Here, as elsewhere, Thing of the Past is as educational as it is delightful. [June 2008, p.148]

While it makes for an impressive sound, it's hard not to yearn for more than the occasional flirtation with a second dimension, such as the sitar-driven 'Deer-Ree-Shee ' or the heavy riffed Krauturock-inspired groove that serves as the second half of 'Never/Ever.'

But even knowing that [it's inspired by a Sam Shepard play], it's impossible to tell what's going on. [June 2008, p.149]

It just about lives up to the hype. [May 2008, p.136]

Muddy production means the literate lyrics often get drowned out by the surrounding racket, but otherwise this is a raw treat. [Mar 2009, p.105]

Their forays into electronica work best.... Sadly, there are too many one-dimensional guitar-pop songs that expose Jackson's flat, robotic voice. [May 2008, p.136]

The Age Of The Understatement is a frustrating thing shot through with clear signs of its authors' gifts, but too beholden to its influences where it should be stidendt and distinctive. [May 2008, p.125]

Craig David seems to have accepted he's destined to occupy the middle of the road. Trouble is, it's still not clear which road he's on. [Dec 2007, p.115]

The results remain defiantly out of the ordinary. [June 208, p.145]

Invoking the spirit of minimalist commposer Steve Reich, Hebden crafts music of fragile beauty fron the simplest sonic palette. [June 2008, p.142]

Home Before Dark offers a dignified and, yes, hip addition to the Neil Diamond canon. [July 2008, p.110]

A bigger budget and they'll get really interesting. [May 2008, p.135]

A little less light and a little more shade, though, would make them a far more fascinating proposition. [June 2008, p.138]

Mostly it's quality urban pop that achieves its goal, but by sacrificing her personality. [Apr 2008, p.107]

Third will probably be more admired than listened to and, you suspect, this suits Barrow, just fine. [May 2008, p.131]

Midnight Organ Fight more than delivers on its promise: tons of spiky energy, proper tunes and a real lyrical bite to the likes of The Modern Leper. [June 2008, p.149]

While 'New King' and 'Time Can Be Overcome' are heartland country-rock classics, the funk-flecked 'Trans Canada' and feedback-frazzled 'Shower Of Stones' take a cue frrom dub-punk icons Fugazi. [Oct 2008, p.141]

Lidell's gospel hollars are impressive, but the music verges on pastiche. [May 2008, p.136]

Hard Candy is the sound of pop's ultimate superbrand consolidating her success. [June 2008, p.134]

An album frontloaded with highlights, and probably too self-consciously cool to charm the mainstream, even when the energy fades there's still enough diversity here for most people to find a favourite. [June 2008, p.146]

There could be no finer tribute to a departed friend. [May 2008, p.135]

'Scare Easy,' the single, and 'Bootleg Flyer,' reminiscent of Petty's classic 'American Girl,' are the standouts on this collection of rough and ragged, feel-good country-rock. [July 2008, p.107]

His first album in five years is a very musicianly affair, stronger on feel than memorable songs but still a fitting vehicle for one who turns 60 later this month and has nothing left to prove. [June 2008, p.148]

This Kind Of Love is unlikely to rekindle fresh interest. [July 2008, p.111]

Their second album is high on brio, if short on innovation. [July 2008, p.102]

There are missteps, but consistency was never their selling point. [June 2008, p.138]

Elbow have hardly stepped out of their comfort zone here, but then their comfort zone has always been oddly unsettling. They're still burning: slowly, maybe, but stronger than ever. [Apr 2008, p.114]

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