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.

So no points for originality then.

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

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

Folky Londoners debut coming to a porch near you.

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

A hip-hop rock collision that actually works.

"Little sparrow" Edith Piaf's husky, and largely dolorous songs - performed in smoky bars between sips of absinthe - will always be treasured by the French.

Gravel-voiced troubadour offers comedy sideline on live set.

From Naxos to Nixon, this music will cheer the soul.

More rock and balladry from Aussie veterans.

Keeping the Wu flag flying proudly.

Uneven, promising and long-overdue outing from the Violent Femmes frontman.

Jazz hands for the family gathering.

Jamaica is not jammin' no more.

The dogg lacks bite.

Pearl Jam played Mt Smart last night. Scott Kara was one of the over 30,000 fans there.