That's The Spirit will make them mainstream stars, no question. [Nov 2015, p.104]

The production values here exceed most of the finished works: not so much blueprints as purpleprints. [Summer 2019, p.118]

Uneven as it may be, Black America Again is a stirring reminder of the Chicago MC's relevance. [Feb 2017, p.113]

Highly eccentric and blisteringly beautiful--a record destined to worm its way deep under the skin. [Jun 2019, p.117]

It all makes a good starting point for anyone intrigued by one of the most consistently experimental indie bands of the last three decades. [Jan 2015, p.139]

This is a record of real substance. [Dec 2019, p.111]

Exhaustive notations render this essential for enthusiasts. [Oct 2016, p.115]

Even more mesmeric and deep into Nick Drake territory: intense and slightly damaged. [Jun 2004, p.94]

Vespertine quietly proves that cutting-edge production and human contact aren't mutually exclusive. [Sep 2001, p.109]

This is largely intense, liberated stuff. [Nov 2004, p.111]

Once again, Radiohead have proven themselves priceless. [Dec 2007, p.107]

Compared to their early work, disappointing. [Jun 2005, p.118]

While the mix of influences could produce self-indulgent noodling, songwriter Kevin Parker's ear for a tune keeps the songs focused. [Nov 2012, p.106]

Jamie is a thrilling first step into her future. [Oct 2019, p.106]

Yet for all the walks-ons, this remains a two-man show that celebrates the MC/producer relationship at the heart of hip-hop--and allows both talents to shine at their brightest levels. [Summer 2019, p.113]

They've re-emerged, stronger, more focused and full of headspinning ideas. [May 2012, p.106]

As harrowing and honest as some lyrics may be, though, the intensely beautiful Southern Sky at least offers his "crooked arms" some redemption. [Sep 2012, p.104]

This 147-track box (plus 92-page booklet) is thankfully packed with predominately great music. [Oct 2017, p.113]

Thrilling stuff. [Dec 2012, p.109]

This feels indispensable, as both bereavement therapy and Brexit-era protest. [Oct 2018, p.117]

A blissful blip that produced one of the '90s' finest rock albums. [Jan 2013, p.121]

Both [discs] are full of surprises. [Oct 2004, p.115]

Blur have had many more than 18 hits; certainly there are sufficient omissions to form the bulk of a second disc.

His simple, unadorned songs of longing, belonging and love are so striking that contributions from such distinctive guests... pass almost unnoticed. [Apr 2005, p.118]

He remains rap's finest storyteller. [Jun 2006, p.115]

Kokoko! are far more ramshackle affair than Mbongwana's dub-drenched African Funk, with "instruments" all but salvaged from junkyards. The effect is deliriously infectious--Gruff, chanted vocals, wandering basslines and often woozy FX that can render the whole disorientating and dreamlike. [Aug 2019, p.112]

M.I.A.'s style mag-cool pop-rap doesn't have the substance to carry the dark subtext of the title. [May 2005, p.107]

The Gypsy Faerie Queen, co-written and performed with Cave, and the Lanegan-scored They Come At Night, addressing the attack on the Bataclan, are among the LP's finest moments, but it's Born To Live, a tribute to the late Anita Pallenberg, that proves its most stirring. [Dec 2018, p.107]