Marc Almond: Shadows and Reflections
The maestro interpreter's album of '60s covers is tailor-made for him, but less deference and more daring could have made it better than it is.
Richard Folland
The Slits: Return of the Giant Slits
The post-punk pioneers' second album gets a reissue/remaster, but its anarchy and tumult still sounds one step too beyond (just as it did in 1981).
Saint Etienne: Home Counties
A concept album that bemuses as much as it enlightens, Home Counties lacks passion and punch even though the Saint Etienne pop sensibility is still there.
The Charlatans: Different Days
Different Days may not be a match for its predecessor Modern Nature, but the Manchester talent and spirit of the Charlatans shine through.
Texas: Jump on Board
Texas strike some interesting new shapes, but don't stray too far from their comfort zone and therein lies the problem.
The Human League: A Very British Synthesiser Group
Some of the pop music on this collection ranks among the best, but fans and the curious of nature might be better off with acquiring the four-disc anthology than another greatest hits package.
Rumer: This Girl’s in Love
Rumer has retreated to the safe territory of Bacharach/David to reignite her career. It works: refined and assured, this is a magnificent execution of vocal craft on a timeless set of songs.
Jah Wobble: In Dub
This collection of selections and collaborations spanning 30 years confirms Jah Wobble as the foremost interpreter and practitioner of dub on the global scale. He is a consummate musician to boot.
Dusty Springfield: Reputation (Expanded Deluxe Collector’s Edition)
This might suffer from too much anonymous dance filler, but there are enough reminders why Springfield's place in the all-time vocal pantheon is fully merited.
Travis: Everything at Once
Travis may never be able to cut loose from their folk rock trappings. But Everything At Once has enough injections of passion and departures from the regular formula to merit attention.
Dexys: Let the Record Show: Dexys Do Irish and Country Soul
A minor triumph for one of music's ultimate mavericks, Kevin Rowland, convincing that Irish folk and pop/soul standards can make an appealing combination.
All Saints: Red Flag
With their second comeback, All Saints have grown up. It's a welcome return with a touch of pop class.