While these acoustic poems are often twee and contrived, the woman remains ultimately unpretentious. [Jul 2006, p.114]

Their cut-ups... work best when at their most odd. [Jun 2006, p.117]

[They] have stretched their wings. [Jun 2006, p.119]

There's nothing remotely new here--and his hyper-ventilating yelp won't be for everyone--but it's a rollicking 40-minute ride. [Apr 2018, p.108]

This is a fine follow-up to 2005's "No Wow." [Apr 2008, p.108]

This slick set taps the same pop bounce of 2004's "Calling Out."

The virtuoso musicianship largely eclipses Henry Tremain's insipid vocals. [Feb 2013, p.112]

The subtle rhythms of Nigerian percussionist Lekan Babalola giving something new to Wilson's versions of great old songs. [Aug 2008, p.145]

Contentment makes Everett a less compelling narrator than devastation, but Eels still tailor songs rich in ideas yet stripped of unnecessary fat. [Mar 2013, p.109]

It remains to be seen, though, whether the record-buying public are prepared to give Glasvegas another go, but on this evidence they should. [Oct 2013, p.102]

Dear John is the album he's been gradually building up to, an ebbing and flowing suite best taken as a single musical movement. [Apr 2009, p.107]

For all the celebrity firepower, however, Dark Night Of The Soul never quite adds up to more than a handful of great moments. [Aug 2009, p.111]

A listening experience every bit as intense and idiosyncratic as Ecks himself. [Sep. 2016, p.106]

Marchant is at his best on the more forceful material. [Aug 2013, p.99]

Their 16th LP is their most challenging to date. For all the fine musicianship and vaulting ambition, though, there are lengthy longueurs. [Oct 2015, p.111]

A roster of guest vocalists elevate his noir-shaded take in Detroit techno and '80s "dark-wave" synth-pop. [Dec 2017, p.102]

Be warned: wisdom, soul searching and politics often lead to earnest power chords and clenched fists when coupled with poodle rock. [May 2006, p.123]

Calder employs a startling falsetto over tightly wound tunes that twist your emotions from the gently reflective to swelling with longing in a heartbeat. [Jan 2017, p.115]

Dream Wife draw on the politicised ire of Le Tigre and Bikini Kill while putting their own fun, frivolous spin on things. [Feb 2018, p.111]

Too many of the album's more poignant moments suffer from a slick but formulaic production. ... Graham is at his best when he delivers it straight. [Mar 2017, p.114]

Thoughtfully conceived and carefully executed, it's a record worth braving. [Dec 2012, p.122]

The Dallas-born singer is still making music that's deep and unorthodox. [May 2008, p.141]

It's an intriguing scrapbook of ideas and frequently enjoyable, but could use a banger or tow. [Apr 2016, p.112]

This effervescent debut seems determined to shake off the tragedy. [Oct 2008, p.150]

A modern '70s Motown pastiche, that makes him a serious rival to John Legend. [Dec 2008, p.133]

What Sun Structures lacks is a bit of fire in its belly. [Mar 2014, p.109]

It's a more commercial, fuller album, even if it does slightly lack the spirit of their previous work. [May 2013, p.105]

After just six songs and 17 minutes, the future is sounding admirably open-ended. [Oct 2002, p.118]