Maps: We Can Create

Maps, not in fact a band as I originally thought, but a person; namely James Chapman. “We Can Create” was another of this years Mercury nominees and is a decent sort of fairly typical indie rock / Electronica affair. “It Will Find You” is an upbeat jolly sort of ditty with its gyrating repetitive beats and swirls, the sort of thing that could inspire a more hip and younger person than me to strut his funky stuff. Then on the next track “Glory Verse” the tempo and mood drop completely to a more tranquil level.

Alabama 3: M.O.R.

The Reverend Dr D Wayne Love and his crew offer more Acid Rock Country Gospel madness. The Brixton based band continue with their unique sound but never seem to match the success of “Woke Up This Morning” (The Theme tune to the Sopranos).

Ian Brown: The World Is Yours

5th Solo album from monkey faced ex Stone Roses front man. More of the same really, which is no bad thing if like me, you liked the other albums.

Babyshambles: Shotters Nation

I bought this album because I was curious if Pete Docherty was just trading on his excellent albums with the Libertines and his subsequent lifestyle and inevitable paparazzi attention. Listening to the album it’s immediately recognisable that it’s the music that’s the key. The album has many parallels with the Libertines self titled album and certainly worth a listen.

The Coral: Roots and Echoes

The Liverpudlian quintet continues to successfully blend late 60’s psychedelia and rock with a modern twist. Roots and Echoes is their 4th album since 2001 debut and they have spent a successful summer touring with the Arctic Monkeys.