David Garside
Playground
Frizz
David Garside is unique in the sense that he’s actually taken the time to arrange his own backing, using a real string and brass section to give the music something a little different. more… “David Garside”
Single reviews
Drive By Argument
Beta EP
Lizard King
Their album was finished donkeys ages ago, but given the postponement of its release until 2008 the band put together an EP of new material (yes, things are now officially being released heavily out of sequence) that they recorded and produced themselves at the drummer’s house more… “Drive By Argument”
British Sea Power
Waving Flags
Rough Trade
This made me sit up from before the very first listen. The anthemic, epic dreaminess of this track that doffs its hat (musically) to Arcade Fire and Echo and the Bunnymen more… “British Sea Power”
Emma Pollock
Paper and Glue
4AD
Long tipped as a single, one of the highlights of her solo debut Watch The Fireworks finally gets a single release. more… “Emma Pollock”
Sons & Daughters
Darling
Domino
One of the effects of Bernard Butler producing Sons & Daughters is that he’s bought to the fore a previously unheard glam-rock element to their music. more… “Sons & Daughters”
Paul Vickers & the Leg
I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas
SL
Er, right. The former lead singer with Dawn Of The Replicants teams up with The Leg, ahead of their album together, with a Christmas novelty record. more… “Paul Vickers & the Leg”
St. Vincent
Jesus Saves, I Spend
Beggars Banquet
Christ, I know the feeling. There’s not much seasonal about this, anymore than there was much seasonal about Morrissey’s ‘Christmas’ singles ‘I Have Forgiven Jesus’ and ‘Satan Rejected My Soul.’ more… “St. Vincent”
Malcolm Middleton
We're All Going To Die
Fulltime Hobby
The opening track off one of the albums of the year, Malcolm Middleton’s odds on becoming the Christmas No.1 have shortened from 1000-1 to 12-1 (fourth favourite). more… “Malcolm Middleton”
Frightened Rabbit
It's Christmas So We'll Stop
Fat Cat
Frightened Rabbit have been gradually making a name for themselves with their gorgeous Glaswegian lo-fi alt. folk. more… “Frightened Rabbit”
The Pocket Gods
W*nking For Christmas
Cherryade
First there was Half-Man Half-Biscuit, and they are still funny. And then there was A Tribe Of Toffs who were funny for a 7″. And then there was the Pocket Gods more… “The Pocket Gods”