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Tony Da Gatorra vs Gruff Rhys - The Terror of Cosmic Loneliness

If ever a thorough introduction to an album was warranted, it is here. Not for Gruff Rhys off course. When he is not receiving Mercury Music Prize nominations for concept albums about the DeLorean Motor Company with Neon Neon, he is the lead singer of experimental rock stalwarts Super Furry Animals. He does occasionally also find enough time to fit in the odd solo Welsh-language record, but enough about him.

Now, introducing Tony Da Gatorra. An incredible man with an outrageous moustache and a bizarre musical instrument (check him, his crumb catcher and the instrument out here). Rumours are abound that, the spectacularly titled, The Terror of Cosmic Loneliness was recorded in five hours after under a weeks worth of rehearsals.

So, the introductions are over, the video has been watched and, as a result, expectations are not particularly high. From the get-go you realise, if you hadn’t already, that things are going to get a little bit strange on TTOCL. Album opener O Que Tu Tem sets the pace with a cacophony of seven minutes (yes seven minutes) worth of weird drums, scathing guitars and Da Gatorra’s wailing vocals. So far so strange.

Then along comes In A House With No Mirrors in which we are reintroduced to Rhys familiar drawl, riffs and lyrical content, “In a house with no mirrors / You’ll never get old / In a room full of turtles / you stood on a toad”, which gives hope for purpose and at least some cohesion.

It is, however, a fleeting hope as the rest of the album drags along somewhere between these two tracks, never quite as good as In A House With No Mirrors but thankfully never quite as bad as O Que Tu Tem.

The Terror of Cosmic Loneliness is a must hear-album for fans of Gruff Rhys, people who enjoy abstract/mental music, or fans of funny men with facial hair and daft instruments. 6/10

Gary Evans

Edward Nigma and Peter Uzzle, get it? Well if we tell you that the true identity of Monarchy is shrouded in mystery, then perhaps the member’s names will make a little more sense. E.Nigma, P.Uzzle. Genius.

So, in a world where we know what colour pants Andi Peter’s wears on a Tuesday, thanks to Twitter, or how many slices of toast JLS munch on tour, due to a double page spread in Heat Magazine, the air of intrigue surrounding this electronic duo from London is rather refreshing.

The similarities with Daft Punk don’t end at anonymity either. Their sound draws inevitable comparisons to the French maestros, skipping between synth-pop and electro, via funk and disco, effortlessly.

Gold In The Fire is all fizzing and atmospheric, Love Get Out Of My Way shows they have an ear for a pop-hook al la Hot Chip, and they are also capable of a pretty mean remix. Reworkings of Durutti Column, Ellie Goulding and Fyfe Dangerfield in particular are absolutely spectacular.

Their self titled début album is out now and they have also kindly put together a playlist featuring tracks that inspire them.

Monarchysound

Monarchy show their wide-ranging and eclectic taste in music with this brilliant playlist which features everyone from seminal composer Vangelis to soft rockers 10cc. Also present are the current cream of electronic music, LCD Soundsystem, Fever Ray, Four Tet, and the playlist also includes remixes by the band. A brilliant selection of music, many thanks to Monarchy for creating this playlist for us.

Check out the band here and read about their free iPhone app here.

Gary Evans.

The record label. A dying breed in the digital age, a necessary evil, or an essential cog in the music industry wheel?

Who cares, because instead of worrying about all that here at SMP towers we have picked our favourite record label based playlists and put them into this nice handy post for you to get your lugs around. Enjoy!

Factory Records
“Factory Records are not actually a company. We are an experiment in human nature,” says Tony Wilson in 24 Hour Party People, amongst various other nuggets of genius/pretense. It is this ethos that made Factory one of the most seminal record labels of all time. What about this for a roll call of bands, Joy Division, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, A Certain Ratio, James, New Order, Happy Mondays. Not bad is it.

50 years of island records

Beginning life in Jamaica, Island went on to become one of the most influential labels of the 1970s. This brilliant playlist features tracks from artists spanning Island’s 50 year history including Desmond Dekker & The Aces, Roxy Music, The Spencer Davis Group, Paul Weller and, lamentably, U2.

Polydor Records - What we’re listening to

Those nice people of a Polydor Records have put together this playlist of music that is doing the rounds in their office at the moment (not only by their own artists either). A crackin’ collection of tunes which is regularly updated resulting in an eclectic mix that includes The Velvet Underground, Queens Of The Stone Age and Interpol.

The best of Soma Records Vol 1

The legendary Scottish label was the brainchild of dance duo Slam and since it’s inception in 1991 it has been at the forefront of electronic music. Featured here, Daft Punk, Silicone Soul, Holmes & McMillan and an amazing Richie Hawtin remix of Slam’s Positive Education.

Ocarina Records Ultimate Playlist - Volume 1

Ocarina is another really cool label which has some great alternative music talent on its books and they’ve created a playlist of all the music that inspires them. Check out Wilco, Devo, Squarepusher, Fleet Foxes and er, William Shatner.

Gary Evans

Bombay Bicycle Club - Flaws

Nothing wrong with reinvention. It’s a good thing, sometimes even an essential thing, for a band to do. If a musician’s sound is stagnating, their fan base is dwindling, or their egos are swelling, then a reinvention is often never too far from their thoughts.

What if said musicians happen to be a gaggle of fresh-faced indie darlings still riding high on the critical acclaim of their début while the ink is barely dry on their GCSE papers. Well that gaggle happens to go by the name of  Bombay Bicycle Club and they’ve ditched their electric guitars and effects pedals in favour of ‘going acoustic’. Reinvention or suicide?

Flaws features not only their own work in stripped back acoustic mode, but also cover versions, such as Joanna Newsom’s Swansea and Fairy Tale Lullaby by John Martyn - both of which lack lack the potency of the originals.

Elsewhere Flaws mananges to avoid feelings too saccharine or transparent. Stand out tracks Ivy & Gold, Leaving Blues and a reworking of Dust On The Ground showcases both Jack Steadman’s unique voice and the band’s musical ability.

Bombay Bicyle Club are clearly a band that are going to do things on their own terms and although Flaws doesn’t compete with the debut, it was probably never meant to. The lads from Crouch End are still head and shoulders above that Mumford lot and the rest of folk-revivalists around at the moment - beating them at their own game -  but even more exciting, electric, times surely lie ahead. 7/10

Gary Evans

Strictly BASS… Part Five
We hit the ground running this month with the latest in this brilliant series of bulky bass line inspired playlists from syknyk. This month’s the tunes playing havoc with you boom box include Radio 1’s Toddla T, dubstep producer de jour Rusko and Boy 8-Bit.

Undiscovered Prince
The Purple One is back with a new album, 20Ten, which he once again decided to give away for free in some daily rag or other, and to celebrate SMP’s head honcho kieron has put together this brilliant playlist which, in his own words, is “dedicated to some of the best tracks to come out of Paisley Park over the years.” A must for all Prince fans featuring album tracks, remixes and B-sides.

A Song A Day 2010
This is a great concept for a playlist which, as the name suggests, features a song added every day during 2010. Click here for a song to suit every mood. Is your boss giving you trouble? Morrissey - Little Man, What Now? Girlfriend just dumped you? Sinead O’Connor - Nothing Compares 2 U. Do you think you’ve left the iron on at home? Beck - It’s All In Your Mind.

Awesome Minimal Tech / Dark House - KRLBRG
Next up we have a quality playlist for the tech heads amongst you. If you like your techno deep, dark and dirty this is the ‘list for you. Check out big, big tracks for the likes of Oxia, Micha Moor, Trentemøller, Umek and many, many more.

StavTunes presents: July 2010
So dreary old England is finally getting some long deserved sunshine which means it’s time to expose those pasty legs in your most aggressively flowery shorts, chug cider and eat questionable BBQ chicken. While you’re at it why not let this awesome playlist soundtrack proceedings with sunshine friendly music from the likes of Vampire Weekend, Mystery Jets and Belle & Sebastian. Now, where’s that after sun?

Billboard R&B #1 1956-74
Here at SMP we absolutely love davinci for his comprehensive playlists covering R&B, Billboard number ones from various years. This time he has pieced together every hit from 1956 to 1974 - an amazing era for music. It doesn’t get much better than Ray Charles, Elvis Presley, Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, Nat King Cole, Sam Cooke and too many more to mention here, so get listening!

Spotifriday #52 by DrownedinSound.com
One of the most important musical unifications since Mr McCartney met some bloke called John took place this month. Everyone’s favourite Spotify community (Share My Playlists of course) welcomed Drowned in Sound as its very first Playlist Partner meaning you can access each and every weekly playlist DiS creates right here at SMP. Check out their latest offering now which includes tracks from Janelle Monae with a contender for single of the year - Tightrope, M.I.A’s Come Around and The Coral amongst others.

The Soundtrack to June 2010
The Soundtrack to… is one of our most popular playlists and it’s not hard to see why when you check out the tracks on offer this month. Kele’s club banger Tenderoni, The Black Keys’s filthy blues number Howlin’ For You and industrial dance insanity from The Chemical Brothers with Escape Velocity - that’s what we’re talking about!

Phil and Phil Episode 1
Playdio is an ingenious idea that unites radio style banter with quality tunes. Amongst the shows they offer is this one from Phil Jupitus and sidekick Phil Wilding who tackle everything from Nazis to Paul Weller. Go on give it a try, we (almost) guarantee you’ll love it.

After listening to all of those magnificent playlists we think it’s just about time for a nice chillout, and what better way to do it than by listening to one more playlist. If you’re bored of regular chillouts why not try a Euphoric one. Here at SMP towers we like nothing better than listening to some Groove Armada, Zero 7 and Massive Attack to help us euphorically unwind after a hard days work. See you next month.

Marina And The Diamonds - Oh No!

Apart from Marina, her voice, her lyrics, her band and their music, this is a great song. “If you are not very careful / Your possessions will possess you / TV taught me how to feel / Now real life has no appeal”, yeah take that consumerism/capitalism/Ivor Novello and step aside Naomi Klein because Marina’s here to sort society right out. Step one: attempt to crush our spirits with abhorrent hipster-indie-pop.

Yolanda Be Cool & DCUP - We No Speak Americano

Love it or loathe it, it’s unlikely you have been able to avoid it. We No Speak Americano is that do-do-do-daooo ‘club anthem’ you’ve heard seeping out of every boy racer’s tinted car windows for the past month or so. Depending on your point of view, the Australian dance duo’s hit is either a heinous novelty record or a dance-floor destroying masterpiece. Either way it’s just gone to number one, so best not to expect it to disappear anytime soon.

Amy Macdonald - This Pretty Face

After recording her latest album, A Curious Thing, at Paul Weller’s own personal studio Amy Macdonald has also managed to rope the Modfather into playing bass on This Pretty Face. The Bishopbriggs lass’ latest single is a succinct and wity indictment of superficial beauty and all of its associated prattle. Another solid outing from the Scottish singer-songwriter - it’s no wonder Weller’s such a big fan.

Dinosaur Pile-Up - Birds And Planes

Although Birds And Planes gives a whip-lash inducing nod to Nirvana and stakes no claims about reinventing the rock wheel, it is still, actually, quite good. The Leeds threesome have a new album, Growing Pains, due in September and if this release is anything to go by expect primal drums, big riffs, and lots of shouty bits. Matt Bigland’s latest project is resolutely unashamed of its rock influences - sort of like early Foo Fighters, but not as good.

Young Guns - Crystal Clear

The latest singe from Lostprophets, Kids In Glass Houses, Funeral For A Friend, Young Guns, Crystal Clear, is angsty teen-rock-punk-by-numbers by yet another set of interchangeable young noise makers. The only thing that separates the fledgling firearms from the rest of this (not so)Motley Crue is the fact they are not Welsh. Small mercies.

Gary Evans

Land of the brave, home of the free and holding pen for the morbidly obese. God bless the United States of America.

Not only have they brought us McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Paris Hilton and food with excessive amounts of cheese on it, they have also found time to introduce some spectacular music into the world as well.

After the hearing the best noise based fun Great Britain has to offer it’s time to sample what the Americans bring to the table of music.

We have three great stateside playlists for you to compare with the Best of British post we brought to you. Who wins? Who cares, just enjoy some quality tunes.

Americana
We begin with this monstrous playlist made up of some of the most seminal American bands and artist of all time. Elvis Presley, The Doors, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix Experience give an impressive display for the USA.

Psychedelic USA
This an amazing playlist of trippy, twisted psychedelia featuring the likes of Jefferson Airplane, The Byrds, Jimi Hendrix Experience and one of the most criminally underrated bands of all time, The 13th Floor Elevators.

Afront’s Synthpop USA
Not to be outdone by the British knob twiddlers, SMP heavyweight, afront, has created this cracking playlist showcasing the best synth-pop on offer from the states. Another great collection of music featuring everyone from Fischerspooner and Crystal Castles to Chicks On Speed and the amazing LCD Soundsystem. Well done yanks!

Gary Evans

Stiff upper lip, haggis, tea and scones, four leaf clovers, cricket on the village green, er, leeks, splendid, spiffing, tallyho, boyo, och aye the noo - we thinks that’s all bases covered for British cliches -  it’s time for the best of British playlists.

For no other purpose than our own personal pleasure, here at SMP towers we have decided to take the best playlists our fair isle has to offer and do battle with a selection of music from that lot over the pond.

Get ready for three of the best from the cream of British musicians and stay tuned for all the best music from the US of A.

Let (fictional musical playlist) battle commence!

150 Great British Tracks
Here we go then. A big hitter of a playlist is first up to represent the Brits. This ‘list, as you may have guessed, features all the best tunes from all the best bands that our lovely little island has to offer. The list of great music here is almost endless.Check out The Who, The Smiths, The Stone Roses, Joy Division, The Kinks, The Jam and, well like I said, it’s almost endless. ‘Av that America!

Failed Muso’s Queens of British Pop
As well as boys in bands we also do a mean line in pop queens. This is typically brilliant playlist form failedmuso featuring the likes of Dusty Springfield, Kate Bush and Amy Winehouse. It beats Gaga and Britney any day.

Early 80’s British Electro
No one does geeky men fiddling about with weird musical instruments quite like us either, evident in this British electro playlist. Depeche Mode, New Order, Gary Numan and Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark all wait for you on this playlist.

Gary Evans

At the cinema your senses are treated to both sights and sounds - crazy. Some of those sounds you hear at the movies are collectively known as music, and we really like music.

So, we’ve put together a collection of some of the best movie music based playlists we have to offer for you to really indulge one of your physiological capacities. Go on, go mad. Enjoy!

The Best of Disney/Pixar
Pixar Animation Studios revolutionised the way we watch family movies and to celebrate the sheer genius of the American animation studio we have a brilliant playlist for you and any little people (children or midgets) you know to enjoy. All three Toy Story films, A Bugs Life, Finding Nemo and more are featured, including songs from Louis Armstrong, Sheryl Crow and Peter Gabriel, as well as sing-a-long favourites from the movie soundtracks.

The Ultimate Songs from Movies Playlist
This is a consummate playlist of tunes from the movies with films such as Donnie Darko, Cruel Intentions and Trainspotting represented by music from Echo And The Bunnymen with The Killing Moon , Every You Every Me by Placebo, Iggy Pop’s Lust for Life and a whole host of other classic tracks from the flicks.

At The Movies
Another great collection of movie music. Here’s an idea, try and guess which track comes from which film. There’s no prizes or anything but what a great way to spend the lonely summer evenings. Survivor - Eye Of The Tiger? Easy. The Doors - People Are Strange? Got it? What about Ray Parker, Jr. - Ghostbusters? We thought that one would fox you.

Musicals and musical movies
Here we go with some old show toones! If you like RENT, Les Misérables, Chicago, Jesus Christ Superstar or any other form of over-the-top stage and screen based tomfoolery, then this is the playlist for you. And… jazz hands!

Gary Evans

What do you get if you cross a cracking website with some quality musicians and a Spotify playlist? Why the CMU Weekly playlists of course.

Not a classic joke, granted, but an undeniably brilliant selection of music from quality bands and artists none the less.

We’ve selected five of the best for you to check out but you can also see the entire list by clicking here.

CMU Weekly #3: Russ Leetch, Editors
Indie-gloomsters-turned-electro-miserablists-who-definitely-do-not-sound-anything-like-Joy Division are first up with bassist Russ Leetch taking care of the tunes. Brilliant music from Bloc Party, New Order and Antony & The Johnsons all feature here.

CMU Weekly #6: Felix White, The Maccabees

Maccabees guitar slinger Felix White selected tunes from The Velvet Underground & Nico with Heroin, Morning After Midnight by Adam Green, Roots Manuva’s Again & Again and many more on a brilliantly diverse playlist.

CMU Weekly #8: Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip

One of the most unique rappers and poets you will ever hear in your entire life is Scroobius Pip and, along with his producer cohort Dan Le Sac, he has chosen a quality selection of music for you to enjoy. Click here for Kate Bush, Kid Carpet, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds and Sway.

CMU Weekly #20: Russell Lissack, Bloc Party

While Kele is off making that solo electro guff, one of the most gifted guitarist in modern music has made a nice little playlist for you to listen to. Everything form rock to hip-hop is included on Russell’s playlist with the likes of Ash, Wiley and Miike Snow.

CMU Weekly #27: Tom Findlay, Groove Armada

Groove Armada, aka Tom Findlay and Andy Cato, are one of the biggest name in dance music today and Tom has kindly put together a cracking playlist showcasing his favourite tunes. Class throughout here with LCD Soundsystem - I Can Change, Bombay Bicycle Club - Always Like, This OutKast - Roses and some shameless self-promotion with Fall Silent by the man himself.

See all of there playlists by clicking here or visit the CMU website here.

Gary Evans.

The Mercury prize nominations are out and as always they have succeeded in inciting debate and indignation. It’s fair to say the award has never been about popularity - evident in 2009’s hip-hop-for-Times-readers winner Speech Debelle - but this year’s shortlist in particular has resulted in some glaring omissions.

So, if you’re outraged at the inclusion of  limp folk, pompous jazz or vapid hip-pop then step this way for our pick of the albums that didn’t receive a nomination this year.

Four Tet - There Is Love In You
Four Tet, aka Kieran Hebden, is one the finest purveyors of electronic music in the world today and in There Is Love In You he has produced his most consummate work since Rounds. Where subsequent albums lack focus and became a victim of Hebden’s expansive influences, his seventh release under the Four Tet moniker feels structured and purposeful while staying true to his innovative and eclectic nature. House, tech, jazz and folk elements infuse to create the best electronic album of the year - a genre missing from this year’s nominations.

Plan B - The Defamation of Strickland Banks

Probably the biggest surprise exclusion in this year’s nominations is Plan B. Ben Drew’s second album saw him take a swift change in musical direction from hoodie-clad rapper to bespoke-suited soul crooner. Concept album, The Defamation of Strickland Banks, follows Drew’s alter-ego as he is imprisoned for a crime  he didn’t commit. This album has been a resounding commercial success while his Smokey Robinson-style laments have also won over critics.  The Defamation of Strickland Banks is not only a surprise omission, it must have been many-a-muso’s tip to take home the prize before the nominations were anounced.

Hot Chip - One Life Stand

2006 nominees Hot Chip may feel hard done by as One Life Stand failed to get the nod from the Mercury judges this year. Their fourth studio album produced a big single with the release of it’s title track and further cemented their reputation as electro knob twiddlers with an incredible ear for a pop hook. After the slightly disappointing Made In The Dark, One Life Stand was a huge return to form and, arguably, their best work to date. Unlucky to have missed out.

Gorillaz - Plastic Beach

Rumours are abound that Albarn et al withdrew from the nomination process with their third studio album. However, after tepid reviews, and a flat Glastonbury appearance in which Snoop Dogg stole the show during a set that saw the band loose the crowd during the more introspective tracks, perhaps it should come as no surprise that they are not amongst the nominees - still by far the biggest name to miss out this year.

M.I.A - /\/\/\Y/\

Big fidgeting beats, social-commentary, controversy, conspiracy theories, bust-ups with journalists and mental music videos. M.I.A didn’t mess about with the release of her third album, the perplexing titled /\/\/\Y/\ (or Maya - which is her real name - for those that don’t know). Although M.I.A has had many imitators since her 2003 Mercury nominated debut, Arular, no one can quite match her idiosyncratic cacophony of hip-hop/R&B/electro noise. A more than worthy nominee.

Gary Evans

You can not mention dance music without mentioning one of it’s true progenitors, Larry Levan. Along with the likes of Frankie Knuckles, David Mancuso and François K, Levan was one of the first DJs to mix records together while using drum machines and synthesizers to piece together disco, funk and soul, into what is now known as house music.

Larry is best know for playing at the hugely influential Paradise Garage club in New York which went on to impact music scenes everywhere from the super-clubs of Ibiza to the Hacienda in Manchester, and everywhere in between. Also known for his hedonistic lifestyle, it is rumoured that he one of the DJs Paul Kaye’s character in It’s All Gone Pete Tong is based on.

SMP user jensdekadens has put together a spectacular Levan inspired playlist to celebrate the great man’s musical influences and we have also added another couple of influential spinner’s playlists for you to enjoy.

Larry Levan

This amazing playlist is a wonderful reflection of the diversity and creativity Levan put into his DJ sets, while also charting the evolution of dance music from disco to house and every sub-genre in between. Chicago house legends Marshall Jefferson and Jamie Principle, the original techno geeks Kraftwerk, the massively influential Roy Ayers Ubiquity as well as Salsoul Orchestra, Ashford & Simpson, Damon Harris and many, many more make up a unbelievable playlist. Listen now!

John Morales

Although perhaps not as high-profile as Larry Levan, John Morales has been equally as influential on modern dance music. The legendary DJ also began his career spinning in New York before experimenting with editing, looping and changing sounds to become on of the first people to create remixes to play in his sets. More quality tunes and remixes featuring the likes of Miami Sound Machine, Marvin Gaye and Universal Robot Band.

Dimitri from Paris

Heavily influenced by both Levan and Morales, Dimitri from Paris has become a legendary DJ in his own right by, putting on modern twist on the 70s funk, soul and disco sounds. Another amazing playlist featuring funky, soulful, jazz infused house tunes and more quality remixes with Linda Clifford, Jon Cutler, Nightfall, Alex Gopher and more much all available here.

Gary Evans

It’s that time of year again - Mercury prize nominations. As always the shortlist has sparked debate, outrage and intrigue (who exactly are Kit Downes Trio?)

But, as one of the most credible and exciting music awards of the year, the Mercury prize consistently features something for everyone, this time around with a heavy folk-revival influence, as well as indie, rock, hip-hop and jazz all being represented.

We have all of the nominees here for you, as well as their current odds to take home the prize, all of which you can listen to now and for free on Spotify. Who are you rooting for?

Dizzee Rascal – Tongue N’ Cheek (4/1)

Another nomination for 2003’s winner with his fourth album Tongue N’ Cheek which churned out hit after senseless hit, including Bonkers, Dance Wiv Me and Holiday. Dizzee may be the one of bookies favourite but his most commercial release to date has raised a few eyebrows with it’s inclusion. Don’t expect Dirtee Disco win any Ivor Novellos.

The xx – xx (4/1)

The xx received widespread critical acclaim for last year’s eponymous début album which they have translated into commercial success having recently played two nights at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire and featured top of the bill at the Roundhouse. This is an amazing and unique album brimming with atmosphere and nuance. Possible winners? We think so.

Paul Weller – Wake Up the Nation (6/1)

The Modfather is back from the creative wilderness after a succession of lifeless outings with only his second ever Mercury nomination. Wake Up The Nation is both scathing and soulful, incredibly varied, immediate and succinct. His best work in over a decade could send the prize Weller’s way.

Corinne Bailey Rae – The Sea (6/1)

After a tumultuous two-year hiatus following the death of her husband, Corinne Bailey Rae released the follow-up to her hugely successful 2006 début. This album has Bailey Rae’s sumptuous brand of dreamy summer lullabies, alongside heartbreaking melancholy.

Mumford and Sons – Sigh No More (6/1)

Popular with broadsheet music reviewers and Radio 1, it should come as no surprise that Munford and Sons have made the shortlist - even if there are innumerable albums more worthy. An record of dreary faux-folk that is unlikely to take home the prize. Hopefully.

Laura Marling – I Speak Because I Can (6/1)

More kudos from Mercury for Miss Marling who receives another nomination for her beautiful second album, I Speak Because I can. Her début, Alas, I Cannot Swim was hotly tipped to take the prize in 2008 but was ultimately beaten be a deserving Elbow, however 2010 could well be her year for what is a majestic and intriguing album. Check out our full review of the album (and Mercury success prediction) here.

Foals – Total Life Forever (8/1)

Total Life Forever is a magnificent return for Foals who were tackling their ‘difficult second’ album after both critical and commercial success with début, Antidotes. This record features radio friendly indie-pop with tracks such as This Orient as well as more ethereal tracks such Spanish Sahara. Undeniably one of Britain best bands and well worthy of a nomination.

Wild Beasts – Two Dancers (8/1)

Wild Beats are a band that polarize opinions of both critics and music fans alike with frontman Antony Hegarty’s perturbing voice sounding like a cross between Nina Simone and the Bee Gees. Two Dancers is a lackluster album which takes itself far too seriously - which probably means it has a strong chance of wining.

Biffy Clyro – Only Revolutions (8/1)

Whether you’re into the music they make or not, Biffy Clyro’s dedication, hard-work and gradual elevation into commercial success has to be admired in an industry of fleeting over night successes and ‘get big quick’ schemers. Now on their fifth studio album the Biff are a ferocious live act which they have translated perfectly onto this brilliant record.

Villagers – Becoming a Jackal (10/1)

Villagers, aka Dublin songwriter Conor J O’Brien, could be mistook as the obligatory folk nominee the judges are so fond of including, when in actual fact he is a truly engaging artist who stands head and shoulders above the endless procession of bland troubadours. This album is both fragile, unflinching, and delivered with an understand aplomb.

Kit Downes Trio – Golden (10/1)

Arguably the biggest unknown in this year’s award is British pianist Kit Downes. 2010’s requisite jazz offering, Golden, also features drummer James Maddren and bassist Calum Gourlay, and while it may seem an unlikely winner, it is still an outstanding contemporary British jazz record.

I Am Kloot – Sky at Night (10/1)

I Am Kloot are a band that, while popular with indie aficionados, have never truly broke through intro the mainstream while consistently producing album after album of brilliantly wry, poetic music - much a like fellow Manc band Elbow who were considered indie also-rans up until 2008’s Mercury Prize winning The Seldom Seen Kid. Could this finally be I am Kloot’s time?

Gary Evans

Eliza Doolittle - Eliza Doolittle
Can you remember Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Great film wasn’t it. Well that’s what Eliza Doolittle sounds like (in an abstract analogous way) - a wry commentary on real life infused with carefree cartoon-like melodies.

Take first single Skinny Genes for example, with its twinkling keys and doo-wop bass. Vocally, she is somewhere between Lilly Allen and Corinne Bailey Rae as she chirps, “I really don’t like your skinny jeans/ So take them off for me/ Show me what you got underneath.”

The wacky pop continues on the bounding Go Home and breezy Rollerblades, while on Smokey Room she bemoans, “You got your Gucci bag on / Yeah ’cause that’s so original / Have you forgot yourself lately / I guess it doesn’t matter if you got the right shades on”, while being far from trailblazing herself.

This lack of any underlying originality perfectly sums up the album as a whole. Underneath all of the bonkers backing and zany turns of phrase Eliza Doolittle does not offer much in the way of advancing what Kate Nash and the likes have already done, and done considerably better.

Eliza Doolittle is an inviting, easy listen, and will sound good in the sun, but apart from a couple of stand-out tracks (Skinny Genes and MoneyBox) there is very little else of any real substance. 5/10

Gary Evans

Professor Green - Alive Till I’m Dead
Much like fellow underground-rapper-turned-popstar, Example, Professor Green signed to Mike Skinner’s record label The Beats. Following Skinner holding a funeral for the label (literally), citing that: “It just comes down to the fact that the traditional record label is dead”, Green was once again labelless. But after a successful battle rap career (check that out here) and with major label’s current penchant for grime artists, it was only a matter of time before Stephen Manderson broke into the mainstream.

Said breakthrough came in the shape of the INXS sampled I Need You Tonight, which is actually one of the weakest tracks on Manderson’s debut release. Whether it was pressure from Virgin to produce a viable hit or it was Pro’s idea, it showcases the rapper’s ability but is far from a true reflection of Alive Till I’m Dead. Much like current single Just Be Good To Me featuring Lilly Allen which includes another shameless sample, this time from Beats International.

Green is at his best when his flows are fast, furious, and frank. First track Kids That Love To Dance (feat. Emeli Sandé) is all about drugs, run-ins, and tongue-in-cheek kidnapping - which is where the inevitable Eminem comparisons creep in. Monster is equally as frenetic, featuring former stable mate Example and such Mathersian rhymes as “Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde / Saw a chick walk in with a big behind / Now I’m stalking my victim I’m / Unrecognisable ’cause I’m in disguise.”

Alive Till I’m Dead loses its way on some of the slower tracks such as Closing The Door (feat. Fink) and Where Do We Go (feat. Shereen Shabanaa) before returning to Eminem at his most grandiose and indignant on Goodnight.

The recent wave of underground urban talent washing over mainstream music shows no signs of breaking any time soon, and with Alive Till I’m Dead Professor Green is riding pretty high amongst them. 7/10

Gary Evans