Latest from Music Reviews

Te Vaka - Haoloto/Free

If the shadow of climate change has hung over previous albums by this pan-Pacific group then it is hard to hear some of this without thinking of last year's tsunami.

Jimi Tenor/Tony Allen - Inspiration/Information No 4

The <i>Flight of the Conchords'</i> parodies have spoiled some music for us.

Tumbele! - Biguine, Afro & Latin Sounds from the French Caribbean: 1963-74

If the joyous and spirited sounds on this album are anything to go by, the 60s and early 70s would have been a golden age to be partying on the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique.

<i>The Flaming Lips</i> - The Dark Side of the Moon

So no points for originality then.

Pink Martini - Splendor in the Grass

Ice, cocktail, tall glass, good friends, this album. Result.

Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More

Folky Londoners debut coming to a porch near you.

J Tillman - Year in the Kingdom

A young body in an older, wiser head offers engrossing reflections on a life yet to be lived.

Vampire Weekend - Contra

A vamped-up sophomore effort stares out a hard-to-beat debut.

Blakroc - Blakroc

A hip-hop rock collision that actually works.

Raekwon - Only Built 4 Cuban Linx ... Pt 2

Keeping the Wu flag flying proudly.

Richard Swift - The Atlantic Ocean

Jazz hands for the family gathering.

Terry Lynn - Kingston Logic 2.0

Jamaica is not jammin' no more.

Snoop Dogg - Malice N Wonderland

The dogg lacks bite.

Monks - Black Monk Time

The Topp Twins - Honky Tonk Angel

Various - Stroke: Songs For Chris Knox

50 Cent - Before I Self Destruct

Salmonella Dub - Freak Controller