> The Bandana Splits. Mr Sam Presents The Bandana Splits. Boy Scout Recordings.
3 stars (out of 5)
Tipping headscarves to the likes of the Ronettes, the Caravelles (and further back, the Andrews Sisters) the Brooklyn trio chirp sweetly over tambourines, whistles and Hawaiian guitars, while Mr Sam (Cohen, of Apollo Sunshine) drops in the occasional moody bass line to give a more contemporary feel.
When it works - which sadly is not all of the time - it's wonderful.
Single download: You Don't Have To Be A Baby to Cry
For those who like: The Ronettes, Delgirl, Kitty, Daisy and Lewis
- Paul Mooney
> Mariachi El Bronx. Self-Titled. White Drugs.
4 stars
Adopting the name Mariachi El Bronx, the band released its fourth album as an entire set of original mariachi music - and it worked. It seems that their curious penchant for Mexican-infused ditties has not faded one iota - quite the opposite.
Even more focused, this batch of tunes is lusher, more complex and way catchier than 2009's novelty brilliance. They will be one of the must-see acts at 2012's Big Day Out.
Single download: Revolution Girls
For those who like: Mariachi tunes with a mad punk-rock twist
- Mark Orton
> Beth Hart and Joe Bonamassa. Don't Explain. J&R Adventures.
3 stars
Hart has one of the strongest voices in contemporary blues-rock; Bonamassa takes his cues from Irish blues powerhouses Rory Gallagher and Gary Moore.
Honours are evenly shared as they take on such classics as Don't Explain (Billie Holiday), Ain't No Way (Aretha Franklin), Sinner's Prayer (Ray Charles) and For My Friend (Bill Withers), peaking on a searing version of I'd Rather Go Blind (Etta James) that burns up eight minutes as the album's centrepiece.
Single download: Well, Well
For those who like: Janis Joplin, Joss Stone
- Jeff Harford
