Matthew Sweet
Sunshine Lies
Engaging tenth solo album from acclaimed singer-songwriter Matthew Sweet, which after some stuttering recent years, proves to be a partial return to some of the glories of his past
Jesse Malin
On Your Sleeve
Unadventurous and somewhat bland collection of covers on fourth album from the usually dynamic New York-based singer-songwriter Jesse Malin
Flo & Eddie
Phlorescent Leech and Eddie/Flo & Eddie
Excellent retrospective double CD from former Turtles stars Flo & Eddie, which compiles together two albums, 'The Phlorescent Leech and Eddie' and 'Flo & Eddie', which have inexplicably been out of print since their release in 1972 and 1974 and proves to be exemplary pop of the highest quality
Nelson Bragg
Day Into Night
Perfect upbeat pop on solo debut album from Nelson Bragg, who, as well as playing in several other bands simultaneously, has been Brian Wilson's percussionist for several years
Motion City Soundtrack
Even If It Kills Me
Clichéd and overly derivative pop punk on third album from the much hyped Motion City Soundtrack
Tom Stevens
Home
Appealing set of roots-rock, psychedelia and garage rock on third solo album and first record in twelve years from former Long Ryders member, Tom Stevens
Piney Gir Country Roadshow
Greetings, Salutations, Goodbye
Rousing sing-a-long latest single from Piney Gir, who has reently moved away from her background in electronica and given her songs a country overhaul
Dancing Did
And Did Those Feet
Welcome, augmented reissue of 80's post punk gorup the Dancing Did's only album
Grand Champeen
Dial T for This
Appealing combination of punk, power pop and alt. country on fourth album from Austin, Texas-based Grand Champeen
Rob Kendt
I'm Not Sentimental
Eclectic second album from theatre critic by day, singer-songwriter by night rob Kendt
Various
Country Girl : New Sounds of the Old West Vol 5
Effective fifth instalment of Loose’ ongoing occasional ‘New Sounds Of The Old West’ series, which this time focuses its attentions on women performers from across the alt country/Americana spectrum.
Blanche
Little Amber Bottles
Ambitous, long awaited second album from increasingly confident-sounding Gothic country-based rockers Blanche
Graham Parker
Don't Tell Columbus
Fiery new album from now American-based British singer-songwriter Graham Parker, who over 30 years on from his advent just before punk, shows that he has lost none of his anger, humour or insight
Bc Camplight
Blink of a Nihilist
Distinctive off-kilter pop, which merges occasionally dark and disturbing subject matter with catchy tunes, from BC Camplight, the pseudonym of American musician Brian Christinzio
Jesse Malin
Broken Radio
Punchy new single from New York-based singer-song writer, which features Bruce Springsteen on backing vocals
Kamikaze Hearts
Oneida Road
Appealing and quietly revelatory debut British release from Albany, New York-based Kamikaze Hearts, which will be enjoyed by fans of a number of genres including folk, rock and country
Lucero
Rebels, Rogues and Sworn Brothers
Enjoyable punk-fuelled hybrid of rock, country and pop on sixth album from the determinedly blue collar Lucero
Trainwreck Riders
Lonely Road Revival
Flawed, but promising debut album from shambling San Francisco-based indie rock quartet, Trainwreck Riders
J DiMenna
Awkward Buildings
Intriguing and rewarding debut from socially conscious American singer songwriter J. DiMenna, slightly marred by an over subdued production
Jesse Malin
Glitter in the Gutter
Inspired third solo album from much acclaimed New York-based alt. country singer-songwriter Jesse Malin, which finds him re-establishing the punk sound of his youth
Hold Steady
Boys and Girls in America
Sleazy, evocative tales of sex, drugs, booze and rock and roll on third album from much hyped Minneapolis-band the Hold Steady, which will appeal to fans of early Springsteen, Thin Lizzy and the Replacements
Hold Steady
Chips Ahoy !
Instantly classic debut UK single from the Minneapolis-formed, now Brooklyn-based Hold Steady, which proves to be a rambunctious hybrid of early Springsteen, the Replacements and Rocket From The Crypt
Andrea Perry
Rivers of Stars
Inventive and engaging pop on third album from Texas-based singer-songwriter, Andrea Perry
Lucky Bishops
Unexpect The Expected
Off-kilter and inventive psychedelic pop on third album from the Lucky Bishops
Dead Moon
Echoes of the Past
Sprawling double CD retrospective on the Sub Pop label from long-serving Oregon-based garage rock three-piece, Dead Moon
Jay Bennett
The Magnificent Defeat
Both flawed and fascinating third solo album from former Wilco guitarist, Jay Bennett
Pointed Sticks
Waiting For The Real Thing
Excellent compilation from unfortunately long lost Canadian punks, Pinted Stciks, who were befirefly signed to Stiff Records in the late 1970's
Angela Desveaux
Wandering Eyes
Understated, occasionally upbeat rootsy Americana from the Montreal-born Angela Desveaux, which, while impressive, in an overcrowded market of female singer-songwriters may not be strong enough to stand out from the pack
Dan Sartain
Dan Sartain Vs The Serpientes
Stunning lo-fi rock 'n' roll on debut album from Alabama born 23 year old multi instrumentalist, Dan Sartain
Chris Brown
Now That You're Fed
Quality pop on debut album from award winning independent film maker, in demand session musician and anonymously named, but highly gifted solo artist Chris Brown
Bc Camplight
Hide Run Away
Re-release to coincide with a UK tour of debut album from BC Camplight, the nom de plume of talented and offbeat multi-instrumentalist Brian Christinzio
Ruts
Punk Singles Collection
Superb collection of classic singles from reggae-inspired 70's punks the Ruts, many of them released in their original 7” versions for the very first time on CD
Skids
Scared To Dance
Re-release of Scottish punks the Skids' 1979 debut LP, which shows that they were a fantastic singles, but not an album band
Nice Man And The Bad Boys
The Art Of Hanging Out
Long delayed, but irrestible collection of winsome and reflective pop on second album from Nice Man and the Bad Boys, the latest project of Francis MacDonald, former BMX Bandit and sometime Teenage Fan Club drummer
Sufjan Stevens
Illinoise
Winsome folk pop from maverick American singer-songwriter, which is totally "revelatory, intriguing and spellbinding"
Freakwater
Thinking Of You
Fine first album in six years from the ever versatile Freakwater, which blends together country music, folk, bluegrass and Americana
Magnet
The Tourniquet
Introspective folk-tinged electronica/pop from Magnet, the nom de plume for singer songwriter Even Johansen, which sadly does not equal its parts or his more distinguished past
Deadman
Our Eternal Ghosts
Underwhelming Americana on second album from Texan duo, Deadman, the band of married couple Steven and Sherilyn Collins
Viva Voce
The Heat Can Melt Your Brain
Hit and miss off-kilter pop on second album from Portland, Oregon based duo, Viva Voce
Cheese
Enlarge Your Johnson
Superior quality pop recorded on miniscule budget and over eight year period in sheds and attics from British act Cheese
Smog
A River Ain't Too Much To Love
Lyrically engaging latest album from Bill Callahan aka Smog, which deserves to be regarded as one of the his best
Todd Snider
East Nashville Skyline
Autobiographical, humorous country/folk rock from the lucky-to-be-alive Nashvillian singer-songwriter, Todd Snider
Chuck
Umm Na Nagay
Infectiously abrasive and entertaining second single from Sheffield garage rock act and leaders of the local independent scene Chuck
Louis Eliot
The Long Way Round
"Well-crafted" and "accomplished" pop rock on debut solo album from former Rialto and Kinky Machine front man, Louis Eliot
Helldorado
Director's Cut
Fiery and intense garage rock on new album from Norwegian act Helldorado, which proves to be "never less than an enthralling, blood red Technicolor wide-screen experience"
Long Blondes
New Idols
Jaunty lo-fi girl-fronted pop on latest release from prolific 7" vinyl label, the Sheffield Phonographic Corporation
Champion Kickboxer
Like Him & Her & Her & Me
"Delirously mad and wonderfully entertaining" latest 7" outing from vinyl-only label the Sheffield Phonographic Corporation, which holds out hope for the allegdly dwindling singles market
Tucker B's
29 Serious Girlfriends
Appealing left-field pop on new EP from enigmatic Australian four piece, the Tucker B's, which makes reference to Pavement, Mogwai and Godspeed You Black Emperor
Wreckless Eric
Bungalow Hi
Welcome return for the inimitable Wreckless Eric, back six years after his last album and proving that "his prowess for a memorable pop hook as well as his barbed sense of humour certainly haven’t deserted him"
Jesse Malin
Mona Lisa
Americana-inflected rock 'n' roll of the highest order from Jesse Malin, which finds him abandoning some of his previous Ryan Adam associations and much more asserting his own voice
Various
Littlest Album 2
Quirky, but thoroughly engaging mini 12 track vinyl compilation from 12 different artists,each lasting no more than a minute each
Gingersol
Eastern
4th slice of Americana-tinged guitar-based pop from long-serving and rotational now New York-based group, which despite an impressive line-up, remains too clean cut for it own good
Phantom Planet
Big Brat
Over-derivative Fall-influenced pop on new single from LA-based group, Phantom Planet, which includes several actors amongst its ranks
Blam
Caveat Emptor
Second album from the much praised the Blam, which unfortunately remains too derivative of fellow New Yorkers Sonic Youth and the Strokes
Chuck
No, Not Ah!
Spectaculary inventive debut single from new Sheffield band, which proves to be a "deliciously unlikely hybrid of skewed surf mayhem performed by a band of marauding Cossacks on holiday in Mexico"
Loretta Lynn
Van Lear Rose
Major resurgence in fortunes and critical standing on new album from country artist Loretta Lynn, which finds her collaborating with the White Stripes' Jack White
Isobel Campbell
Time Is Just The Same
"Irresistible" new EP from former Belle and Sebastian cellist, singer and songwriter, Isobel Campbell
Magnet
Lay Lady Lay
Impressive cover of Bob Dylan classic, which combines the talents of Norwegian singer Eben Johansen aka Magnet with Hope Sandoval soundalike, Gemma Hayes
The Motherfuckers
I'm A Fucker
Single-sided and darkly disturbing limited edition debut single from the sweetly monikered the Motherf**kers
Defectors
Turn Me On
Competent but ultimately rather one-dimensional attempt at 60's garage rock revivalism from Danish outfit the Defectors, back with a third album