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David SmithReviews
The Melloncollies: Goodbye Cruel WorldPunk-pop newcomers trade soul for sheen on insipid debut. [23 November 2009] 
Idlewild: Post Electric BluesFormer Scottish noiseniks get better with age on their sixth album -- available as a free download. [3 November 2009] 
Stellastarr*: CivilizedNew York new wavers stick to what they do best on their third long-player -- but hint at future directions. [22 October 2009] 
Madness: The Liberty of Norton FolgateThe North London Nutty Boys return with an ambitious, nostalgia-tinged effort -- and hit a new career high. [21 August 2009] 
Bombay Bicycle Club: I Had the Blues But I Shook Them LooseLondon four-piece put teenage blues to music, creating an album that lacks many weak points but rarely inspires. [11 August 2009] 
The Maccabees: Wall of ArmsFey art-rock types return with tremendous sophomore set that suggests a bright future for British indie. [16 June 2009] 
1990s: KicksFormer Yummy Fur frontman delivers second album by his new band -- and it's another collection of wry tales set to irresistible indie-pop. [4 June 2009] 
The Hours: See the LightPiano-loving two-piece forget to write the tunes for their pompous sophomore album. [22 May 2009] 
Manic Street Preachers: Journal for Plague LoversThe Welsh three-piece go back to their former band-mate’s lyric book and set it to music –- and reinvigorate themselves in the process. [18 May 2009] 
Various Artists: War Child: HeroesThe latest in the War Child series delivers another interesting selection of tracks -- this time with a theme. [30 March 2009] 
The Takeover UK: Running with the WastersUS indie-rockers look to the UK for inspiration on their effervescent debut, but substituting fun for any real depth. [17 March 2009] 
Razorlight: Slipway FiresNorth London stadium-botherers return with their third album, attempting to build on the platinum-selling previous effort, but falling short. [2 March 2009] 
Nickel Eye: The Time of the AssassinsUnderstated Strokes member creates a largely understated masterpiece, revealing a wider range of influences than in his full-time job. [30 January 2009] 
The King Blues: Save the World, Get the GirlA collection of songs that are bright and fully-rounded that never once try to be any more than what they are. [19 January 2009] 
Dido: Safe Trip HomeThe queen of 30-something cool returns after a five-year hiatus with a new-found maturity... But less tunes. [12 January 2009] |
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