If they're not stressing about anything, neither will the listener, meaning meager traces remain when it's finished. [Dec 2013, p.105]

Like a silent movie star who discovered she didn't sound like Janet Street-Porter when talkies came, the overwhelming feeling is one of relief and career continuation. [Dec 2013, p.102]

It seemingly exists in another dimension entirely and by the end of the album you feel as if you've just emerged from a a nightclub in Atlantis. [Dec 2013, p.102]

The qualities that make M.I.A. a tough sell is the same one that fuels her restless, hungry, inspirational music. [Dec 2013, p.100]

It confirms the suspicion that Bugg really could go all the way to the top. [Dec 2013, p.106]

These Texans stick to the plan: the concoction of very wonderful thinking-dudes' rock albums, recycling yesteryear's classic vinyl. [Dec 2013, p.110]

This is music that hovers at the edges of modern life, out of time but in its own glorious world. [Dec 2013, p.116]

Such Hot Blood is best when it's at its most anthemic. [Nov 2013, p.101]

Not for the faint-hearted, Kilo packs a bracing, powerful punch. [Jun 2013, p.108]

Their third album reins in the sonic restlessness with impressive results, making it easily their most coherent and melodically enjoyable record to date. [Nov 2013, p.105]

Brush off the buzzing novelty, though, and there is much to admire. [Nov 2013, p.118]

Magnificent. [Nov 2013, p.121]

These previously released 28 masters and 27 out-takes are yet another eloquent reminder that contrary to received wisdom, Presley's '70s were no creative desert. [Nov 2013, p.120]

The sheer wealth of material--over four hours' worth--seem designed to only excite the tastebuds of tourbus veterans. [Nov 2013, p.120]

Kozelek is typically raw, grouchy and funny, and his words find meaning in the minutiae of his own behavior and the lives of others. [Nov 2013, p.109]

A peerless comeback album that's as sad as it is uplifting. [Nov 2013, p.115]

It's just a little underwhelming. [Nov 2013, p.115]

The Fifth sounds like half a dozen different [albums] squashed onto one record. Not good. [Nov 2013, p.115]

They retain enough of their own identity to sound fresh. [Nov 2013, p.114]

Not so much a comeback, more a welcome back. [Nov 2013, p.114]

Aventine does not reveal its atmospheric charms instantly and the brief instrumental Tokka is a reminder she can veer too close to chamber music, but repeated listens unfurls all sorts of wonder. [Nov 2013, p.113]

A dense sci-fi metropolis, rich in atmosphere, but light in the edge and unpredictability of urban life. [Nov 2013, p.111]

It lacks variety, but with a debut this clear-eyed they earn enough musical credit to stay in the black until next time. [Nov 2013, p.111]

This album is as comfortable with skittery beats and strikingly artful arrangements as it is with acid throb and super-sensual disco shudder. [Nov 2013, p.111]

It might lack originality, but its freewheeling spirit will definitely keep you listening. [Nov 2013, p.109]

There's lots here to get lost in. [Nov 2013, p.109]

Effortlessly tuneful, and swathed in allusions to Greek mythology, this is classic Harper. [Nov 2013, p.108]

For new disco freaks and their parents alike, here are 43 old-school minutes of party-down pleasure. [Nov 2013, p.106]