EVen without the Tron-like eye candy of their stage set it's a spectacular show, [Dec 2007, p.115]

He's still no Jay-Z, but the roll-call of guests reflects his savvy, anything-goes approach. [Dec 2007, p.124]

This doesn't quite match the delirious energy of 2006's "Fishscale," but it's packed with big numbers showcasing his maniacal rhyme style. [Feb 2008, p.95]

The results are very much a labour of ubercamp. [Feb 2008, p.102]

Nicole's tunes are so memorable you almost don't need to buy them. [Dec 2007, p.123]

It can be a little ponderous, but the unearthly dawn chorus of 'Jade Like Wine' or the ritual freakout of 'Goddess Atonement' leave you yearning ofr a solstice to celebrate. [Dec 2007, p.124]

The Black And White album plays their usual garage-rock game with no desire beyond loking hot and sounding cool. [Nov 2007, p.138]

There's nothing so prosaic as choruses, but there's warmth to spare. [Nov 2007, p.137]

Less impressive are the band's own art-rock statements. [Dec 2007, p.116]

System is a one-paced, staid affair, where almost everything suggests a tired version of Seal's first hit, 'Killer.'

Lacking the chutzpah of Beyonce or a signature voice to rival Mary J Blige, it's another curiously polite mix of soul and pop hip hop. [Dec 2007, p.118]

This ragbag of an album suggests the tying up of loose ends before impending reinvention. [Jan 2008, p.118]

The third album is equally uncompromising, atonal industrial noise offset with melodious crooning, never settling for predictable paths. [Dec 2007, p.115]

American Gangster sounds less like a last gasp than the possible start to a second act in Jay-Z's career. [Jan 2008, p.103]

On it's own terms--striving to be more interesting than the standard album--Hvarf-Heim is clearly a success. [Dec 2007, p.114]

I-Empire is so in thrall to Edge's guitar sound circa 1984 it could almost be the work of a /u2 tribute band. [Dec 2007, p.112]

Williams should inject more urgency to his sound. [June 2008, p.148]

Untrue lives in the present, its more complex moods showcasing the emotional range that marks Burial out as more than just another bloke with a computer. [Jan 2008, p.108]

This debut has enough catchy cheap thrils. [Dec 2007, p.124]

Situatiion finds him returning to his roots, growling out stories like a hip-hop Tom Waits within the framework of an album very loosely inspired by momentous events of 1957, most effectively on the sinuous 'Lipstick.' [Dec 2007, p.112]

'Piece of Me' is a blast at the paparazzi, but her principle target is, inevitably, ex-hubby Kevin Federline. Not all pop stars give up their secrets so readily. [Jan 2008, p.112]

Their anthem-filled fourth album's brazen swagger may prove irresistible. [Nov 2007, p.137]

Eagles may be victims of a world in which their signature sound has been distilled into oblivion. [Dec 2007, p.110]

Whether reworking Steve Earle's 'The Mountain' or the traditional heart-tugger 'The Blind Child,' it represents a small yet very real personal triumph. [Dec 2007, p.121]

One shouldn't underestimate the achievements of this sturdy, confident record. [Nov 2007, p.131]

Almost the equal of 'Ordinary People,' 'No Hidden Path' again demonstrates that when the contary old buzzard plugs in and really goes to work, it's still a thrill like no other. [Dec 2007, p.113]

The Brooklyn trio have delivered an impressively bonkers set comprising three EPs. [Nov 2007, p.134]

The New Yorkers' fourth album is grounded in frontman Claudio Sanchez's personal life, making it accessible and hugely appealing. [Nov 2007, p.137]