What we said: “This is an album with potentially massive appeal, likely to unite indie fans, lovers of pop and strokers of beards in admiration. It’s quite possible that, in Calvi’s case, the industry experts have got it right.” – Christopher Monk
What we said: “From no albums in 13 years to two high quality long players in the space of six months – the star of Gil Scott-Heron is very much in the ascendency again, his influence on today’s culture thrown into ever greater relevance by one of its finest new producers.” – Ben Hogwood
What we said: “For (all) its glacial pace, tight vision, long running time and extreme track length (seven tracks in 65 minutes) its a surprisingly accessible work. Its absorbing and enchanting without having to resort to formulaic song structures, pop thrills or radio-friendly catchiness.” – Darren Harvey
What we said: “Paradise is the sound of a more mature and confident Slow Club, but without losing that adorable edge that’s so vital to them. Start clearing some space at the top of those ‘Best of 2011’ lists, for this is sure to figure.” – John Murphy
What we said: “It’s hard to see either long-term fans or anyone more recently wowed by the Garvey charm not loving this. In their own, low key, understated way, Elbow continue to beguile and impress.” – John Murphy
What we said: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Little Dragon clearly weren’t broken, so they haven’t tried to fix themselves; they have instead filed their art into an incisive point, and with Ritual Union stand at the top of their trade.” – David Welsh
What we said: “It is impressive how a record can negotiate so many different forms and keep the listener close at hand as this one does. It’s all over a little too quickly, but in the space of just over half an hour it has been possible to experience a full gamut of feelings, our sympathies firmly siding with our nameless host.” – Ben Hogwood
What we said: “He has yet to make much of a dent in the conversations of the mainstream music press. Perhaps this extraordinary album might be the one to bring his output to wider attention. Hecker’s music is not easy or accessible. Yet at his best, Hecker can be evocative, moving and expressive.” – Daniel Paton
What we said: “King Of Limbs is a subtle, muti-layered affair – surprisingly low-key in places. For the faithful, this is another gorgeous, other-worldy missive from one of the most exciting bands of our age.” – John Murphy
What we said: “Throughout the record, Steve Mackey’s production shimmers both warmly and vibrantly, sounding at once like a throwback from the 1980s and futuristic. Factor in Sankey’s soaring vocals and Warmsley’s ingenious arrangements, not to mention a record that hardly dips in quality over its 12 tracks, and you have a shoo-in for a late ‘record of the year’ contender.” – Gareth Ware
Anna Calvi MP3s or CDs
Anna Calvi on Spotify
Elbow MP3s or CDs
Elbow on Spotify
