Having lost two members (to a car crash, and a brain tumour), the core surviving quartet of singer Tim Burgess, bassist Martin Blunt, guitarist Mark Collins and keyboard player Tony Rogers have called on a few friends and favours for this double-shot of positivity.
Step up former Verve drummer Pete Salisbury, Anton Newcombe (Brian Jonestown Massacre), Johnny Marr, Paul Weller and others, all of whom add to an expansive, ambitious palette that melds relaxed blue-eyed soul, breezy pop, smooth electronica and harmony-laden grooves.
• The Charlatans. Different Days. BMG.
• Four stars (out of five)
Single download: Not Forgotten
For those who like: XTC, Blur
— Shane Gilchrist
