 2013, p.87]

Tricky's 14th long-player somehow matches anything in his catalogue. [Oct 2020, p.91]

Repeat plays lay bare a record of rare ambition and thematic complexity. [Feb 2023, p.84]

Relying on her exquisitely malleable voice, slickly inventive production tics, and winning vocal support from south London's Sampha and Tanzania's Diamond Platnumz, among others. [Nov 2020, p.80]

Not ideal for newcomers, perhaps, but a recumbent feast for fans. [Jul 2024, p.101]

Blind Date Party is intriguing enough to be more than a one-night thing. [Jan 2022, p.82]

They conjure contemplative moods (A Cowboy Without Cows; Night Library) without rogue textures, no instrument or showy motif photo-bombing the arrangements. [Jan 2026, p.90]

As a rough cut solo exercise, Rhys has delivered a blinder. [Feb 2005, p.102]

With her gravel’n’smoke voice, ability to be both cheeky and heartbreaking, and a dirt-kicking live band, her rise and rise is inevitable. [Sep 2024, p.91]

Even as she turns 73, Williams sounds present, ready to mix it, and therefore as good a hope as we have. [Mar 2026, p.83]

A delightful album. [Apr 2023, p.82]

In reconnecting with the guileless, tribal chaos of their roots, Animal Collective have made another delirious and ecstatic step forward. [Oct 2012, p.87]

Goddess weaves a captivating spell that many are certain to fall under. [Oct 2014, p.87]