3 stars (out of 5)
Johnny Depp and Hal Willner's second collection of barnacle-encrusted ballads and shanties is a heaving two-disc, 36-track journey through the traditional and the not so traditional, with stars aplenty to guide the way.
With the likes of Tom Waits, Keith Richards, Iggy Pop, Dr John, Shane MacGowan, Patti Smith and Marianne Faithful aboard, the passage was always going to be stormy, and most get into the spirit(s) of things with cutlass clenched firmly in their jaws. Some lesser lights miss the mark completely, but other A-listers turn in great performances.
Single download: General Taylor
For those who like: Traditional sea shanties and murder ballads
- Jeff Harford
2 stars (out of 5)
The most impressive thing about Villainy's debut album is the eye-catching packaging designed by Hipgnosis guru Storm Thorgerson; certainly a step above the effort made by most local acts. Trouble is, this isn't a review of artwork.
Villainy sound like they went to the Shihad school of hooks, but never progressed beyond the Pacifier grade. Interesting, considering that Mode.Set.Clear is produced by Shihad drummer Tom Larkin. Perfectly tailored to meet the vapid demands of commercial rock radio, Villainy excel in songs that revolve around strained melodies, soulless distortion and overproduced drums.
Single download: Alligator Skin
For those who like: Pacifier, I am Giant, The Feelers
- Mark Orton
3 stars (out of 5)
The debut from Kiwi troubadour Tim Walker is awash with tales of love and loss, and a rich baritone which flits and floats above tender acoustic pickings.
Walker's lush folk-pop sensibilities echo Damien Rice through the small-hours intimacy of Taking it Back and the sighing strings and husky Hammond organ in Smile Like You Used To. His breezy way with a melody renders much of You/Me radio-ready, though the album's second half is hamstrung by an overpolished anonymity, with the tepid Only She and Now I Know set to feature in many a cloying TV drama.
Single download: Smile Like You Used To
For those who like: Damien Rice, Greg Johnson, Pete Murray
- John Hayden
