Album

Various Artists – Space Lines: Sonic Sounds For Subterraneans

Twenty-four songs which inspired the stoned psychedelic meanderings of Spacemen 3

Rory Gallagher – At Rockpalast

Two full German performances from 1976 and 1977, with the master craftsman showing how it's done on acoustic, slide and electric guitars. Caught in his prime, we see him play early favourites—"Pistol Slapper Blues" "Banker's Blues" and "Messin' With The Kid"—alongside later fare usually found on his compilations. And the rock'n'roll jam with a woozy Frankie Miller is deliciously informal.

Deerhoof – Milk Man

Leftfield kindergarten singalongs, amazingly

Ella Guru – The First Album

Sumptuous debut from Liverpool octet

Sufjan Stevens – Michigan

Magnificent evocation of life beyond Detroit Rock City

Various Artists – All Night Long

Hip Bard meets Hard Bop on soundtrack

The Chi-Lites – The Complete Chi-Lites On Brunswick Vols 1 And 2

Definitive comp of Windy City vocal-group soulsters beloved of Tony Soprano

Cat Stevens – Majikat

Filmed on his final 1976 tour, before he became Yusuf Islam and rejected music, Majikat finds the artist formerly known as Cat enhancing the simplicity of songs such as "Moonshadow" and "Father & Son" with a show featuring live magicians and a stage set of Floyd-style grandeur. Less precious than on record, he proves to be a surprisingly engaging performer.

Ikara Colt – Modern Apprentice

Sparky, angular second from luckless young Brit-rockers

PJ Harvey – Uh Huh Her

Stripped-down follow-up to 2000's Mercury-winning Stories From The City...
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