New album: A hugely enjoyable, mischievous, tuneful and genre-spanning LP by the South African-born openly gay but often masked country singer-songwriter, joined by an impressive array of co-performers doing original numbers and covers, including Beck, Elton John, and Willie Nelson
Read moreThe Rolling Stones: Hackney Diamonds
New album: A rock dinosaurs’ indulgent dirge? Far from it. This first LP of new material by the veterans for 18 years, and perhaps their final one, goes with a bang – echoing some of their 70s rock, blues, and country infused pomp
Read moreYears & Years: Night Call
New album: Now the solo project of Harrogate’s Olly Alexander, this third album is an unabashed set of catchy commercial disco pop numbers, ticking all the usual boxes, successfully doing what it sets out to do with gay abandon
Read moreSteven Wilson: The Future Bites – album review
Album review: The British singer-songwriter originally known for the 80s psych-prog band Porcupine Tree returns with his sixth solo album, an electronica odyssey caustically exploring aspects of how the human brain has evolved in the internet era
Read moreAlbum reviews roundup: Gorillaz, Open Mike Eagle, Dorian Electra, beabadoobee, Autechre, Young Knives, Kevin Morby, Delmer Darion, Snowdrops
Album reviews roundup: This selection features many an eclectic style, from the cartoonish band headed by Damon Albarn with guests, clever hip from Open Eagle Mike, disturbing new sounds by Young Knives and mesmerising beauty from Snowdrops
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