This week we review the latest albums from The Brunettes, Bad Lieutenant, Mark Knopfler, Salmonella Dub and Norah Jones.
Three stars (out of five)
Jonathan Bree and Heather Mansfield have tweaked the Brunettes' formula only slightly on their fourth full-length album, favouring electronic beats and synth-pop touches over the fuller instrumentation of Structure & Cosmetics.
And while the focus is still on the minutiae of boy/girl dreams, dreads and dramas there's a wistful air to songs such as If I, Thank You and the title track that hints at doubts over pursuing this music lark for a living.
For the time being at least, they continue to turn out cute, colourful, well-crafted candy-pop with a vaguely bitter aftertaste.
Single download: Red Rollerskates
For those who like: The Ting Tings, Architecture In Helsinki, Rilo Kiley
- Jeff Harford
> Bad Lieutenant. Never Cry Another Tear. Cooperative Music.
Two stars (out of five)
The acrimonious bust-up with New Order bassist Peter Hook has given guitarist/vocalist Bernard Sumner the freedom to cast aside whatever pretensions of serious coolness remain and to devote himself entirely to the chiming guitar pop that had dominated the band's latter albums.
This means drippy lyrics, hummable melodies and catchy choruses - all infuriatingly pleasant, easily digested but undeniably New Order-lite.
Sumner, latter-day New Order guitarist Phil Cunningham and newcomer co-vocalist Jake Evans form Bad Lieutenant's core, while New Order drummer Stephen Morris and Blur bassist Alex James guest.
Single download: Sink Or Swim
For those who like: Late-period New Order, Britpop
- Jeff Harford
> Mark Knopfler. Get Lucky. Warner Bros.
Three stars (out of five)
The former Dire Straits frontman eases through his latest solo effort, laying down a groove so mellow that the songs barely register as they float on by.
Repeat listenings are rewarded with satisfying character studies of truck drivers, sailors and itinerant workers - figures from Knopfler's past - delivered in the singer's warm, unhurried tones, with shading coming courtesy of his (now) trademark stately solos.
Pennywhistles lend a Celtic flavour, and some welcome zip, to Border Reiver and So Far from the Clyde, while The Car Was the One recalls the muted meditations of Springsteen in the Nebraska days.
Single download: Monteleone
For those who like: Nebraska, recent Dylan, JJ Cale
- Paul Mooney
> Salmonella Dub. Freak Controller. EMI.
Three stars (out of five)
Following the relatively downbeat vibe of previous effort Heal Me, Salmonella Dub return with a seventh studio album that boasts a more organic, live feel.
Gone is vocalist Tiki Taane, the microphone duties being shared by core members and a range of guests, including Whirimako Black, MC Mana, Paul Buchanan (aka Mighty Asterix) and Paddy Free.
The latter also co-produces the album, which might explain the added drum and bass flavour.
As audiences have come to expect, the Kiwi dub veterans once again put forth a solid collection designed to add a warm groove to summer days.
Single download: Freak Local
For those who like: Fat Freddy's Drop, The Black Seeds
- Shane Gilchrist
> Norah Jones. The Fall. Blue Note.
Four stars (out of five)
On her fourth studio album, Norah Jones opens a window and lets out the smoky jazz for which she has become known, replacing it with qualities both earthy and ethereal.
Aided by long-time songwriting collaborator Jesse Harris, Ryan Adams and others, including producer Jacquire King (Tom Waits, Kings of Leon), Jones conjures forth a vibrant collection that relies as much on swampy rhythms and Daniel Lanois-esque textures as it does her own warm voice.
Lyrics are darker, too: Jones sings of shotgun weddings, werewolves and the fine line between humour and skewer.
There is also pain, plenty of it.
That can be a good thing sometimes.
Single download: Chasing Pirates
For those who like: Natalie Merchant, Rickie Lee Jones
- Shane Gilchrist
