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John DoverReviews
No Age: NounsNever has so much kaleidoscopic noise been produced from such meagre resources: one guitar and one drum kit. [30 June 2008] 
Nada Surf: LuckyA solid, if unspectacular, set of indie-pop tunes from the New York trio perennially trying to shake off the "one-hit wonder" tag. [25 April 2008] 
Morrissey: Greatest HitsA greatest hits compilation that draws heavily on the fruits of Morrissey's 'second coming'. The result? A vulgar picture. [10 April 2008] 
The Aliens: Astronomy for DogsFrom the ashes of the late great Beta Band come the Aliens, though they rarely scale the same heights. [31 August 2007] 
Von Südenfed: Tromatic ReflexxionsThis collaboration between the Fall's Mark E. Smith and Mouse on Mars is all over the place, but mostly in a good way. [23 August 2007] 
Bill Callahan: Woke on a WhaleheartCallahan ditches the Smog moniker and delivers a surprisingly upbeat collection, though one that in the end feels a little slight. [24 July 2007] 
Hubert Selby Jr: It/ll Be Better Tomorrow (2005)A fine, moving and illuminating account of a writer who used the bleak, harrowing circumstances of his life to forge a unique style that addressed concerns and characters often absent from the literature of his time. [12 July 2007] 
The Elastik Band: The Elastik BandA chance for a band to reclaim a reputation that, where it exists at all, is based solely on THAT song. [8 June 2007] 
Dinosaur Jr.: Dinosaur Jr. [DVD]Dinosaur Jr.'s original line-up is back together and this live document from 2005 proves age has not diminished the power of the original trio. [25 May 2007] 
The Beach Boys: The Warmth of the SunAnother 'Best Of..' from one of the most anthologised bands ever but at least this one looks beyond the 'hits'. [24 May 2007] 
The Alternate Routes: Good and Reckless and TrueAudibly straining to please everyone and offend no-one it offers only bland platitudes and forgettable tunes to the extent that you really have to wonder why they bothered. [15 May 2007] 
The Horrors: Strange HouseRaucous garage rock debut from justifiably hyped goth-themed English troublemakers. 
The Fall: Reformation Post T.L.CMark E. Smith has previously thrived on conflict and controversy, but this time the fallout from yet another dramatic line-up change has resulted in one of the Fall's more disappointing releases. [28 March 2007] 
Various: Black Snake MoanThe soundtrack of Craig Brewer's latest film is a solid selection of old and new blues music, though Samuel Jackson's vocals suggest he shouldn't think about quitting his day job anytime soon. 
Various Artists: American Hardcore [DVD]Based on the book by Steven Blush this is an excellent, exhilarating and near-definitive account of the American Hardcore Punk scene. [22 March 2007] 
Up, Bustle & Out: Mexican Sessions (Our Simple Sensational Sound)Genre pushing Bristol duo continue their exploration of global beats, but could have done with narrowing their focus. [21 March 2007] 
The View: Hats Off to the BuskersHugely hyped debut from young Scottish four-piece is short on originality, but just about makes it on punky exuberance. [13 March 2007] 
Various Artists: Destroy All Rational Thought [DVD]From its premise of no new innovators, no literary outlaws, and no risk takers left alive comes a DVD of no historical foundation, no informative narration, and no visual or audible quality. [5 February 2007] 
Seafood: Paper Crown KingBritish indie rock survivors deliver pleasant but uninspiring fourth album. [1 February 2007] 
Suburban Kids with Biblical Names: #ThreeEcclectic DIY Swedish pop packed with great tunes and witty lyrics. [23 January 2007] 
Cream: Cream: Classic Artists [DVD]Dreary and unedifying career overview of '60s blues trio marred by its lack of live footage. [10 January 2007] 
The Strays: Le Futur NoirDisappointing and derivative riot-rock from the son of the late, great Steve Marriott. [8 January 2007] 
Various Artists: I Killed the MonsterHugely eclectic tribute to troubled songwriter and artist whose star, finally, seems to be on the rise. [5 January 2007] 
Chin Up Chin Up: This Harness Cant Ride AnythingChicago's Chin Up Chin Up turn in one of the spikiest, most energised albums of the year. [8 December 2006] 
Honeycut: The Day I Turned to GlassDebut release from genre hopping West Coast trio ultimately fails to convince, though it has its moments. [24 October 2006] 
Darkel: DarkelFirst solo release from one half of French electro merchants Air suggests he should stick to instrumentals or let someone else take over vocal duties. [23 October 2006] |
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