Album

Deeply disappointing follow-up to Gold, Uncut's 2001 album of the year

Lush, underappreciated gem from Simone's wilderness years

Overdue reappraisal of mid-'60s Monk

Hollywood's favourite French actress takes unconvincing stab at musical stardom

Rough Trade bands celebrate the label's 25th birthday by covering songs from the catalogue

Initially dazzling, largely frustrating 11th from moustachioed Swiss electro duo

White city blues on the rocks

Engagingly oddball debut from erstwhile member of Add N To (X)

Mining the same classical chamberpop as contemporaries Procul Harum, Alex Spyropoulos' and Patrick Campbell-Lyons' charges cut... Simon Simopath in 1967, a science-fiction pantomime a-flutter with silken strings and baroque delicacy. Part Greek myth, part L Ron Hubbard. Even better was follow-up All Of Us, though—with the exception of "Rainbow Chaser"—it failed to ignite a public weaned on less fragile acid fare.

Debut from NYC trio featuring ex-Jeff Buckley band guitarist Michael Tighe and drummer Parker Kindred