CD reviews: Suede

The Brit band that arrived in the early '90s yet managed to avoid a Britpop classification despite possessing more than enough credentials, juggles narcissism and neurotic parental concerns in a 12-song release that is oh-so-close to "concept album'' territory.

On opener When You Are Young and penultimate When You Were Young, lyricist Brett Anderson touches on longing of another sort; innocence, the passing of years, regret, and a ruefulness that touches on various romances, his decadent touch as sharp as the shards of electric guitar and pulsing basslines that propel Outsiders and What I'm Trying To Tell You.

• Suede. Night Thoughts. Suede Ltd.
• Four stars (out of five)

Single download: Pale Snow

For those who like: David Bowie's early '70s work

- Shane Gilchrist