Prattle

Harlem Shakes - Sunlight
Now, this reminded me of Primal Scream. It’s mainly the vocals, I suppose, which are reminiscent of Gillespie in countrified/stones mode. You’ll disagree.

Southeast Engine - Black Gold
I find myself going off bands when it looks like they’re proud Christians. It’s harsh, but it just doesn’t sit right, for some reason. Don’t know if this lot are, but their album does contain quite a lot of Bible references. I should scrutinise their lyrics before hurling them asunder. This one reminds me of Ben Kweller (before his total transformation into a bloody country singer).

Art Brut - Summer Job
No. No, Art Brut. I liked the Pixies too, and perhaps 3 or 4 of Frank Black’s later albums. But his sound of late has been extremely drab. And now you’ve got him in to produce your new album. It sounds like Frank Black & the Catholics. You’ve ruined it. Still, crawling from the near wreckage come the songs Alcoholics Unanimous and this one, Summer Job. That wailing at the start isn’t Jack Peñate, is it? Don’t make me unfollow you on Twitter, Argos.

The Decemberists - The Rake’s Song
Most disagree, but my favourite Decemberists album is unquestionably Picaresque. Full of singles, and featuring an absolutely fantastic sea shanty. They seem keen not to return to such easy listening, but the new album (Hazards of Love) is certainly closer than the last. This song’s been around for a while now, but I still like it.

Doves - Winter Hill
Given that Elbow nicked Doves’ act, I don’t quite understand why I like Doves, but can’t warm to Elbow. I should like Elbow. I’ve seen them in concert twice, but was bored rigid. Anyway, Doves have returned with another almost brilliant album (may graduate to true brilliance with further listens), containing an excellent lead single. And this must be the next one, surely.

Goldie Lookin’ Chain - By Any Means Necessary
Yes, they’re a joke that, if ever it was funny, probably isn’t funny any more. However, this is has got a fantastic hook. Really addictive.

Dan Black - Alone
Pop. Yes, I suppose The Kids are liking Dan Black. Maybe not the cool kids, though. Anyway, this heavily-processed bubble of pop offers immediate satisfaction. Or your no money back.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Heads Will Roll
Hang on, this is “Take me, I’m yours” by Squeeze. Good, though. It’s an album full of this 80s synthpop, sounding fulsome and tuneful almost entirely throughout. Good album, I think.

Oops
I meant to put Polly Scattergood (Other Too Endless) here, but messed it up. Here’s some blah, along the lines of what I might have said if I’d included it - blah Joanna Newsom blah blah Brit school, blah blah, blah blah blah!!! Blah, Kate Bush blah blah, blah blah blurgh.

Mod Amish - September
Sounds like Biffy Clyro. No, wait. Come back. It’s only his voice, really. Nothing new, utilising the old loudquietloud technique, but I’m very much drawn to this. They’re almost entirely under the radar, it seems.

King Creosote - Coast On By
Whenever King Creosote put(s) out an album, I tend to really like one song. I’ll hear it on the radio, but I won’t remember what it’s called. And then I never hear it again, because I get confused by all the folk and fail to make it through entire albums. Tried harder with this new one, and ended up really liking this one. I like that it builds a bit.

The Lonely Island - Sax Man (featuring [cough]jackblack)
Hmm? Oh, nothing. Seems to be a comedy album from regular Saturday Night Live contributors. We all know that Saturday Night Live is only funny about 10-20 years after it was on, so if these blokes ever want to be any good, they’d better leave. If, in fact, they haven’t already. This was the only track on the album that I enjoyed, even if it’s childish. It’s a bit sweary, if you’re bothered by such things.

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Et la. I need a holiday or a better job. I’m sure now’s a great time to go job-hunting. I’ll doubtless have the pick of th… oh, the world appears to have gone to hell in a hessian bag-for-life.