No-one writes with such wince-inducing accuracy about their target audience as their former Beautiful South pairing. [Sep 2017, p.30]

While Fagen and co show no interest in wholly reinventing Steely Dan’s most beloved songs, the live setting does add a vital spark to them.

An epic, if somewhat ruminative tone dominates. [Oct 2015, p.77]

If it all seems a bit contrived, the end result is harmonious and -- remarkably -- never kitsch. [Aug 2002, p.99]

If the tunes don't all stun as surely this time around, lyrically they're bolder. [Dec 2019, p.25]

The resulting album is a thing of gossamer beauty. [Dec 2019, p.25]

[An] affectionate charity project to benefit the victims of floods and fires in Tennessee and Texas. [Dec 2012, p.95]

The spine is provided by Smith's gentle, unforced voice and virtuosic fingerpicking but piano, subtle splashes of percussion and guest appearances recorded remotely by the milk Carton Kids, Bill Frisell and Lisa Hannigan add extra texture. [May 2021, p.32]

Sun-dappled, retro Americana dominates their second album, albeit overlaid with an arsenal of sonic tricks. [Feb 2013, p.70]

Composed for the 10-strong Montreal modern dance troupe Animals Of Distinction, in ways it conforms to the template of Canadian post-rock – extended instrumentals characterised by gradual builds and ecstatic climaxes. But “Scanner” and “Grid-Wall” explore a sleek, synthetic sound palette, all glitching electronics and halogen synths. [Jun 2021, p.25]

Sonically and creatively, these demos reflect their domestic environment, the realm of the historically valuable rather than the mind-blowing. [May 2019, p.38]

His band know their way around '80s-influenced bluster-pop, and carry it off through sheer deadpan lack of irony on this strangely beguiling second album. [Mar 2014, p.79]

The title track's mod R&B struts with the confidence of a band whose last album hit the Top 10. [Jun 2019, p.37]

Album opener "Garbage Dream House" is a scene-setter - somehow both ominous and joyful with its grinding, melodic riff, robotic bleeps and orchestral outro. [Sep 2025, p.37]

The nicest moments come when his simple structures are allowed to do their thing. [Jul 2013, p.75]

He may not offer many surprises – those Beatle-esque inclinations remain ubiquitous – but he does pull in some impressive guests. [Aug 2024, p.35]

Nothing here is exactly restrained, but KK&TS seem to have realised that the slower burn can be just as effective as the full blaze. [Oct 2013, p.70]

There's mammoth hooks and meaningful shouting galore here. [Jul 2007, p.116]

They take a clear delight in topping their scrappy indie-pop tunes with folk-rock vocal harmonies. [Jan 2025, p.34]

Weird but oddly wonderful. [Oct 2023, p.37]

Faithful to the source material and occasionally inspired. [Apr 2016, p.81]

However nonlinear her compositions, they’re bright, full of wonder and have a pop sensibility, recalling Four Tet, Deakin and Suzanne Ciani. [Sep 2022, p.30]

The record's best moments are slow-mo funk cuts like "Laughter" and "Praise" where Jones' silky falsetto finds a sweet spot east of Prince and Earth Wind & Fire. [Mar 2014, p.78]

They unleash 15 compact, primarily pro forma bangers. [Feb 2024, p.28]

The demos are undoubtedly this boxset's main attraction. [Apr 2012, p.91]

A return trip worth taking. [Sep 2019, p.29]

Engaging New Zealanders The Beths masterfully marry muscle and vulnerability here. [Sep 2025, p.28]

Sometimes a more shadowy affair, with McKiel’s voice on the title track reverberating in what sounds like a deep cave, its woodwind and wriggling bassline emerging from different chambers to establish a Beta Band shuffle. Elsewhere things are dusky rather than dark. [Jun 2024, p.37]