Patti Smith - Twelve : Critical darling (over rated hack) Smith delivers a long awaited (entirely unnecessary) covers album. Her take on Tears For Fears "Everybody Wants To Rule the World" sounds like a Patty Smythe b-side, and bloodless re-workings of classic rock gems like "Are You Experienced?", "Gimmie Shelter" and"Smells Like Teen Spirit" may sound okay piped through coffee shop or Gap but I can't imagine really sitting down and listening to them for pleasure.
If you are a Smith fan you'll be pleased to hear she sounds much the same as she ever has, and while the concept is hack the production is solid.
Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare: This is not your father's Sigue Sigue Sputnik! Last year's fave flave UK chartbusters are back with a solid follow-up disc of 21st century brit-pop. Not as good as the hype but still pretty damn good. Recommended.
A Tribute to Joni Mitchell - Now here's a covers album worth your headphone time. Lots of talented folk (Surjan Stevens, Prince, Caetano Veloso, Bjork, James Taylor, Annie Lenox) performing selections from the Joni Mitchell songbook.
Pjotr Leschenko - 1935 - Tangos, Foxtrots & Romances - Stirring compilation of tracks from "the King of Russian Tango" Highly Recommended.
Nick Marsh - A Universe Between Us: Well crafted cinematic singer/songwriter fare from Flesh For Lulu frontman . Mature and atmospheric, a perfect soundtrack for your next Lost weekend. Cover of Some Velvet Morning should give some senses of the direction Marsh travels in here. Highly Recommended.
Castle Project - Diaries of a Broken Heart : Better than average alt rock offering from White Whales Castle Project. Give it a spin.
Diaries Of A Broken Hear @ Amazon