Farrar has rarely sounded so stirring on record. [Aug 2004, p.89]

This is Billy Bragg as known and loved by many. The difference comes from the never more buoyant Blokes. [Mar 2002, p.114]

Crowell employs his gift for setting complex ideas to twangy hooks. [Oct 2005, p.101]

A classic work...together [her collaborators] have created a near perfect, and wonderfully paced, stage for the singer. [Oct 2004, p.112]

Has much to recommend it. [Oct 2005, p.101]

Folds' songwriting continues to impress. [Oct 2001, p.130]

The third choice record from McIntyre in as many years. [Aug 2004, p.99]

The results are engaging without quite reaching flashover.

A classy veneration of the Byrds, Bob and Band, exquisitely seasoned with phlegmy harmonies and subtle instrumentation. [Mar 2004, p.108]

A worthy, determined salvo. [Jul 2006, p.102]

[A] breezy conflation of Beta Band-esque jollity, default indie guitar chime and High Llamas-style retro melody. [May 2003, p.95]

Innovative? No. Impeccable? Yes. [Apr 2004, p.114]

Modern without being self-conscious, metal without being stupid. [Mar 2004, p.106]

A worthy addition to the small Boys catalogue. [Dec 2002, p.122]

Many of the songs... are short, some feeling cut off in their prime, others a little undeveloped. [combined review of both discs; Feb 2004, p.90]

Delicate without being twee. [Jan 2004, p.98]

This is accessible, if sometimes austere, modern electronica, distinguished by passages of unmitigated prettiness. [May 2003, p.108]

The key problem lies in the album's occasional sense of underachieving drift. [Aug 2001, p.104]

Tightly packed with Eight Days A Week-style harmonies and immaculate, 12-string strumming. [Oct 2004, p.100]

Adheres to the simple formula that worked so successfully on her debut, combining fluid, mid-tempo grooves with infectious vocal hooks. [Sep 2003, p.110]

This is nihilistic pop at its finest. [Jun 2003, p.113]

A worthy snapshot of a band at its peak. [Dec 2005, p.104]

Give it time and you'll be rewarded. [Oct 2006, p.102]

In every sense, committed rock'n'roll. [Jul 2005, p.105]

As ever, easy melodies pour from him. [Oct 2006, p.104]

A distinctly melancholic affair. [Aug 2002, p.102]

It proves to be a violent, uncompromising record throughout...

Without ostentation, The Ragpicker's Dream draws his major sources together: R&B, country, North-East folk. [Oct 2002, p.106]