Album

As detailed in Uncut (see Strange Days, Take 76), this 1974 debut from the super-effete Smiley has been rotting in obscurity for nearly 30 years. Unashamedly over-produced by Loog Oldham (who saw Brett as "the British Jobriath" rather than a pale Bowie), it's clear on the glam-baroque of "Queen Of Hearts" alone that Smiley had superstar potential. Just listen to his angelic cover of Neil Sedaka's "Solitaire" and mourn the career that might have been.

Second album from Philadelphia roots poet and nu-soul star

NYC singer-songwriter covered by Ronnie Spector and Laura Cantrell

Stadium punk from ambitious LA quartet

Japanese import, recorded in Tokyo last November

Rare unplugged outing for leading Chicago bluesman

Gorgeous, ethereal folk, recommended to Uncut by Devendra Banhart

Belfast cowboy hitches his wagon to legendary jazz label

More cabaret from non-stop electro-neurotics

Down-home comeback by Alabama maverick. Little Feat's Bill Payne guests