Album

It's too much to digest in one sitting—three discs, seven hours and almost 100 songs, released in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Jacques Brel's death. But it's fascinating to watch him turn so rapidly from the hesitant, gauche performer of the late-'50s into the charismatic equivalent of a Gallic Sinatra.

Neat narcotic nihilism from Norway

Electronica doesn't even begin to describe it...

Post-rocking, micro-house enthusiasts release second album

Sixth album from Washington DC power trio adds politics to the mix

Elemental, my dear Wreckless. Eric Goulden's 1986 releases on a twofer

Andre 3000 and Big Boi's early clips are superior but fairly routine 'hood dramas, all booty calls and gaudy pimpmobiles. But around their ATLiens album, the day-glo psychedelic X Files wig-outs begin creeping in, reaching a peak in the sexofunkatronic freakerama of "Bombs Over Baghdad". Also lushly cinematic is the stormy Deep South pastoral of "Ms Jackson" and, of course, the multiple Andres of last year's super-catchy retro-futurist soul fantasia "Hey Ya". Pure pop genius.

Debut from Norah Jones' former band, with obligatory guest appearance

Fiercely cerebral Radiohead-loving jazz star kicks back

Marvellous second album of irresistible Anglophile strangeness from Albuquerque oddballs