1. Neon Neon – Stainless Style

Of course it shouldn’t have worked, the “ha, look, we did an 80s album!!” nod to itself, a concept album about the life of international playboy John Delorean all made on analogue equipment; but pair together Boom Bip and Super Furry Animals front man Griff Rhys then it all makes sense. (more…)

1. Ladytron - Velocifero

Every now and again a band like Ladytron come along firecly individual, who shun the trappings of commercialism in favour of creativity even if it costs them dearly and it’s fair to say it has. 2005’s Witching hour saw a new more aggressive Ladytron, the stark 80’s synth imagery that defined they’re icy persona swiftly morphed into a thundersome industrial machine, Destroy Everything You Touch launching this breathtaking transformation. (more…)

1. Radiohead - Live at Victoria Park, 24th June, London

The first opportunity to hear ‘In Rainbows live on the big stage, they should of course be doing this but Shakin’ Stevens got the call instead, which is funny, right?

2. MGMT - ‘Electric Feel’ single

From one of the finest and definitely most out there albums of the Year, Brooklyn’s baby Flaming Lips pull one of the most accesable tracks from it as a single. There are many journalist cliches out there, the biggest being ‘difficult second album syndrome’ but right next to it is what you’ll hear every journalist with a lack of imagination will put when describing this track. ooooooh, it’s some white guys singing in falsetto - PRINCE. Of course, it never sounds like Prince, Prince only sounds like Prince, it’s just a white dude singing in a falsetto…move on.
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1.Neon Neon - ‘Stainless Style’ album

2. The Hives - ‘Bigger hole to fill’ (From The Black & White album)

Hidden at the end of their latest album which is more miss than hit is this gem. one of their finest. Coming on like Duran Duran covering The Monkees ranting on about not having time to do things for people; “A man who fights for causes worthy of a fool, is a fool to fight for causes that’s the golden rule, I take it to the table know all know fix know how, but if I’m gonna do it I ain’t gonna do it now”. Most people would have been right to write them off but with a song as good as this there may be a glimmer of hope beyond their brilliant live shows.
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1. Ladytron - Ghosts

10. Bombay Bicycle Club – Here Are We

1. Long Blondes - ‘Couples’ album

Already bored you with the review of this, in short, the best British album since The Arctic Monkeys debut.

2. Joy Division documentary.

The fact to Controls apparent fiction. Finally, the true story is fully told by all the living main players in the Joy Division story and for the first time ever, an in-depth interview with Ian Curtis’ lover, Annik Honore. Being able to see footage on the big screen highlights just what an unique band Joy Division were to be if Curtis hadn’t committed suicide rather than a brilliant chapter in UK music’s dank and dark past.

Released - May 2nd 2008

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10. Dirty Pretty Things – Waterloo to Anywhere (Mercury)

For someone who hated The Libertines, this may be an odd choice; in fact I could possibly be the only person in the country to find any merit in this album.
With Pete Doherty living up to the reputation of freakshow junky and supermodel love interest given him by the tabloid press, Carl Barat did the right thing, dusted himself down and got a band together. What with Gary Powell (drums) and Anthony Rossomando (guitar) already being in the Libertines at some point, this is Barat continuing what they started syringe free.

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10. Ed Harcourt – The Beautiful Lie

A steady downturn in commercial fortune for Ed doesn’t seem at all fair considering every album betters the one before it. ‘The Beautiful Lie’ like ‘Strangers’, showcases some of his finest material, lyrically fascinating and musically stunning, he uses his influences wisely and respectfully. This 70’s nod to Brian Wilson being something to be very proud of indeed.

Standout Track – Braille

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